Port of Tacoma Submits Application for C-TPAT

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."