WASHINGTON — Despite initial communications problems between
carriers and brokers, ACE e-manifests implementation at U.S. land ports, the trade community has been able to adapt to the new policy quickly, says Bob Klee, assistant director of Field Operations-Trade for US Customs’ Seattle field office.

Problems such as the e-manifest not matching the broker’s pre-filed entry, or truckers showing up before CBP has processed the advanced file still occur, says Klee, but thanks to educational enforcement, CBP personnel have been able to work with carriers and brokers to mitigate disruptions at ports with mandatory e-manifest filing such as Washington and select North Dakota.

Proactive enforcement has helped reduce disruptions for
truckers and brokers starting ACE e-manifests.

“In the months prior to mandatory implementation, the ports conducted outreach to carriers and trucker associations, issued trade information notices, and provided training on e-Manifest,” Klee comments in CBP’s latest newsletter. “Every truck that crossed through the ports received flyers about the mandatory implementation date. ACE ambassadors, client representatives, and headquarters account services staff participated in readiness activities such as refresher training for CBP officers, public meetings for trade associations, and training for local carriers.”

Those efforts resulted in an immediate boost in e-manifest filing rates, says Klee. In the two weeks prior to the Jan. 25 “mandatory date,” e-manifest
filing rates at the port of Pembina, jumped from 3-5 percent to 15-20 percent. On Jan. 25, rates rose to 60-65 percent. Simultaneously, Blaine and Sumas experienced similar upward gains.

“Many carriers were ready to file, but were waiting for the enforcement phase to begin,” Klee said. “In my opinion, the transition to mandatory filing was very smooth.”

Klee advises ports that are preparing to implement the policy to expect rates to rise exponentially on the first day of mandatory filing. Ports also should work with carriers who are attempting to file, and assist them as they adjust to e-manifest filing, he says.