The development of this commercial trade processing system by CBP is intended to replace the current paper dependent, transaction oriented import system, the Automated Commercial System (ACS). Over the course of the year, CBP intends to deploy ACE to all land border ports-of-entry that process commercial traffic.
Brownline Trucking of Mount Vernon, Wash., was the first carrier to submit electronic truck manifests under the program. ABF Freight Systems, Inc. is the first major LTL carrier to be certified as an ACE program participant and has successfully completed the U.S.–Canada border crossing under ACE.
As part of its efforts to increase participation in the system prior to its becoming mandatory, CBP has eliminated the requirement that those who join have a Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) account. “This in no way indicates that the support of CBP management for the C-TPAT program as diminished,” says Jayson P. Ahern, assistant commissioner in the Office of Field Operations. “C-TPAT participants will continue to realize specific benefits such as reduced examinations. Removal of the C-TPAT requirement for participation in ACE is intended to increase the usage of ACE so as to further streamline the commercial importation process, which will benefit both the importing community and CBP.”
Jevon Jamieson, ABF’s administration and customs compliance manager, notes that, “Participation in ACE not only provides tangible benefits for ABF and our customers but also supports the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in facilitating legitimate trade and securing our nation’s borders.”
To learn how to establish an ACE account, e-mail CBP at [email protected].
