Truckers carrying cargo into the United States must send officials an electronic manifest one hour before they arrive at the border unless they are registered with the Free And Secure Trade (FAST) program which allows 30 minutes notice. Outgoing trucks must give one hour’s notice, according to final rules announced yesterday by the Department of Homeland Security.
This regulation, which has been under public discussion for several months, becomes effective December 5.
Industry officials expressed concern that the procedure could cause delays for plant’s just-in-time production schedules if truck shipments are delayed while waiting for clearance before they leave their depot. Some orders between Canada and the U.S. automotive parts factories, for example, are placed less than an hour before the supplies are needed.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection will process advance cargo information into an automated targeting system linked to various law enforcement and commercial databases. This initial step will help them to identify shipments that pose a potential risk. Shippers that don’t comply with the electronic manifest rule could be fined or their cargo refused entry.
Air, rail and maritime cargo are subject to similar rules:
Inbound:
Air & Courier - 4 hours prior to arrival in U.S., or "wheels up" from certain nearby areas.
Rail - 2 hours prior to arrival at a U.S. port of entry.
Vessel - 24 hours prior to lading at foreign port.
Outbound:
Air & Courier - 2 hours prior to scheduled departure from the U.S.
Rail - 2 hours prior to the arrival of the train at the border.
Vessel - 24 hours prior to departure from U.S. port where cargo is laden.
