Descartes Systems Group, a global on-demand software-as-a-service (SaaS) logistics solutions provider, has launched Multilingual ACE-for-Trucks, a new service to support emerging customs regulations and compliance standards in the United States and Mexico.
Descartes’ new and enhanced service is a value-added application of its Descartes’ Global Logistics Network (GLN) Customs Compliance Suite. The Descartes Global Logistics Network helps automate, manage and streamline the end-to-end shipment process, from source to consumer, with ongoing real-time visibility. Descartes’ compliance services help companies meet regulatory requirements for international shipments for both international customs agencies and security initiatives.
In May 2007, CBP announced that all trucks entering the U.S. would be required to electronically file a manifest with CBP prior to arrival at the border. The electronic manifest must include details of the cargo, the shipper and the recipient. CBP has mandated a similar e-Manifest initiative for filings to ACE for air and ocean shipments entering the U.S.
Descartes’ ACE-4-Trucks Service is a web-based application that allows truckers to electronically submit waybill and trip information directly to CBP in advance of arriving at the border. Detailed report updates and email e-alerts advise users of border crossing problems or manifest errors in real-time. This application also builds profile databases for the shipper, consignee, companies, driver and equipment data used on repeated shipments.
There are over 1,000 carriers using Descartes’ ACE-4-Trucks service to help them comply with CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) e-Manifest initiative, including three of the top four North American for-hire truck carriers. Now, with features such as an On-Demand Spanish or French Interface, users now have the option to enter customs e-Manifests and view and alternate between data entry screens in English, Spanish or French. Administrators can also determine preferences, create new users or add carrier codes in Spanish or French.
In addition to support for Spanish and French, the Descartes ACE-4-Trucks service includes a number of other enhancements, including:
Create Groups Automatically: Third party carriers can create their own groups to file their own manifests
Movement Type Default Option: In addition to ‘In Transit’, users will also have import as a default selection for manifests
Search Profiles by City or Postal Code: In addition to searching by shipper/consignee, searches can be narrowed by geography such as city or postal code
Equipment Alternate Reference Number: Carriers can utilize and search by their own internal identification numbers used in referencing trucks and trailers.
