Only ocean carrier represented on commercial operations committee

US Customs and Border Protection has appointed Earl Agron, Vice President of Security for global container shipping leader APL, to a two-year appointment on the Departmental Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of Customs and Border Protection and Related Functions (COAC). With the announcement this month, Agron becomes the only member of the committee representing a commercial shipping line.

The 20-member committee provides advice to US Customs and Border Protection officials on the trade implications of cargo security and Customs compliance regulations. Its membership includes representatives from manufacturing, retailing and the hi-tech sector, as well as transportation and logistics.

Agron, a member of the World Shipping Council's Security Advisory Committee, the Retail Industry Leaders Association Supply Chain Security Committee and the National Industrial Transportation League's Select Committee on Security, has directed security activities and programs worldwide for APL since 2002. Considered an industry expert in container security, Agron is a frequent speaker at trade and security conferences in the US and Asia. He has participated in numerous government-sponsored projects that test the effectiveness of transportation security processes and technology.

'Supply chain security is vital to the global economy,' said Agron. 'The committee plays an important role in not only improving security, but ensuring that we don't disrupt trade in the process. I'm honored to be part of that effort.'

The SAFE Port Act signed by President Bush last October charges COAC to consult with US Customs and the Department of Homeland Security on issues including: a strategic plan to enhance supply chain security; more detailed information about the movement of cargo; and the impact of security policies on international trade.