Overview
ATA is working to ensure government agencies establish a risk-based approach when designing and implementing highway and motor carrier security requirements. Our primary goal is to consolidate, harmonize and better coordinate multiple security requirements so that commercial drivers are not required to undergo and pay for multiple background checks, and carriers do not have to develop multiple security plans and training requirements when transporting certain types of cargo or operating in higher risk environments. ATA has also developed policies and programs to work on Cargo Theft with law enforcement agencies at the federal, state and local levels to reduce criminal activity, establish appropriate reporting mechanisms and increase penalties and sentencing guidelines on individuals involved in cargo theft.
Background Checks and Credentialing Requirements
ATA supports the coordination, harmonization and consolidation of multiple screenings and credentials required of commercial drivers to operate in various secure environments or in transporting high risk cargo.
Security Plans and Training
ATA supports simplified mutual recognition for security plans and training requirements established by statutory mandates and security programs. These efforts must focus on security requirements affecting both domestic and international supply chains.
Cargo Theft
ATA supports the development of a national program and simplified process for reporting cargo theft working in conjunction with federal and local authorities. We support increased penalties and sentencing guidelines for criminal elements involved in cargo theft.
Emergency Preparedness & Pandemic Planning
ATA believes that motor carriers should have the necessary information and tools to access areas impacted by natural or man-made disasters to deliver emergency supplies. We support providing assistance to motor carriers for developing emergency preparedness and pandemic planning procedures.
Supply Chain/Border Security
Supply Chain and Cross-Border Security issues continue to gain prominence as government agencies and the trade community require increased levels of security for international operations. Supply Chain security programs, such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), through voluntary in nature, are becoming quasi-mandatory for motor carriers transporting international cargo for high volume importers and exporters. Information in this section provides the latest requirements to participate in C-TPAT and the projected benefits for participating in such initiatives.