The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is initiating testing of a program that will allow carriers to transmit electronic manifest data and other cargo information to the agency to expedite border crossings. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also is involved in the testing, according to the Federal Register published September 13.
This test is scheduled to begin November 29 in a phased approach and will apply to the border crossings at Blaine WA and Buffalo NY. Subsequent tests will occur at Champlain NY, Detroit MI, Laredo TX, Otay Mesa CA, and Port Huron MI. CBP will announce the implementation and sequencing of truck manifest functionality at these ports as they occur.
To be eligible to participate in the test, carriers must have submitted an application (statement of intent to establish an account through the Automated Commercial Environment program; provided a Standard Carrier Alpha Code(s)); and provided the name, address, and e-mail of a point of contact to receive further information. A statement of the ability to connect to the Internet also must be provided.
To see the rule in its entirety, access www.gpo.gov, and under “Executive Resources,” click on the “Federal Register” link. The rule is under the Sept 13, 2004, entries.