For companies to entrust logistics suppliers with their goods, the latter must offer safety and professionalism and prove these qualities via the certifications they have accrued.
These are among the most important:
C-TPAT
C-TPAT is a joint initiative between the United States government and the private sector; it was born after 9-11 and has the endorsement of the Department of Homeland Security and the Customs and Border Protection Agency.
The customs authorities of the USA issue this certification to ensure shipments do not carry illegal substances or items such as weapons, drugs, or explosives.
Apart from a well-trained staff, logistics companies must meet strict requirements to earn this certification, such as:
- Facilities safety
- Container safety
- Process safety
- IT safety
This certification strengthens the impact 3PLs exert on the safety of the supply chain at a global level.
Participating in this program shows the suppliers’ commitment to the safety of the supply chain and to the safety of freight; therefore, C-TPAT has become a benchmark for doing business with importers and big manufacturers in the United States.
This certification ensures the shipments across North America made by the companies who have earned it are carried out more swiftly and free of delays and interruptions when crossing borders.
ISO 9001: 2008
This is a norm made by the International Organization for Standardization, based in Switzerland, whose main goal is to increase customer satisfaction, by continuously improving the quality management systems and processes of suppliers.
They have eight goals and tenets:
- Customer focus and service
- Staff engagement
- Process implementation
- Management systems
- Continuous improvement
- Fact-based decision making
- Beneficial relationships between suppliers
- Leadership
By focusing our efforts on benefiting our customers, the company dedicates less time and effort to the individual goals of each department and can, therefore, focus on collaboration. So, having this certification speaks volumes about the way a supplier manages quality, and makes it clear that it can offer better advantages, such as:
- Better internal organization, which translates into better efficiency.
- Better analysis of processes and products, through an organized system of records to lower mistakes in design, processing, and deliveries.
- Better communication and employee attitude, improving the understanding of policies, goals, and processes.
- Lower costsby decreasing waste and expenses from guarantees.
- Better positioning in today’s markets, thanks to the optimization of products, price reduction, and excellent reputation.
OEA
The United States Customs Department bestows an “Authorized Economic Agent” status to companies to help them expedite the transfer of goods through the border.
Having this certification makes it easier to import and export goods, lowering process times and increasing the competitiveness of our customers.
If you are looking for a logistics supplier that can offer you competitive solutions, competent human resources, and quality processes, choose a logistics company that has several of these certifications, you will soon find yourself having even better results.
Solistica has earned the ISO 9000, 18000, and 45000 certifications (we still do not have this one), OEA, and CTPAT, and all the certifications required by each country to meet its regulations.
