UNITED ROAD IS C-TPAT CERTIFIED

U.S. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
CTPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative that builds cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security. CTPAT is widely recognized as one of the most effective means of providing the highest level of cargo security through close cooperation with international supply chain businesses such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. Through this initiative, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate and verify the security guidelines of their business partners within the supply chain.

What are the Benefits of C-TPAT?
CBP offers a number of C-TPAT benefits. By participating in this first worldwide "supply chain security" initiative, companies will ensure a more secure and expeditious supply chain for their employees, suppliers and customers.

Reduction in U.S. Customs Inspections. CBP has significantly increased its exam rates over the last several years due in large part to the increased use of Non Intrusive Inspections and other targeting tools. C-TPAT importers are 4 to 6 times less likely to incur a security or compliance examination.

Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lane access is given to those C-TPAT members who are certified members of the program. C-TPAT compliant shipments entering the U.S. from either Canada or Mexico are able to use designated lanes at numerous border crossings and have special consideration during the examination process. Highway Carriers view FAST as a substantial C-TPAT benefit as it expedites clearance, saves border crossing time and is an excellent marketing tool to show potential customers they are in compliance with C-TPAT security criteria.

Business Resumption is a benefit that many in the C-TPAT program may not view as tangible but certainly a significant reason for joining a program. CBP has conducted comprehensive business resumption planning in the event of a significant disruption in the flow of trade to ensure actions are taken to maintain communication and coordination of CBP processes at our border with U.S. Government and foreign government stakeholders, as well as the trade community. In the event a national emergency occurs, which results in the closing of U.S. Ports of Entry, C-TPAT status will be taken into consideration when CBP resumes the processing of shipments.

Front of the Line privileges are granted to C-TPAT containers that are selected for an examination. To the extent possible and practicable the containers can be moved ahead of any non C-TPAT shipments awaiting exam, regardless of how long they have been there. This can translate into substantial monetary savings in that containers will not wait as long in line at a Container Examination Site and although they are still being examined, they will be processed more quickly than non members.

Marketability through involvement in C-TPAT can be associated with things that every company needs to maintain: reputation and brand equity. Much like certification with other U.S. government agencies or the International Standards Organization (ISO) C-TPAT membership can raise a company's reputation and ability to secure business. C-TPAT requires contractual language for its members when choosing service providers. Many companies have taken this a step further and prepared contracts that not only require C-TPAT criteria compliance, but actual C-TPAT membership. Companies eligible to apply and which are involved in the international supply chain can readily improve their marketability and overall brand equity through C-TPAT membership.

The Fight Against Terrorism is the most statuesque benefit of C-TPAT and allows CBP and those members of the trade community who are willing to go the extra step to work together to enhance international supply chain security and prevent potentially crippling economic disruption.