Perhaps you are wondering, like I was, “What in the world is CTPAT?” After I read the acronym, it became clear that Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism was an interesting supply chain program. It was led by United States Customs and Border Protection.
1 – This program was established to increase security for private companies in relation to their supply chains, in the fight against terrorist attacks.
Terrorism seems to be all around us in this day and age. These people are creative and ingenious with the intent of causing property or assets damage.
2 – While this certification is essential, it is not mandatory.
Terrorism continues its destructive impact in different countries. It is crucial to have a global system that prevents these atrocities. Accreditation is essential if you are open to new ideas and want to follow the current trends. Oceanic Transportation and Import/Export will continue to be subject to strict inspections and increased scrutiny. This program will make your life easier.
3 – You organization must have a complete documentation of their supply chain.
Every step of the journey, from pickup to dropping off at its final destination, should be documented and held accountable. It is necessary to take steps to recognize, reduce and eliminate any potential or real risks during the trip.
4 – Certification signifies that your company is low risk.
CBP inspectors are a tedious job. Everyone wants to be expedited so they can get to their destination. C-TPAT speeds up the process and puts your company on a fast track.
5 – Eligible for many different types of businesses.
There are many options for transporting merchandise or goods. This program covers many sub-industries. These include, among others: Recognized U.S. Importers, US/Canada Cross Border Highway Carriers, Air, Sea & Rail Carriers, US Air Freight Consolidators, Mexican Long Haul Carriers, Ocean Transportation Intermediators, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers, US/Mexico Cross Border Highway Carriers, US Marine Terminal Operators, Port Authority Personnel, Invitation-Only foreign Manufacturers, US Customs Brokers, Canadian Manufacturing Companies, Third Party Logistics Support, or Mexican Manufacturing Companies, Exporters and Manufacturing Companies, Third-Party Logistics Support, Third-Party Logistics Support, Third-Party Logistics Support, Third-Party Logistics Support, Third-Party Logistics Support, Third-Party Logistics Support, Third-Party Logistics Support, Third-Party Logistics Support, Third-Party Logistics Support, Third-Party Logistics Support, Third-Party Logistics Support, Third-Party Manufacturing Companies, Exporters and Manufacturing Companies, Third-Party Manufacturing Companies, Third-Party Logistics Support, Manufacturing Companies, Exporters and Manufacturing Companies.
6 – Accreditation is good for your company in the long-term.
You might not notice significant financial savings right away. The benefits you receive over the course of your certification are subtler and will lead to a reduction in your overall expenses.
The benefits include Priority (Front of Line) and a lower number of CBP Inspections. There is also the possibility of penalty mitigation for “low risk” situations. A Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS), assigned by CBP, will expedite your process. CBP can also share your information with other countries. This will, in most cases increase inspection times at their ports. Tier 3 Importers can apply for a block designation under the DHS Safety Act.
7 – CTPAT is a minimum investment in resources/IT infrastructure.
Your company would benefit from investing in the right technology at the beginning of its certified life span. This will allow for seamless risk analysis, organization, and data collection, which in turn will result in better time usage.
8 – The C-TPAT Security Seals act like a secret handshake
Each week, thousands of vehicles are searched by federal CBP inspectors. The authorized tags are used by companies to show the inspector that they might be able to see what you are doing. Once you have checked all paperwork and documentation, it is easy to process the application.
9 – Contrary what popular belief suggests, the goal of this article is not to make you do more work.
This program will improve your supply chain security and help you avoid unnecessary paperwork and red tape.
10 – This program will continue to evolve and you will be able to receive more benefits.
Numerous bills and acts are currently being considered by Congress. These bills include the GreenLane maritime cargo security act and the DHS safety act. The future is now if you’re an international hauler in North America, or work in the transport/cargo industry.