OTTAWA, Ont. — The Canadian Trucking Alliance, along with the American and Mexican trucking associations,has been asked byU.S. Customs and Border Protection for input on revised C-TPAT carrier security criteria. In response to concerns expressed by theindustry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has made a number of revisions to its latest draft.

In particular, CBP has acknowledged the importance of respecting privacy legislation and collective agreements when conducting random searches; has plans todevelop a best practices guide to further assist carriers toadopt policies and procedures that will be compliant with C-TPAT standards; and has plans to examine use ofa checklist to assist carriers with evaluating the security practices of its business partners.

The CTA said carriers should be aware that are a number of problematic issues that remain, including sealing requirements for U.S.-bound trailers and physical security measures such as fencing and lighting. These issues remain under discussion at the present time.

The CTA reported that the final product is expected to be available in late winter or early spring. New C-TPAT carriers will be required to adhere to these more stringent guidelines, and existing C-TPAT carrier members will begiven a period of time to adjust.