The Port of Tacoma has submitted its
application to become a member of the U.S. Customs' C-TPAT (Customs Trade
Partnership Against Terrorism) program.
C-TPAT is a joint government-business initiative designed to strengthen
supply chain security and border security through cooperative relationships
with members, which include air, rail and
ocean carriers, brokers and
manufacturers. Program membership was recently extended to terminal
operators and port authorities.
According to Timothy J. Farrell, the Port of Tacoma's Deputy Executive
Director, U.S. Customs developed C-TPAT after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in
the United States to enlist industry support in securing U.S. commerce. The
objective is to reduce the chance that the supply chain will be used for
terrorist purposes.
"Traditionally, supply chain security focused on anti-theft measures,"
Farrell explained. "Today, we are focused on ensuring the integrity of
cargoes from the point of origin to delivery," he said. "Each member of
C-TPAT will demonstrate its control as cargoes move through their portion of
the supply chain."