Truckload carrier Landstar System Inc., Jacksonville, Fla. announced certification of its operating companies to the supply chain security initiatives C-TPAT, FAST and PIP.

Free and Secure Trade, or FAST, is a joint U.S.-Canadian program to improve security at the U.S.-Canadian border through data collection and sharing of information between U.S. Customs and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. Carriers certified to the program are eligible for faster cargo processing at the border. All operating companies in the Landstar Carrier Group and Landstar Express America are FAST certified.
C-TPAT, or the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, is a voluntary initiative between the U.S. Customs Service, importers, exporters and carriers to tighten security along the entire supply chain. Landstar Logistics, Landstar Express America and Landstar's Carrier Group are all participants in C-TPAT.
C-TPAT members and their business partners are required to develop security procedures and submit a security profile to U.S. Customs Border Protection. In return, C-TPAT members, like Landstar, are eligible for expedited processing at borders.
Landstar's Carrier Group and Landstar Express America are also part of
PIP -- Partners In Protection -- Canada's version of C-TPAT, administered by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. Like C-TPAT, companies are required to self-assess security in order to enter the FAST program and be eligible for expedited processing of freight into Canada.