The program has historically focused on imports into the United States. Air carriers, consolidators, cross-border highway carriers, marine port authorities, ocean carriers, rail carriers, terminal operators, third party logistics (3PLs) providers, customs brokers, and importers are eligible for C-TPAT certification in the United States.
3PLs that do not own some of their own warehousing facilities, vehicles, aircraft, or other transportation assets cannot be C-TPAT certified. 3PLs must be licensed and/or bonded by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), CBP or the Department of Transportation (DOT) and have an office staffed in the United States.