AKRON, Ohio — Looking to expand service to Mexico — and to make the most of Web-based customer services — Roadway Express will offer a new electronic customs declaration service for shippers exporting freight into Mexico.

The system, developed in co-operation with the U.S. Customs Service in Washington, D.C., and the Association of Laredo Forwarding Agents in Laredo, Tex., allows Roadway customers to submit export documents electronically and have them evaluated prior to departure. U.S. Customs officials then respond with an electronic confirmation to release merchandise for export.

Roadway will post shipment status information to its QUIKTRAK service at its Web site.

The system is designed to tell shippers when the shipment is actually cleared and crossing the border, to provide a single contact for shipment information, and to reduce the possibility of delay at the border.