DHL launches security consulting arm

Parcel delivery giant DHL has launched a supply chain security consulting service that could help clients resolve security challenges such as compliance with Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) conditions, the company said today.

C-TPAT is the voluntary supply chain security program led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) focused on improving the security of private companies' supply chains with respect to terrorism.

The announcement comes from DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist within Deutsche Post DHL Group. The department will offer 17 customized products designed for customers who want to resolve common security challenges, become C-TPAT members, or achieve a more secure supply chain in general, DHL said.

DHL's Supply Chain Security Consultancy Service offers 10 training modules, including:

• C-TPAT 101
• C-TPAT best practice training
• policy and procedures training
• developing a supply chain risk assessment
• security training and awareness program, and
• security breaches and internal conspiracies.

DHL says the modules include on-site training, interactive sessions, and best-practice development, which can be tailored for any industry and adjusted to fit each company or vendor's current supply chain security needs. Further, they can be augmented by specific policy and procedure development workshops, enabling customer compliance with major supply chain security programs, such as C-TPAT, the European Union's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO/OEA), Canada's Partners in Protection (PIP), and the Business Alliance for Secure Commerce (BASC).

In addition to the 10 modules, DHL Global Forwarding offers security compliance questionnaire assistance to extend security awareness into every element of a company's international supply chain. On-site audit service is also offered to validate all supply chain security program criteria.

"At DHL Global Forwarding, compliance with C-TPAT and all other global security programs are essential to the way we do business," said Richard Kolbusz, head of Security and Operational Resilience for DHL Global Forwarding, Americas, in a release. "As a result, we have established an extensive curriculum, in multiple languages, designed to promote compliance with all World Customs Organization recognized supply chain security programs."