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Unified Cargo Processing has been an absolute win-win for everyone involved asserts SunFed’s Mandel. “Anytime you are able to minimize bureaucracies while still maintaining the highest levels of scru- tiny and security, everyone benefits,” he says. “By having the Mexican and U.S. customs operations unified, there are actually fewer opportunities for interdic- tion of loads leading to a more secure, and more efficient, supply chain.”
Moore believes it is no mistake this program was started in Nogales. “We are known across the country as a place of innovation birthed by the need to improve processes to move perishable goods across our border faster all while
enhancing security and safety,” she says. And, innovation doesn’t just happen on the Federal level. “We also work closely with the Arizona Department of Transpor- tation (ADOT) on their International Border Inspection Qualification (IBIQ) program,” says Moore. “ADOT is increasing safety and efficiency through this program which offers commercial drivers from Mexico the tools and training to better comply with state and federal transportation safety
requirements.”
Moore reports the program has trained
more than 400 commercial drivers in the program’s first year. “And, they have scheduled an additional six training sessions in the remainder of 2018 to
take place in Mexico,” she says. “This is another important example of how Nogales creates innovative, collaborative processes to ensure the safe, efficient flow of fresh produce across our border.”
Forward-thinking Nogales industry members are also broadening their focus in food safety. “During the past few years, food safety has been a huge issue with every importer at the Nogales port,” says Divine Flavor’s Batiz. “Everyone is investing a lot of time, effort and money to ensure the growers are up to standards. The Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) procedures have been updated, and it’s incredibly important for companies to follow these rules and regulations.”
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