By Louis Samenfink

    A new mandatory electronic manifest (e-Manifest) policy just on the horizon promises to deliver a faster trip through U.S. borders for the maquila industry and the trucking community.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection is helping carriers reduce the amount of time they spend at the border and increase company profits with the e-Manifest capability. E-Manifest is designed to make border crossing faster and more efficient, and captures more accurate data to help enhance security and provide better reporting for industry. 

    The e-Manifest capability is available at all ports featuring the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), the commercial cargo processing system being developed by CBP to facilitate legitimate trade while strengthening border security.  While use of the e-Manifest capability is currently voluntary, CBP is preparing to implement a new mandatory policy in 2007 making use of e-Manifests mandatory. 

    With the current system, shippers must file a paper manifest before a shipment can enter the United States.  An e-Manifest is simply a manifest electronically filed.  The automated manifest provides CBP officers with advance cargo information, such as: crew identification (driver/passenger); description of conveyance (vehicle/truck/cab); description of equipment as applicable (trailer); and shipment details (cargo), so officers can begin processing the truck before it arrives at the gate.  Time spent at the border is reduced when e-Manifest carriers are able to submit their electronic manifest to CBP for review before the truck’s arrival. 

    With ACE, a carrier can submit an e-Manifest to CBP through one or both of the following channels: the Web-based ACE Secure Data Portal, or via CBP approved

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) procedures. 

    The portal, essentially a customized homepage for authorized users, connects CBP, the trade community, and participating government agencies by providing a single, centralized, on-line access point for communications and information.  It gives carriers the ability to input data, track the CBP status of a truck and its cargo, and develop a variety of reports.  Data regarding trucks, trailers, drivers, shippers, and consignees can be stored and reused, saving time for truck carriers entering recurring trip data and resulting in fewer opportunities for mistakes.  A broker download feature enables carriers to quickly transmit shipment details to a customs broker or other entry filer. This feature helps carriers and filers reconcile manifest and entry data, minimizing errors and reducing delays.  The portal makes it easier for CBP officers to release cargo, which can save time for truckers.  Parties may file e-Manifests with CBP directly via the portal at no charge.

    Companies may choose to use EDI for filing e-Manifests with CBP.  Some companies may opt to build their own EDI software for CBP certification.  Others may choose to purchase the software from CBP-certified EDI software providers to file e-Manifests directly with CBP, or use a third party to transmit the manifest via EDI for them.  Third parties usually charge a fee to help carriers file their manifests with CBP.  A list of EDI-certified software and application service providers can be found on the CBP Modernization Web site.  This list is continually growing, with more and more companies applying for EDI certification.

How e-Manifests work

    As a truck approaches the primary booth, transponder technology similar to that of a toll-paying device signals the truck’s arrival.  In this case, the system automatically retrieves the e-Manifest along with matching pre-filed entries, in-bond requests, and other release declarations for the CBP officer to view and process.  However, transponder technology is not required for participation in ACE.  If a truck does not have a transponder, the officer uses the vehicle license plate or trip number to retrieve the e-Manifest. 

    By allowing the truck carrier to begin import procedures early, drivers spend minimal time at the border itself.  As delivery times are lessened, truckers have more time to haul more shipments to earn more money.  Electronic manifests also help ensure border security.  Access to advance shipment data enables CBP officers to prescreen trucks and shipments, freeing up time to inspect suspicious cargo without delaying the border crossings of legitimate carriers.

The future

    It is a win-win for everyone to ensure the border crossing process is smooth, safe, and as efficient as possible – that goods flow freely in and out of our nation for the benefit of all.  Moving goods to market faster will have positive impacts on U.S., Mexican, and Canadian economies, benefiting consumers and business alike. 

    CBP will begin implementing a mandatory e-Manifest policy in 2007.  During a transition period, the mandatory e-Manifest policy will be enforced on a port-by-port basis.  The schedules of which ports will implement the policy and when will be announced via a Federal Register Notice (FRN), as well as on the CBP Modernization Web site at least 90 days before the policy takes effect.

    More than 17 percent of shipments at ACE ports are currently processed via e-Manifests, and 75 percent of truck cargo entering the United States passes through an ACE land border port.  E-Manifest usage dramatically increased in the second quarter of 2006, with the number of filings increasing from 1,000 e-Manifests per month, to more than double that per week.  The upward trend continues.  More than 11,000 e-Manifests were submitted in August 2006.  Nearly 25,000 e-Manifests have been filed since the capability was first introduced.

    Many truck carriers have already made the switch to e-Manifest filing, and CBP encourages all remaining carriers to get on board.  Truck carriers should establish ACE truck carrier accounts as soon as possible, or contact a customs broker, service provider, or other authorized filer to discuss how to submit e-Manifests.  Remember, ACE and e-Manifests will soon be a business necessity. Beat the rush and start using the e-Manifest process now to ensure a smooth transition as CBP moves toward enforcing the mandatory policy.

    For more information regarding ACE, e-Manifest, and the rollout schedule, visit the Modernization pages of the CBP Web site at http://www.cbp.gov/modernization or send an e-mail to CBP.CSPO@dhs.gov. 

Louis Samenfink is executive director, Cargo Systems Program Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.