Security Stamp Of Approval Puts Woodland Shipments On Fast Track To The States

NEW YORK, USA – Shippers sending ocean containers into the United States can look forward to expedited Customs clearance, thanks to the Woodland Group’s success in achieving C-TPAT certification for its US operations.

Woodland International Transport Co Inc, whose operations are headquartered at Lake Success, New York, was informed by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that the company has completed a year-long process in achieving the status. Benefits for importers of any size include reduced door-to-door transit times as a result of fewer cargo examinations.

Danny Callaghan, president of Woodland International Transport Co Inc, which is part of the UK Woodland Group, welcomed the awarding of the status and the advantage it will bring Woodland’s customers.

He said: “We are proud to be recognised by CBP as a compliant member of the security chain. It promises expedited clearance into the US, with fewer delays likely. This is a real pay-off for customers.”

C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is an established US Government-business initiative, designed to strengthen overall supply chain and border security by working in close co-operation with the key members of the supply chain.

Commenting on the certification, Kevin Stevens, chairman and chief executive officer of the Woodland Group, said: “C-TPAT is all about security. Our US operations have been put through a rigorous examination by the CBP, whose audits and examinations left no stone unturned in reviewing our systems and work practices.

“Now we have an advantage over those forwarders who do not have C-TPAT validation. Their cargo may be left on the quayside for days or even weeks before being examined, while ours sails past.

“Quite simply, this means a lesser frequency of Customs examinations of our inbound containers.”

Achieving C-TPAT accreditation is only the start of the process, however, and follow-up visits to the company will be required to maintain the status. Woodland International Transport Inc employs some 40 staff at six stations in the United States: New York, New Jersey, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

The Essex, UK-based Woodland Group recently relocated from Coggeshall to larger premises in Chelmsford, offering 70,000 sq ft of warehousing space, and has just completed a rebranding exercise after bringing a number of business divisions under one umbrella.

For more information, visit www.woodland-group.com