International trade underpins the global economy and accounts for the movement of half of the output around the world. Goods are now going everywhere and anywhere, and as a result, processes to streamline and secure the process are essential. Because of this wide movement, the efficiency of supply chains is critical, and keeping them secure requires the attention and efforts of everyone involved in international trade.

The Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) exists to create the kind of public/private partnership necessary to support supply chain security. Here is a look at CTPAT, the partners supporting it, and its critical role in the ongoing growth of international trade.

CTPAT was created in November 2001 to boost the security of the international supply chain and to protect the movement of cargo across borders from the impacts of terrorism.

With the goal of creating collaboration between the government and private entities, it now consists of more than 11,400 certified partners from across the supply chain. These partners account for more than half of all U.S. imports.

As a result, CTPAT is a powerful program that is boosting security for international shipments and delivering greater customer confidence.
Together, these partners and the U.S. government work together to implement powerful security measures at every stage of the supply chain. Certification is voluntary, but those who participate enjoy benefits such as shorter wait times to cross the border and lower fines in the event that a partner makes a mistake.

What are CTPAT partnerships?

These thousands of active partnerships are an integral part of the CTPAT program. Created among entities including government agencies, supply chain partners, and international organizations, these partnerships foster collaboration in creating and implementing security protocols. Here is a look at the types of CTPAT partnerships that currently exist:

Government Entities

A number of government entities work together within CTPAT to streamline the exchange of information, coordinate security for the international supply chains, and evaluate risk levels for the movement of goods across borders. Examples of these government entities include customs and border protection agencies across the globe.

Business and Supply Chain Partners

These government agencies do not work in a vacuum. Instead, partnering businesses and other members of the supply chain, such as carriers, marine port authorities, and manufacturers, collaborate with the government partners. This collaboration allows businesses to implement security protocols that work with CTPAT’s overarching goals and can help them boost everything from physical security to security protocols.

International Organizations

Finally, organizations and trade associations around the globe have the opportunity to participate in CTPAT. For example, partners include highway carriers, long-haul carriers, and manufacturers from other countries. These partners support CTPAT’s mission by educating on best practices, providing resources, and spreading awareness of CTPAT and of important security measures.

What are the benefits of CTPAT certification?

Stronger, more secure supply chains benefit everyone involved in international trade. However, CTPART partners receive certain advantages that make certification worthwhile and support the growth of partners over the past 20+ years. Here are some of the most important:

Priority Processing

C TPAT-certified partners are allowed to move across borders more quickly and receive fewer inspections. As a result, certification enables partners to achieve faster delivery times, save costs, and improve their overall efficiency.

Improved Security Measures

C TPAT-certified businesses also receive access to the most updated best practices related to the international supply chain. As a result, they have the tools necessary to deliver robust security and reduce incidents of theft, terrorism, and damage to cargo.

Strong Reputation

Businesses that earn a C TPAT certification also enjoy the trust of their partners, customers, and regulatory authorities. Certification tells others that this business is committed to and knowledgeable about supply chain security and is therefore a solid choice for moving cargo across borders.

Resources and Training

Finally, CTPAT certification allows businesses to access training, workshops, and more tools that help partners maintain state-of-the-art security measures for their clients and their cargo.

With international trade growing, and with much of the world’s goods being transported across borders, keeping the supply chain secure is more important than ever. CTPAT exists to enable every participant to maximize the security of their part of the supply chain and to move goods with more confidence and fewer incidents. Thanks to its collaboration among governments, businesses, and other supply chain stakeholders, this program makes the supply chain stronger and more reliable for everyone involved.
At Mex-Cal we have CTPAT certifications along with top-notch security measures so that you can move your cargo with us with complete confidence. Say goodbye to anxieties and glitches at the border. Discover the unmatched security, timely deliveries, and customized solutions that support your transportation and logistics goals.