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 (FMCSA) also is involved in the testing, according to information published in the Federal Register September 13.
The 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 for participation 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. Other information about the program and its requirements can be found by clicking here for the information in the Federal Register.