Port of the Future Conference: NII Technologies & CTPAT panel Recap

Screen Shot 2021-03-24 at 10.59.47 AM

CT Strategies is proud to have joined this years  Port of the Future Virtual Conference hosted by the University of Houston. The event provided corporate leaders, trade and logistics professionals, government officials, and leading researchers the opportunity to examine an expanding and evolving vision of future Ports of Entry.  The event addressed the urgent and immediate issues facing ports of entry, regulators and associated industries, including:

  • Decarbonization, sustainability and alternative fuels  
  • Port resiliency and security challenges and solutions (physical and cyber)  
  • Digitalization and data sharing   
  • Automation opportunities 
  • Advances in Biometrics

The Port of the Future Virtual Conference is shaped by research and innovation, advances in technology, increased dependence on automation, enhancements in data security and information sharing, and heightened environmental compliance – all impacting the ability to move cargo and people rapidly and securely across international borders. In an age where procedural and technological advancement in trade plays a vital role in the state of our economy and national security, conversations between leaders in the industry and government help to broaden awareness of the issues to be addressed in the near and far future. CT Strategies,  Andrew Farrelly, Shawn Beddows, and Ron May joined industry and government leaders to discuss the rising issues and advancements in NII technologies and the CTPAT program. 

Panel: Non Intrusive Inspection and Scanning Technologies

Panel Participants

Andrew Farrelly is the co-founder of CT Strategies, which provides strategic services to clients seeking current and innovative insight into border management and supply chain challenges in the U.S. and around the world.  

Dimitry Kurouski earned his M. S. in Biochemistry from Belarusian State University, Belarus and Ph. D. (Distinguished Dissertation) in Analytical Chemistry from SUNY Albany, NY, USA.  

Shawn Beddows is a World Customs Organization (WCO) accredited Customs Technical and Operational Advisor in the field of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and Associated Global Trusted Trader Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA). Currently, Beddows is the VP of Global Services for CT Strategies.    

Thomas Overacker is the Executive Director of Cargo and Conveyance Security (CCS) at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Headquarters in Washington, DC.  

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism

Panel Participants 

Manuel Garza Jr. is the National Director for the CPTAT Program. There, hedirects a team of nearly 180 employees in six field offices to conduct supply chain security validations throughout the globe. He is responsible for the management of nearly 11,600 CTPAT participants including 309 Trade Compliance members and 366 Tier 3 members. 

JamesKniestedtis the President and Founder ofGravickGroup LLC, a veteran ownedprivately-heldcompany that offers a suite of Security consulting and training programs, 

Mr. Ronald May is a supply chain security and customs operations expert with over 31 years of experience serving U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the legacy U.S. Customs Service. 

Shawn Beddows is a World Customs Organization (WCO) accredited Customs Technical and Operational Advisor in the field of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and Associated Global Trusted Trader Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA). Currently, Beddows is the VP of Global Services for CT Strategies.  

Floyd Dixon has a combined 40 years of law enforcement and corporate security experience. For the past 15 years, Floyd has served as a Managing Director of Corporate Security for FedEx with oversight of all FedEx Freight security operations. 

More Posts

Ships, Semi truck and airplane displaying Import Export labels

WITA 5th Annual International Trade Conference

The International Trade Conference highlighted the importance of private sector engagement and support of innovation in the global system of trade. Recognizing the growing role of trade in addressing critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, businesses and governments must lean on collaboration to prioritize social responsibility just as much as economic growth.

List of CTPAT Member Benefits

Managing CTPAT | For New Compliance Managers

A CTPAT manager’s role is to help ensure a company complies with all applicable CTPAT requirements, including security measures like access controls and physical security where goods are stored or processed before being shipped out.

iPad displaying ctpat validation processes

CTPAT Validations | What To Expect

Be sure to check with your Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) to determine if your validation will be in person or virtually this year, as each format brings its own types of challenges. During a CTPAT validation, your SCSS will examine your company’s processes and evidence of implementation for compliance in areas such as commitment of upper management to promoting a culture of security

Coworkers collaborating at a meeting

Driving Company-Wide CTPAT Awareness

For most companies, the 12 Minimum Security Criteria (MSC) sections touch various departments, so making compliance a team effort is vital. The first step is to ensure that all key employees are aware of CTPAT requirements by having them participate in compliance efforts on a regular basis.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.