CTPAT Eligibility for Highway Carriers

Understand the eligibility requirements and what it takes to become CTPAT certification ready.

Eligibility Requirements

This category is for highway carriers that transport cargo across borders (commonly U.S./Canada or U.S./Mexico). A highway carrier is generally eligible for CTPAT if the company can demonstrate the following:
  • Be an active international border crossing U.S./Mexico or U.S./Canada Highway Carrier. When applying, carriers will be designated as either
    Mexican or Canadian based on where the company crosses goods. If your company crosses freight on both borders, you should apply under the
    Mexican Carrier designation.
  • If applicable, Mexican based companies must provide the business “Acta Constitutiva”, which lists the full legal name of the company, and the
    full name of each owner or officer within the company.
  • Mexican based companies must provide the RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes), issued by the Mexican Tax Administration Service or SAT.
    The RFC is the unique business/tax identifier made up of letters and numbers. RFCs are 12 characters long for companies, LLCs and partnerships
    (Persona Moral); or 13 characters long for persons or proprietorships (Persona Física).
  • Have a business office staffed in the U.S., Mexico or Canada.
  • Have an active U.S. National Motor Freight Traffic Association Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC Code / four Alpha Characters) and a U.S.
    Department of Transportation Number (DOT Number / six digits).
  • Designate a company officer that will be the primary cargo security officer responsible for CTPAT.
  • Sign the “CTPAT-Partner Agreement to Voluntarily Participate” and demonstrate commitment to the obligations outlined in this Agreement.
    This document is signed by a Company officer when the company applies for CTPAT membership via the CTPAT Portal.
  • Complete a supply chain security profile in the CTPAT Portal, identifying how the company meets and maintains the Program’s MSC for
    U.S. Highway Carriers.
  • Agree to comply with the Minimum Security Criteria (MSC) for Highway Carriers.
  • Maintain no evidence of financial debt to CBP for which the responsible party has exhausted all administrative and judicial remedies for relief,
    a final judgment or administrative disposition has been rendered, and the final bill or debt remains unpaid at the time of the initial application
    or annual renewal.

Important: CBP reviews each company individually. If issues of concern exist, CBP may determine the company is not eligible to participate.

Want a Clear Answer on Eligibility and a Plan to Get Certification Ready?

We’ll confirm your eligibility, identify gaps that commonly delay progress, and provide a step-by-step roadmap
to build the documentation and evidence CBP expects.

Contact us today!