Trailer Bridge, Inc. has been accepted as a certified member of the U.S. Customs Service's Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. U.S. Customs Service granted the approval on October 6, 2003, following a detailed review of Trailer Bridge's Supply Chain Security Profile Questionnaire.
C-TPAT is a joint initiative between government and business designed to protect the security of cargo entering the United States while improving the flow of trade. Through C-TPAT, the U.S. Customs Service is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate their security guidelines to their business partners throughout the supply chain.
As a certified C-TPAT member, Trailer Bridge has committed to several actions, including maintaining a complete and detailed security plan as part of the continually evolving security process. As part of the C-TPAT program, Trailer Bridge will be working in conjunction with the U.S. Customs Service to develop and implement programs to further enhance security throughout the supply chain process. Trailer Bridge will also have access to anti-terrorist training seminars, sharing of information and best practices from U.S. Customs.
Ralph Heim, Trailer Bridge's President and Chief Operating Officer, said, "We are proud that our security procedures passed the rigorous scrutiny of the U.S. Custom's review and to have been accepted into the C-TPAT program. Our security team, led by Al Cook, Director Marine Operations, has done a fantastic job in coordinating and ensuring that Trailer Bridge meets or exceeds all the security requirements from various governmental agencies, including U.S. Customs, U.S. Coast Guard, Jaxport, and Puerto Rico Ports Authority. As an exclusive operator of American built, U.S. Flagged vessels, we understand we are not only tasked with the safe transport of our customers' cargo, but also play a vital role in our country's war on terror."