Past few days CBP has been threatening our drivers with large fines regarding information on ACI manifests or is this an isolated issue (Regarding quantities/description of goods)? This is really becoming a joke... a Customs Supervisor this afternoon tells us an issue can be resolved by marking the piece count on the skids in with the description of goods (for example: 7 skids: 250 boxes of staples), and another officer tonight says that is not sufficient. Would love to find out if anyone else is having similar issues and maybe we can address with customs as a group of carriers? Either that or we will all be out of business with $10,000 fines per occurrence for this crap. What does the customs brokers entry associated with the PAPS have to do with the details of the goods? This is really starting to get ridiculous... Any discussion on this topic would be appreciated? Did I mention as well that when our ACE program was set up (well before ACE came into effect) it was approved in full compliance per CBP, this is only an issue that has come up for us in the last couple of days going into the U.S...
CBP US Customs --> Anyone being threatend with fines regarding ACE manifests??!!
- Thread starter GSTRUCKS
- Start date
30
We have never had that sort of problem. In fact, the ACE trainer we had years ago told us to use "1 truckload" in the quantity field whenever possible. We always use that for full truckloads and have never had a problem.
10
What Border? I havent had any problems, but I always try to match my count and description word for word with what the broker has on the paps (when i check the entry I look at "pieces"--depending on what kind of website the borker has).
1
I've had a problem at Great Falls, MT last year - twice. Was assessed a 1000 fine for failing to comply with: "the numbers and quantities for the cargo laden aboard the truck must be listed at the lowest external packaging unit" according to 19 CFR 123.92 (3)(D)(7). Both times I was able to plead the amount down, however, we did have to pay a fine.
I believe that the issue stems from one and/or more of the following:
1. The amount that is listed on customs documents vs what's on the manifest (they don't match)
2. How much free time/ how bored the customs officers at any given crossing are.
3. How much money they need to "raise" and given low traffic, they start to nit pick stuff that's ignored by other border crossings.
4. New customs officer, feels the need to "prove" oneself or something.
Anyway - try not to use 1 TL even if someone who trained you in the manifests told you to - when it comes to defending yourself when that fails, Customs will fall back on their regulation, all you'll have to to fall back on is "someone told me so"
The problem in our case was that the amount of bins being loaded was not determined prior to loading, and the driver loaded on friday/saturday night, crossing early morning. The ACE manifest was done prior to loading, and the lowest unit count that was known was, in fact a full trailer. Customs at the border inspected the trailer each time by opening it and counting the bins. So in our case, had waaaaay too much free time on their hands. Incidentally, both fines were levied by the same officer.
I believe that the issue stems from one and/or more of the following:
1. The amount that is listed on customs documents vs what's on the manifest (they don't match)
2. How much free time/ how bored the customs officers at any given crossing are.
3. How much money they need to "raise" and given low traffic, they start to nit pick stuff that's ignored by other border crossings.
4. New customs officer, feels the need to "prove" oneself or something.
Anyway - try not to use 1 TL even if someone who trained you in the manifests told you to - when it comes to defending yourself when that fails, Customs will fall back on their regulation, all you'll have to to fall back on is "someone told me so"
The problem in our case was that the amount of bins being loaded was not determined prior to loading, and the driver loaded on friday/saturday night, crossing early morning. The ACE manifest was done prior to loading, and the lowest unit count that was known was, in fact a full trailer. Customs at the border inspected the trailer each time by opening it and counting the bins. So in our case, had waaaaay too much free time on their hands. Incidentally, both fines were levied by the same officer.
20
Beware of Sweetgrass, MT. That guy has definitely been there for tooooo long. He also hates anything and anyone that is not true blue Americain. And I think he may be a confederate. One of our drivers arrived at this border and when the customs officer heard his very heavy french accent, he made him park and go inside to pass a 'written' test. Surprisingly (not), our driver failed the written test and was turned away from the border after being told that with reference to law 9.11 something, something... anyone who is entering the United States of America for the purpose of WORK (driving a truck) we are to speak PERFECT English... and we have to be able to write it also