ATTENTION ALL CARRIERS - Carrier Memo July 2009
With the implementation of ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) the PAPS sticker has become just about obsolete. In both cases, the identification of a carrier is through their SCAC code. A SCAC code is issued by the National Motor Freight Traffic Associations Inc. via the CBP SCAC Processing, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection out of Springfield, Virginia. This is/was a code displayed on your PAPS sticker when they were being used by applying them to a US Customs Manifest and being faxed to the Customs Brokers for pre-notification of arrival.
Let's give you a heads up if you have not made arrangements to use the ACE environment. This is a link to acquire an account with US Customs directly.
Should you choose to use an outside service, which there are many, it may be an easier process for you to do so. Lakeside Logistics has developed a partnership with one such service and can help you get started.
Reasons for using a service would be, let's say your computer is down; you can fax your service and they would do the notification for you and fax back your confirmation to go.
YOU WILL NOT ATTACH A PAPS STICKER TO AN ELECTRONIC ENTRY OR IT WILL BE A DOUBLE ENTRY. THIS WOULD CAUSE CUSTOMS TO THINK YOU HAD TWO LOADS AND THEY WOULD ISSUE YOU A PENALTY FOR NOT DELIVERING ONE OF THEM, WHEN YOU ACTUALLY DID VIA THE ELECTRONIC ENTRY.
Although the entry has been made with either your provider or directly with US Customs through the ACE portal, the documentation must still be faxed to the Customs Broker. Prior to proceeding to the border, make sure you have an acceptance release number. This number will be if you've filed electronically available on your confirmation sheet printed off the ACE site or you can contact the Customs Broker and request a release number.
Do not proceed to the border without confirmation your load has been accepted from either ACE or the Customs Broker.
The universal recognized number you are requesting is referred to as the SCN or the Shipment Control Number. So, ask for the SCN RELEASE NUMBER if contacting the Customs Broker.
Carrier Code
A Carrier Code appears on their PARS bar coded label and is placed on a Canadian Manifest. The PARS notification system will ultimately be handled in the same manner as the PAPS ACE program but for now PARS notifications are being faxed to the Customs Broker one hour in advance of arrival to the border. Like the ACE notification, contact the Customs Broker before you reach the border and ensure that is has been accepted or again, you will be turned back into the United States.
This is Paramount's PARS sticker and our Carrier Code is 5608.
A lengthy list of acronyms is available in the Acronyms section but here are the ones you hear most and what they mean.
| ABI |
Automated Broker Interface |
| ACE |
Automated Commercial Environment |
| CBP |
Customs Border Protection |
| CSA |
Customs Self Assessment |
| C-TPAT |
Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism |
| EDI |
Electronic Data Interface |
| FAST |
Free and Secure Trade |
| FDA |
Food and Drug Administration |
| PAPS |
Pre Arrival Processing System |
| PARS |
Pre Arrival Review System |
| PIP |
Partners In Protection |
| PN |
Prior Notification |
FAST – Free and Secure Trade
FAST is a process in which the Carrier enters into an agreement with US and Canadian Customs to strengthen the Carrier's ability to deter illegal access to and use of its conveyances, their associated equipment, and company facilities by those engaged in illegal activities. There is a transponder issued to the serial number in each truck. It is adhered to the front windshield of the tractor. When the truck arrives, that truck and ultimately the Carrier of record are identified. There is no web site you can go to in order to verify a carrier's FAST status.
FAST drivers go through an application process accompanied by an interview at US Customs. If they pass these two steps, their photograph is taken and applied to a bar coded identification card.
FAST shippers enter into a Security Agreement with US Customs in the C-TPAT process. For a shipper, C-TPAT is their FAST recognition.
In order for a load to qualify as FAST and use the FAST lane at the border, all three of these steps must be in place. If a driver does not have a current FAST card, he/she can not move a FAST load. On an LTL truck, ALL shipments must be FAST.
CSA
CSA is exactly the same process as FAST but applies to northbound shipments with Canadian Customs. They are two Customs bodies that work interactively. PIP is the Canadian Security Partnership Agreement with Canada Customs. The web site to verify a carrier's CSA status is http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/csa-pad/car-trans-eng.html
PENALTIES assessed for failing to submit appropriate cargo information prior to arrival at the border range from $5,000.00 to $10,000.00 for repeat offenders.
If the truck goes to the WRONG BORDER CROSSING after sending pre-notification, a Customs Officer will be allowed to change the port of entry electronically if certain conditions apply. This change in port of entry would only apply to PAPS loads and not electronically filed manifests (ACE).
ACE or the Automated Commercial Environment in which Customs accepts manifests electronically. This is called an E-manifest. Carriers can get into a link on the internet, enter the standard information they would write on a hard copy and forward it to the Customs Broker by entering the Customs Broker's name and Port of entry code. ACE has been in place in Blaine, Washington since December of 2004. This was Customs trial border and it appears to be working well. There are now 24 border crossings coming east of Blaine using E-manifests/ACE portal. Detroit and Port Huron will be up and running by the end of October 2005. Customs will give the Broker a clearance number as acceptance of the advance notice for the driver to take with him to the border. If a clearance number is not obtained, Customs has not accepted the advance notice and the driver must contact the Broker to ensure that they have received the E-manifest. We are checking regularly for information on the release of this service at other ports. This will be the future of the border eliminating PAPS and PARS.
On September 16, 2005 the CBP started enforcing the WOOD PACKAGING (PALLETS/CRATES) STANDARDS in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Approximately 90 countries adopted new guidelines for wood packaging material that might be infested with dangerous wood-eating insects. All wood packaging must be treated and marked with the International Plant Protection Convention Logo and the appropriate country code designating the location of treatment.
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