Industry Wire

TRALA Developing Identification Guide for Customs and Border Patrol

TRALA is in the beginning stages of working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on ways to reduce instances of mis-identification of companies during security breaches at CBP checkpoints. In many instances when a security breach occurs, border protection personnel often incorrectly identify companies based on their markings. This situation is believed to be unique to the vehicle renting and leasing industry, and TRALA has met with CBP officials to discuss these concerns. CBP has invited TRALA to develop a brief commercial vehicle identification guide that can be used to educate enforcement personnel on ways to properly identify the company operating a rented or leased commercial vehicle.

The commercial vehicle identification guide will discuss the difference between owners and operators of rented and leased commercial motor vehicles. Proper identification is important, as companies in complete compliance could face major disruption in the logistics process if they are mistakenly thought to be non-compliant. Basic truck identification requirements for truck tractors and trailers, as well as brief statistics such as a percentage of commercial fleets that are leased or rented by the operator is another topic the guide will touch on.

The guide for CBP will also discuss leasing and rental requirements. Topics such as when a leased vehicle must be marked with the operator’s information, and what paperwork and permits are required to be in the vehicle. Similar items will be discussed for rental vehicles, such as how long a rental truck can be operated by a customer before they can apply their own markings, and documents required to be carried in the vehicle.

TRALA believes that training provided to enforcement personnel in conjunction with the commercial vehicle identification guide will go a long way in helping to correctly identify all parties involved in the supply chain process. Disruptions and lost time for compliant parties can be avoided with the appropriate knowledge of the commercial vehicle renting and leasing industry.

For more information about the development of the commercial vehicle identification guide that will be provided to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, please contact Tom James at tjames@trala.org or (703) 299-9120.