OTTAWA, Ont. — The Canadian Trucking Alliance has surveyed its members to gauge experience with ACI eManifest ahead of the start of its mandatory use for highway carriers Nov. 1.

“Respondents to our survey reported that while there are issues to address, implementation of ACI is going well,” said David Bradley, CEO of CTA. “Feedback from our early adopters is necessary to address these problems before mandatory implementation.”

CTA surveyed its national membership, requesting feedback on ACI implementation from those currently submitting eManifests. Respondents to CTA’s survey said that many of the issues they experience with ACI are at the port level and that further education is needed to clarify the process at the border.

“It is clear that CBSA [Canada Border Services Agency] must engage in further education of its port officers on the ACI process to avoid confusion at the border,” Bradley said. “While a learning curve can be expected with new initiatives, our number one priority is that trucks are not unnecessarily delayed.”

At the policy level, the survey found only a few issues remain unclear, however, the CTA is slated to address the issues with CBSA later this week. As well, CTA members reported that many of their US customers are not prepared for ACI. 

“Communication is key so all trade partners understand the information requirements come November 1, 2012 and the resulting implications six months down the road when penalties will be issued and trucks may be turned around at the border,” explained Bradley.

CTA members wanting to view the complete results of the survey or provide additional feedback on ACI implementation are asked to contact Deanna.pagnan@cantruck.ca.