Purolator International Receives Approval for U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Program

Purolator International has been approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for participation in the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program.  Participation in C-TPAT furthers Purolator’s designation as a “trusted trade” provider, thereby ensuring faster border clearance processing for its customers, and reduced likelihood of “random” inspections.

C-TPAT is a voluntary program developed by CBP as a way to prevent contraband and terrorist-related materials from entering the U.S.  Program participants agree to certify the safety of their own supply chains, and to implement CBP-suggested security measures and best practices.  Since its inception in 2001, C-TPAT membership has become an “industry best practice,” with more than 10,000 current members.

As part of the C-TPAT application process, Purolator underwent a detailed security review by CBP officials that examined all operations, procedures, guidelines, use of technology and physical assets.  Purolator’s approval as a C-TPAT member is valid for three years, after which the company will be required to undergo a recertification process.

“We are proud to be a C-TPAT member, and part of a growing number of businesses helping to ensure the safety of the global supply chain,” said Purolator International President John Costanzo.  “At the same time, we are pleased that our C-TPAT membership will help us better serve our customers with expedited border clearance and minimal customs inspections.”

Costanzo also noted that C-TPAT membership is especially important for businesses that ship regularly to Canada, since the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Partners In Protection Program (PIP) is harmonized with C-TPAT processes.  C-TPAT participation allows Purolator to provide even more efficient service to the Canadian market.  Purolator shipments entering Canada are eligible for ‘fast track’ and ‘front of the line’ service that non-C-TPAT carriers cannot provide.

The preferential service resulting from C-TPAT participation can have a significant impact in ensuring that shipments reach their Canadian destinations on time.  According to CBP, the chances of a C-TPAT compliant truck being stopped for a random border inspection are 1 in 55; for non-compliant trucks, that figure is 1 in 11.  Non C-TPAT vehicles are five times more likely to be held at the border for inspection.

“Logistics companies have a role to play in ensuring the safety of the global supply chain, and we are pleased to be a part of the solution,” Costanzo noted.

About Purolator International

Purolator International is a subsidiary of Purolator Inc., Canada’s largest integrated parcel and freight delivery services provider.  Purolator International specializes in the air and surface forwarding of Express, Freight and Parcel shipments, customs brokerage, and fulfillment and delivery services to, from and within Canada.  Purolator International was recently recognized as a Great Supply Chain Partner by Supply Chain Brain magazine.

In addition to facilities throughout New York, Purolator International has locations in key U.S. and Canadian markets including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Montreal, Nashville, Newark, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Raleigh/Durham, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Saint Louis, Toronto, and Vancouver. 

For more information about Purolator International, visit www.purolatorinternational.com.