Key Takeaways for CTPAT Companies | CBP Cargo Security Summit 2022

CTPAT Members must take all reasonable steps to ensure that their supply chains are free of forced labor. Building awareness of the problem and working with suppliers to develop solutions is one of the best ways to address forced labor concerns. Here are some best practices that companies can implement to help prevent and address forced labor in their supply chains.

CTPAT Members can leverage data collected from cargo mapping to ensure compliance. Cargo mapping refers to the process of identifying the optimal route for a shipment of goods from the point of origin to the destination. It involves analyzing various factors, such as distance, transportation mode, transit time, cost, and other logistical considerations, to determine the most secure and cost-effective way to transport cargo.

Due to the recent toughening of forced labor policies, US importers, exporters, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other entities involved in international trade have an expanded responsibility to monitor, identify, and report forced labor in their supply chains. CBP aims to increase government-private sector collaboration to combat forced labor while providing additional incentives to encourage private sector engagement in the program.

Pro Tip: While restricting your highway carrier business partners to being CTPAT certified mitigates substantial risk, do not assume you can become complacent based on that premise. Even the best of security measures can be challenged in the highway carrier environment and CTPAT status can also be suspended or revoked due to administrative shortcomings. Be sure to monitor your business partners through the CTPAT Status Verification Interface (SVI).