We are pleased to announce that Hitachi Transport Systems (America) Ltd. has recently been “certified” in the U.S. Customs new supply chain security program - Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). We have implemented new and improved security procedures throughout our operations, including Customs Brokerage, Freight Forwarding, Warehousing and Trucking. As a part of our commitment to supply chain security, we encourage all of our customers to seriously consider supply chain security as their number one business risk.

 The newly formed Department of Homeland Security and the office of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) (formerly the U.S. Customs Service) have made supply chain security its number one priority. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Bonner recently reported “The message should be clear, -- if a business takes steps to secure its cargo against terrorism, we will give it the ‘fast lane’ through the border.”

  Some of the many benefits of C-TPAT membership include:

• Quick Cargo Release · Fewer Cargo Exams
• Access to the “Fast Lane” through Customs
• Priority use of US Customs new Automation System, ACE
• Exceeding Customer Requirements for Supply Chain Security
• Reduced Cargo Loss from theft and damage
• Account Manager assigned (for those who don’t have one now)
• Protection of Employees
• Protect the future reputation and profits of the company by avoiding disaster and resulting bad press
• Reduced Customs inspections
• Reduced Inspection fees
• Reduced handling, trucking, rental fees
• Reduced Cargo Demurrage
• Maintain Eligibility for new Customs Import Programs
• Minimize cargo delays during peak shipping season
• Retain “Low Risk Importers” earned benefits
• Self-Policing emphasized vs. Customs Department scrutiny
• Continued eligibility for Existing Customs Dept. Programs

 We recommend C-TPAT membership, especially for those companies, which rely on the quick border release program BRASS. Customs has already announced its plans to replace the existing BRASS program with a new program, which will require C-TPAT membership. This change may occur as early as the end of the year.

 If you are an Importer, your company is eligible to join C-TPAT. To join you will need to sign an agreement with U.S. Customs that commits your company to the following actions:

• Conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of supply chain security using the C-TPAT security guidelines.
• Submit a supply chain security profile questionnaire to Customs, which summarizes your security procedures in 12 core areas.
• Develop and implement a program or procedures and guidelines to enhance security throughout the supply chain in accordance with C-TPAT guidelines.
• Communicate C-TPAT guidelines to other companies within your supply chain.

For more information on the C-TPAT program and our recommendations for help with enrollment, please contact:

Mr. Roy Odom 310-755-3704 rodom@hitachitransport.com
Mr. Doug Ray 310-755-3724 dray@hitachitransport.com

Sincerely,