U.S. CUSTOMS? C-TPAT OPENS FOR FREIGHT CONSOLIDATORS

U.S. CUSTOMSÆ C-TPAT OPENS FOR FREIGHT CONSOLIDATORS    The Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, a joint government-business security initiative introduced by U.S. Customs, opened on Monday for freight consolidators, brokers, freight forwarders and non-vessel operating common carriers.
   A U.S. Customs spokesperson told AS+ the C-TPAT program, which initially sought members among importers and transportation companies, will in a future phase be open to port authorities, terminal and warehouse operators, and manufacturers.
   The C-TPAT program calls for participating members to establish security policies that “enhance their own security practices and those of business partners involved in the supply chain.” Once such policies are in effect, Customs will give imports from those businesses expedited processing at ports of entry to the U.S.
   On a fact sheet, Customs urged brokers, freight forwarders, and NVOCCS to sign more than one agreement if they perform multiple functions.
   As to who may be accorded account status, Customs cited brokers first. “As the initiative evolves, account status may be extended to forwarders and NVOCCs as a potential benefit,” the fact sheet noted.
   Maersk Logistics said Monday it would enroll early in the C-TPAT program.