In reality, businesses face different security threats, and even freight transportation is not an exception. Such a case explains why the US implanted an Automated Manifest System in 2004. The US Department of Customs and Border Protection controls the automated manifest system, and it applies to all freight shipped by water, road, rail, and air.
How Automated Manifest System (AMS) works
The AMS is a security measure that needs a shipment that passes or moves through the US to offer details regarding the contents of its cargo. In particular, before the shipment reaches the American border, one needs to offer cargo information for the US Customs Department to verify that transporters are transporting a legal freight. The AMS is computer-controlled and connected directly to the Customs department in the US to ease transmission. However, people who use AMS are charged a fee that a client or supplier can cover.
AMS customs checklist requirements
- Container seal number
- Hazardous material code
- The scheduled date the cargo will arrive at the port
- The loading port of the cargo
- The complete addresses and names of the consignee and shippers
- The precise description of the cargo, such as piece count and weight
- The number and name of the vessel, country of documentation, and voyage number
Consequences of non-compliance with AMS
Freight transportation firms need to always comply with AMS, but failure to comply can result in the following scenarios:
- Your transit process will be delayed
- You can face a monetary penalty
- The customs officials can seize your shipment to inspect it for threats
- Diplomatic issues can arise between nations
- Your schedule of the shipment will be effected, resulting in financial and other issues for shipping receivers and firms
How AMS saves time
- It can assist in maintaining your regular cargo transit schedule with accurate AMS data. Therefore, the cargo will not warrant examination, and port authorities will release it immediately
- The AMS does not need physical paperwork due to the computer-based processes, eliminating the need to organize and store physical documents. Therefore, customs authorities can easily identify threats
Although you might not love the strict rules associated with AMS, you should follow them if you want to import cargo into the US using any means of transportation.
