Beginning November 1, 2012 the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will require all road and rail carriers to submit electronic transmission of cargo information before freight reaches the border. R+L Carriers is working to update our e-communication process with our patented in-cab scanning devices to achieve compliance well ahead of the scheduled November 1, 2012 deadline.
What are the new requirements?
The new CBSA requirements are part of the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program. This program enables the CBSA to quickly obtain comprehensive information regarding shipments moving across the border, to protect the health, safety and security of Canadian citizens while facilitating the movement of low-risk shipments.
eManifest is the third phase of ACI and affects carriers for all highway and rail shipments. Phase 1, implemented in 2004, dealt with marine carriers, while Phase 2, implemented in 2006, affected air and freight forwarders. The information submitted is based partially on the shipper’s documents – such as complete descriptions of the shipments. Additional information submitted will include dispatch-related facts such as the identity of the trucks, trailers and tractors that will carry shipments across the border, the time the cargo will reach the border, etc. Canada Customs must validate and approve the shipments for entry into Canada. This information is in addition to the current PARS clearance process that supports Northbound shipments moving into Canada today.
What do you need to do differently?
Nothing. You will simply continue to provide customs documentation at the time of pick up or send them directly to your broker.
How is the R+L Carriers/Day & Ross Partnership preparing for this?
Both R+L Carriers Tracking and Day & Ross’ Information Technology Teams are updating our systems to accommodate the additional requirements for compliance with the new eManifest regulations. Testing is in progress and as outlined above R+L and Day & Ross will be fully compliant well in advance of the CBSA scheduled November 1, 2012 effective date.