Easy Manifest, provider of a scalable, web-based service designed to make it easier for carriers to prepare and submit error-free eManifests to American and Canadian customs agencies, is the newest PeopleNet integration partner, according to a release from PeopleNet, a part of Trimble’s international Transportation and Logistics division, today.
“In keeping with our mission to expedite workflow, to make compliance easier and help our users optimize revenue miles driven, we’ve partnered with Easy Manifest,” said Rick Ochsendorf, PeopleNet executive vice president of operations. “Downtime at the border impairs driver productivity. Easy Manifest takes care of approval by customs agencies ahead of the driver’s arrival, so drivers know they can basically sail through the cross process.”
The system works by enabling drivers or dispatchers to submit manifests for review ahead of arriving at a border crossing. At least one hour prior to crossing the border, the eManifest is submitted electronically to the respective border agency, either the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) if entering Canada and Custom and Border Protection (CBP) if entering the United States.
The agency automatically runs the information through several filters to ensure the truck and its load can legally cross the border. If any flags are raised during this automated process, the eManifest is either rejected immediately or sent for a manual review. The system helps prevent rejection by ensuring the data entered is valid. If it is accepted, the carrier is free to proceed to the border. If the eManifest is rejected, the carrier’s representative makes changes and resubmits it prior to arrival at the border.
“Easy Manifest helps take the guesswork out of eManifests and crossing the border,” explained Nathan Davie, Easy Manifest president and CEO. “We have really simplified the process. [Automated messaging helps give the driver advance notification concerning the manifest review process.] These messages include acceptance and rejection, ‘Entry on File’ or ‘Entry not on File’, which tells the driver that all required documents are on file and they can proceed to the border. This saves them from having to wait at truck stops for faxes from brokers and other unnecessary but common delays, such as arriving at the border without proper paperwork."
