C-TPAT (Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism)
C-TPAT is a joint government business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen overall supply chain and border security. C-TPAT recognizes that Customs Border Protection (CBP) can provide the highest level of security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the supply chain, importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators and manufacturers. Through this initiative, CBP asks businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate their security guidelines to their business partners within the supply chain.
Benefits of C-TPAT
- A reduced number of inspections (reduced border times)
- An assigned account manager
- An emphasis on self-policing, not Customs verifications
Werner Enterprises has been C-TPAT validated since 2007.
FAST (Free And Secure Trade)
FAST program is a Border Accord Initiative between the United States, Mexico and Canada designed to ensure security and safety while enhancing the economic prosperity of each country. In developing this program, Mexico, Canada and the United States have agreed to coordinate, to the maximum extent possible, their commercial processes for clearance of commercial shipments at the border. This will promote free and secure trade by using common risk-management principles, supply chain security, industry partnership, and advanced technology to improve the efficiency of screening and clearing commercial traffic at our shared borders.
Eligibility for the FAST program requires participants (carrier, drivers, importers and southern border manufacturers) to submit an application, agreement, and security profile depending on their role in the C-TPAT and FAST programs. The FAST program allows known low risk participants to receive expedited border processing. This enables U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to re-direct security efforts and inspections where they are needed most - on commerce that is high risk, or unknown risk - while ensuring the movement of legitimate, low-risk commerce.
Benefits of FAST
- Dedicated lanes (where available) for greater speed and efficiency in the clearance of FAST trans-border shipments
- Reduced number of examinations for continued compliance with Customs FAST requirements as well secondary priority processing
- A strong and ongoing partnership with the Canadian Partners in Protection (PIP) and Customs (C-TPAT) administrations
- Enhanced supply chain security and safety while protecting the economic prosperity of the United States, Mexico, and Canada
- For carrier participants, the knowledge that they are transporting shipments for a C-TPAT approved importer, and on the southern border, a C-TPAT manufacturer
Werner Enterprises has participated in FAST since 2003.
ACE (Automated Commercial Environment)
The program's goal is "one screen at the border." ACE is designed to automate the process of tracking U.S. imports and to provide a systematic, unified approach to border enforcement, replacing the outdated Automated Commercial System and paper processing.
ACE is the next generation of technology designed to enhance national border security and expedite lawful trade. It automates and consolidates border processing. The ACE Secure Data Portal is a customized web-based system that connects U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the trade community and participating government agencies in one centralized, online access point.
This is not a voluntary program as of January 25, 2007; CBP will require all truck carriers crossing the border through at ports in the states of Washington and Arizona as well as the following ports in North Dakota: Pembina, Neche, Walhalla, Maida, Hannah, Sarles and Hansboro, to file electronic manifests (e-Manifests).
Werner Enterprises is currently participating in the ACE Program.
PIP (Partners IN Protection)
Partners in Protection (PIP) is designed to enlist the co-operation of private industry in efforts to enhance border security, combat organized crime and terrorism, increase awareness of customs compliance issues, and help detect and prevent contraband smuggling.
Organizations will be asked to sign a partnership agreement with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The arrangement is based on goodwill. The organization will not be asked to act as a law-enforcement body, and all information exchanged is treated as confidential. The organization and the CBSA will work together focusing on security, the exchange of information, and awareness.
To enhance and strengthen a company's security process, the company will be asked by CBSA to give a self-assessment of its security systems. This self-assessment will help identify any weaknesses in security processes and will enable CBSA to help address any deficiencies. The goal is to minimize the threat of illegal activity.
Benefits of PIP
- Quicker movement of low-risk travelers and goods through customs
- Improved security levels
- Enhanced reputation for the organization
- Organizations that demonstrate their commitment to a secure trade chain by joining PIP will be eligible to participate in FAST
- FAST will make cross-border commercial shipments simpler and subject to fewer delays, all while enhancing security
Werner Enterprises has been a participant since 2003.
Licensed Canadian Firearms Carrier
