Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share [TIPS] Don’t Set It and Forget It: Why CTPAT Still Matters
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
[TIPS] Don’t Set It and Forget It: Why CTPAT Still Matters
Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Ashley Arnold
Published: July 14, 2026
Length: 14:26
Presented by: Global Training Center
Summary
In this second July Tips episode, host Lalo Solorzano welcomes back Ashley Arnold for a timely conversation about CTPAT and why companies should not let their security programs sit untouched on a shelf.
Ashley explains that CTPAT is becoming increasingly relevant again, especially in today’s enforcement-focused trade environment. While many companies may already have a program in place, the real question is whether the procedures written in the manual are actually being followed on the warehouse floor, at the front desk, by security teams, and across the full supply chain.
The conversation highlights the importance of reviewing and strengthening CTPAT programs, documenting actions, training personnel, and making sure employees understand the “why” behind security requirements. Lalo and Ashley also discuss how CTPAT connects to broader business functions such as logistics, procurement, finance, HR, IT, and cybersecurity.
This episode is a practical reminder that CTPAT is not a one-time validation exercise. It is an ongoing partnership and a culture of security that requires attention, participation, and continuous improvement.
Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on CTPAT and the importance of keeping security programs active, current, and understood throughout the organization.
Ashley Arnold explains that companies should review whether their CTPAT manuals reflect what is actually happening in day-to-day operations. Lalo and Ashley discuss how training, audit trails, warehouse-level awareness, cybersecurity reviews, and cross-functional participation all support a stronger security profile.
They also emphasize that CTPAT can provide real operational benefits, including stronger relationships with Customs, possible reduced exam risk, smoother cargo movement, and greater internal awareness of supply chain security responsibilities.
Key Takeaways
• CTPAT programs should be reviewed, updated, and actively used, not simply stored away for annual review.
• Companies should make sure their written CTPAT procedures match what employees are actually doing.
• Training matters because employees are more likely to follow security procedures when they understand the reason behind them.
• CTPAT should involve multiple departments, including warehouse operations, HR, IT, logistics, procurement, finance, and trade compliance.
• Cybersecurity is an important part of the broader supply chain security conversation.
• The goal of CTPAT is not just passing validation once; it is building and maintaining a culture of security.
Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center - CTPAT Live Training
• Global Training Center - CTPAT On-Demand Training
Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Guest(s):
Ashley Arnold – LinkedIn
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
📢 Subscribe & Follow
Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.
🎧 Listen on:
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube
💬 Connect with us:
• Simply Trade
• Global Training Center
• Trade Geeks Community
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!
Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?
View all episodes
By Global Training Center
4.6
2222 ratings
Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Ashley Arnold
Published: July 14, 2026
Length: 14:26
Presented by: Global Training Center
Summary
In this second July Tips episode, host Lalo Solorzano welcomes back Ashley Arnold for a timely conversation about CTPAT and why companies should not let their security programs sit untouched on a shelf.
Ashley explains that CTPAT is becoming increasingly relevant again, especially in today’s enforcement-focused trade environment. While many companies may already have a program in place, the real question is whether the procedures written in the manual are actually being followed on the warehouse floor, at the front desk, by security teams, and across the full supply chain.
The conversation highlights the importance of reviewing and strengthening CTPAT programs, documenting actions, training personnel, and making sure employees understand the “why” behind security requirements. Lalo and Ashley also discuss how CTPAT connects to broader business functions such as logistics, procurement, finance, HR, IT, and cybersecurity.
This episode is a practical reminder that CTPAT is not a one-time validation exercise. It is an ongoing partnership and a culture of security that requires attention, participation, and continuous improvement.
Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on CTPAT and the importance of keeping security programs active, current, and understood throughout the organization.
Ashley Arnold explains that companies should review whether their CTPAT manuals reflect what is actually happening in day-to-day operations. Lalo and Ashley discuss how training, audit trails, warehouse-level awareness, cybersecurity reviews, and cross-functional participation all support a stronger security profile.
They also emphasize that CTPAT can provide real operational benefits, including stronger relationships with Customs, possible reduced exam risk, smoother cargo movement, and greater internal awareness of supply chain security responsibilities.
Key Takeaways
• CTPAT programs should be reviewed, updated, and actively used, not simply stored away for annual review.
• Companies should make sure their written CTPAT procedures match what employees are actually doing.
• Training matters because employees are more likely to follow security procedures when they understand the reason behind them.
• CTPAT should involve multiple departments, including warehouse operations, HR, IT, logistics, procurement, finance, and trade compliance.
• Cybersecurity is an important part of the broader supply chain security conversation.
• The goal of CTPAT is not just passing validation once; it is building and maintaining a culture of security.
Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center - CTPAT Live Training
• Global Training Center - CTPAT On-Demand Training
Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Guest(s):
Ashley Arnold – LinkedIn
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
📢 Subscribe & Follow
Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.
🎧 Listen on:
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube
💬 Connect with us:
• Simply Trade
• Global Training Center
• Trade Geeks Community
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!
Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?
More shows like Simply Trade
View all
Hidden Brain
43,528 Listeners
Motley Fool Hidden Gems Investing
3,217 Listeners
WSJ What’s News
4,345 Listeners
The Mindset Mentor
13,557 Listeners
Global Trade This Week
4 Listeners
The Daily
111,948 Listeners
Up First from NPR
56,508 Listeners
The Trade Guys
152 Listeners
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
27,775 Listeners
Two Minutes in Trade
32 Listeners
Consider This from NPR
6,381 Listeners
The Ezra Klein Show
15,950 Listeners
The Big Take
154 Listeners
The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
10,745 Listeners
The Tucker Carlson Show
16,332 Listeners