INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Feb. 7, 2005) — Indianapolis-based Celadon Trucking Services and its Canadian subsidiary, Celadon Canada, have been named as the first full truckload carriers to be fully certified participants in the Automated Commercial Environment system created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The announcement was made by Executive Director Lou Samenfink of the Customs Modernization Office at meetings in Los Angeles.

The streamlined release systems protocol, mandated by the Trade Act in 2002, involved pre-selected truck carriers to open Truck Carrier Accounts in order to transmit electronic manifest data and obtain release of their cargo, crew, conveyances, and equipment via the ACE Portal or electronic data interchange (EDI) messaging.

In order to participate in ACE, all cargo entering or leaving the U.S. by air, rail, sea, or truck must have electronic manifests submitted in advance of reaching the border.

“Safety, technology, service and security are the cornerstones of our company,” said Celadon Group Chairman and CEO Steve Russell. “We take our responsibility in regards to border security very seriously and will always welcome the opportunity to help pioneer programs that make our country more secure.”

Last week CBP announced the elimination of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) requirement to establish an account or participate in any ACE tests. The move, effective immediately, is intended to increase the usage of ACE.

A pilot of the system is currently being tested at the Surrey, B.C.-Blaine, Wash. border crossing.