Ryder System today, June 24, announced its certification as a Third Party Logistics Provider (3PL) in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) for logistics operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ryder says the 3PL certification enhances its existing C-TPAT certification as a Highway Carrier received in 2003, enabling the company to incorporate its more complex supply chain operations in North America into the program.
C-TPAT is a joint government-business initiative supported by the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Since its inception, C-TPAT has sought to build voluntary cooperative relationships with importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators and manufacturers that promote global supply chain security and reduce border vulnerabilities. The creation of the new Third Party Logistics Provider enrollment category in 2008 is part of a continuing evolution of the C-TPAT program and its efforts to include those supply chain sectors that add value to CBP’s efforts to protect the supply chain.
“Implementation of the Third Party Logistics Provider category for C-TPAT reinforces the extensive impact that outsourced logistics providers have on international supply chain security,” says John Williford, Ryder president of Global Supply Chain Solutions. “C-TPAT has become the benchmark for doing business with importers and large manufacturers in the U.S., and Ryder’s participation in the program reflects its commitment to improving supply chain and cargo security.”
Businesses are required to apply for participation in C-TPAT and must conduct a comprehensive assessment of their supply chain security using the C-TPAT security guidelines developed by CBP and the trade community. Ryder — which has supply chain operations throughout North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia — says that for customers who rely on Ryder to safely and securely transport their products throughout North America, the C-TPAT certification helps to ensure that border crossings are faster and smoother. Ryder says it currently supports several C-TPAT importers and foreign manufacturers from hundreds of locations across North America.
