OTTAWA — The Canadian Trucking Alliance, along with the American and Mexican trucking associations, has been asked by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for input on revised C-TPAT carrier security criteria.

In response to concerns expressed by the industry, CBP 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.

— Will develop a best practices guide to further assist carriers to adopt policies and procedures that will be compliant with C-TPAT standards.

— Will examine use of a checklist to assist carriers to evaluate the security practices of its business partners.

CTA asks carriers to be aware that there remain a number of problematic issues to be addressed, including sealing requirements for U.S. bound trailers and physical security measures such as fencing and lighting.

These issues, says CTA, remain under discussion at the present time. It is expected that the final product will be available in the late-winter, early-spring time frame. New C-TPAT carriers will be required to adhere to these more stringent guidelines, and existing C-TPAT carrier members will be given a period of time to adjust.