- / N2N / – Many companies involved in bringing freight into the United States have become C-TPAT Certified through U.S. Customs and many more are considering certification. But not every freight company is eligible for certification, and many that are eligible don’t do it for a variety of reasons.

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Now there is another alternative to certification and it’s called C-TPAT Compliant. C-TPAT Compliant companies get most of the benefits of C-TPAT Certified companies, although C-TPAT Compliant does not require CBP approval.

Here are some of the reasons companies choose C-TPAT Compliant over certified:

1) C-TPAT Compliant is available to companies that are not eligible for C-TPAT certification, such as draymen, local and regional trucking companies, most 3PL’s and non-U.S. companies such as overseas agents, overseas exporters and overseas factories.
2) C-TPAT Compliant companies are more attractive partners to C-TPAT Certified companies, because C-TPAT Certified companies are required to use C-TPAT Certified business partners or companies that are in full compliance with C-TPAT criteria whenever possible.
3) If done correctly, C-TPAT Compliant companies should have all of the documented security procedures, forms and checklists that C-TPAT Certified companies have.
4) C-TPAT Compliant is less expensive than C-TPAT certification.
5) C-TPAT Compliant companies are required follow the same guidelines as C-TPAT Certified companies, including periodic audits of business partners, annual review of Supply Chain Security Risk assessments, etc., but these reviews are verified by C-TPAT Certified business partners instead of U.S. Customs Supply Chain Security Specialists.
6) C-TPAT Compliant is a natural stepping-stone for companies seeking C-TPAT certification. Once a company is fully compliant, the process of becoming C-TPAT certified is much easier. Technically, a company should be fully compliant before applying for C-TPAT Certification.
7) Experienced C-TPAT consultants can be retained to ensure that companies are in full compliance.
As a result of becoming C-TAP Compliant companies reap the internal benefits that come with having documented procedures, tightened security practices and extensive employee training.
9) C-TPAT Compliant companies are doing their part to fight terrorism and drug smuggling while helping to insure the security of supply chains coming into the United states.
10) Becoming C-TPAT Compliant may help companies to gain new customers and retain existing customers who might go elsewhere.

It is my recommendation that those companies that are eligible for C-TPAT Certification should choose C-TPAT Certification. But even those companies that are eligible for certification should seriously consider compliance as a stepping-stone to certification. As a C-TPAT consultant I know all too well how stressful the certification process can be when companies are racing to complete C-TPAT documentation, implementation and employee training with deadlines and validation surveys hanging over their heads.

If you hire a consultant, C-TPAT Compliant should only cost about half as much as C-TPAT Certified. After they are compliant, eligible companies can apply for C-TPAT Certification on their own or engage a consultant for the remainder of the process.

It has been my experience in the past that the single most significant factor that drives companies to seek C-TPAT Certification or compliance is a request from one of their existing business partners. I’ve known companies that have lost business or been told they are going to lose business from long-standing customers if they don’t become C-TPAT Certified or compliant. In my opinion companies shouldn’t wait for such an event to get the process started. After all, it’s much easier to keep a client than it is to find a new one.

Jeff Platts is a C-TPAT consultant located in Southern California. He can be reached at +00 1 714 788 1531 or jeff@combinationsales.com. Jeff’s web site is www.combinationsales.com.

Nation2Nation publishes articles of interest to professionals involved in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Import Export, International Trade, Border Security, Transportation, Transportation Safety, Trucking, Railroad, Air Freight, Maritime and Cargo Management. Contact Jeff Platts at contact@nation2nation.com.

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