CERTIFICATIONS
In order to best serve our customers, Matrix has acquired many of the most popular industry certifications. These certifications not only allow our shipments to be expedited and subject to fewer delays, but they also ensure the safety and security of our shipments. Matrix has all of the following certifications.
C-TPAT
Customs–Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a joint US government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen overall supply chain and border security.
C-TPAT recognizes that Customs Border Protection (CBP) can provide the highest level of security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the supply chain, importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators and manufacturers. Through this initiative, CBP asks businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate their security guidelines to their business partners within the supply chain.
PIP
Partners in Protection (PIP) is designed to enlist the co-operation of private industry in efforts to enhance border security, combat organized crime and terrorism, increase awareness of customs compliance issues, and help detect and prevent contraband smuggling.
The arrangement is based on goodwill. The organization will not be asked to act as a law-enforcement body, and all information exchanged is treated as confidential. The organization and the CBSA work together focusing on security, the exchange of information, and awareness.
To enhance and strengthen a company's security process, the company will be asked by CBSA to give a self-assessment of its security systems. This self-assessment will help identify any weaknesses in security processes and will enable CBSA to help address any deficiencies. The goal is to minimize the threat of illegal activity.
FAST
Free and Secure Trade (FAST) is a joint initiative between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection that enhances border and trade chain security while making cross-border commercial shipments simpler and subject to fewer delays.
It is a voluntary program that allows the CBSA to work closely with the private sector to enhance border security, combat organized crime and terrorism, and prevent contraband smuggling.
The FAST program allows known low risk participants to receive expedited border processing. This enables U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to re-direct security efforts and inspections where they are needed most—on commerce that is high risk, or unknown risk—while ensuring the movement of legitimate, low-risk commerce.
TSA - IAC Program
An Indirect Air Carrier (IAC) means any person or entity within the United States not in possession of a FAA air carrier operating certificate, that undertakes to engage indirectly in air transportation of property and uses for all or any part of such transportation the services of a passenger air carrier. Each IAC must adopt and carry out a security program that meets current TSA requirements. The IAC Regional Compliance Coordinators are responsible for the application process for freight forwarders working to become classified as IACs. These coordinators complete annual renewals for current IACs and provide assistance with program compliance.
ACE
Automated Trucking Environment (ACE) is designed to automate the process of tracking U.S. imports and to provide a systematic, unified approach to border enforcement. The program's goal is "one screen at the border."
ACE automates and consolidates border processing. The ACE Secure Data Portal is a customized, web-based system that connects U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the trade community, and participating government agencies in one centralized, online access point.