Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), the voice of the third-party logistics industry, released today the following statement on the introduction of legislation that would finally allow Department of Transportation (DOT) licensed property brokers to participate in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. Since the program's inception back in 2006, TIA Members have not been allowed to participate not because of their merits but because of a bias against DOT licensed property brokers.
“For years TIA Members were inexplicably omitted from a program that was developed in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks," said TIA President & CEO Anne Reinke. "C-TPAT does a great job securing our homeland and defending our supply chain. We will continue to impress upon CBP that 3PLs add value to this effort and we look forward to doing our part to ensure that freight that is being transported cross-border is done to the highest safety standards.”
S. 2322, also known as the “C-TPAT Pilot Program Act” is bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Cornyn (R-TX), Menendez (D-NJ), Scott (R-SC), and Carper (D-DE). Under the legislation, 10 previously neglected companies will be granted the chance to participate in a pilot program that will give applicant companies C-TPAT certification if they meet the minimum requirements.
“This is a common-sense approach to a problem that never should have taken place. The status quo is contrary to legislative intent. Our members play an integral role in national security. This legislation is about national security, jobs, and fairness,” said Chris Burroughs, Vice President of Government Affairs for TIA.
