Owens to manage C-TPAT program

Owens to manage C-TPAT program    U.S. Customs and Border Protection has selected Todd Owens, port director for New Orleans, to replace Robert Perez as head of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, according to a Customs spokesman.
   Shippers' News Wire previously reported Perez was being transferred to head cargo processing and border security operations at the Detroit port office starting in January as part of a normal duty rotation.
   C-TPAT, a popular program among large importers, is under close scrutiny as the agency looks to tighten voluntary security guidelines companies agree to follow in exchange for faster cargo clearance and other benefits.
   Owens has been director of the New Orleans air and sea ports of entry for four years.