»Issue 2, Volume 07                          www.scarbrough-intl.com                         » February 2007  

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COVER STORY

Make the Right Play in your Supply Chain Management Program

Now that March Madness nears conclusion, some people are questioning their picks. Are they also evaluating their day to day business decisions?  Scarbrough International, Ltd. is a sure pick within the world of global logistics for numerous reasons. Scarbrough International is a leader among Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders in supply chain security.

Since 2003, Scarbrough International has been a fully-validated member of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) voluntary trade security program, Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).  The purpose of C-TPAT is to secure U.S. and international supply chains from terrorist organizations by partnering with the trade communities.  Companies participating in C-TPAT are required to document and validate their supply chain security procedures in relation to current CBP C-TPAT best practices and requirements.  Scarbrough International is committed to the policies and procedures of C-TPAT.  This dedication has benefited Scarbrough through faster processing of customs entries, fewer inspections of cargo and timely release of cargo.  As a result, Scarbrough has accrued a shortened supply chain while being good corporate citizenship.

Although the C-TPAT program is currently voluntary, the program may become mandatory for all other importers in the future.  Every company should evaluate the positive impact of becoming a C-TPAT member.  Approximately 90 percent of the world’s manufactured goods are moved on transport ships with containers stacked several stories high.  Some ships carrying as many as 4,000 containers each.  If another major terrorist attack on the United States occurs, all ports would likely close down.  Upon reopening, an enormous backlog for Customs clearance would ensue.  If an importer is C-TPAT member, their cargo would reach the front of the line at the port once it was reopened.  CBP would view the C-TPAT member importer as a lower risk, refocusing their attention on high risk, non-C-TPAT importers.  By being a C-TPAT member an importer can mitigate the impact of temporarily frozen borders.

By becoming a C-TPAT member, businesses not only improve the flow of their supply chain, but help to secure the borders of the United States.  If you are interested in becoming a C-TPAT member, please contact Ed Rogers, Director of Consulting at 816-584-2407. 

-- Jennifer Holtman, Import Customer Service Representatives

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