Trade Tech, Inc. Offers Full-Service ISF Solution to Help Shippers Avoid Penalties
BELLEVUE, Washington – Trade Tech, an integrated global application service provider for the transportation and logistics industry, has created a full-service Importer Security Filing (ISF) solution designed specifically for shippers and Customs House Brokers to solve all challenges associated with the time-sensitive data reporting regulations enacted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s 10+2 Rule.
“There is now 100% compliance required for all imported cargo with a fine up to $5000 for each violation, so it’s more important than ever for shippers to have a solution in place,” said Bryn Heimbeck, Trade Tech’s CEO.
Trade Tech provides multiple services for ISF filings incorporated through the Automated Manifest System (AMS) portion of its integrated solution as a stand alone or full service application. By leveraging its global office structure and its offshore data input centers, Trade Tech’s ISF solution takes advantage of the strength and robustness of its software products and its overseas presence to ensure that exporters (the key to timely reporting of 10+2 data) can be reached when needed to ensure timely compliance with the new regulations.
Customers have full access to all ISF input and can review or add additional information to the ISF in the event that the shipper is unable to provide critical data such as the HTS number or bond number. “What we've created is the only ‘full service’ ISF compliance product available on the market today,” said Heimbeck. “We are not talking about just a software package, but a vehicle for solving all 10+2 issues by communicating directly with shippers at their locations during their workday.”
One such customer is JAS Forwarding (USA), Inc. “Trade Tech saves us a great deal of time in our ISF filings,” said Laurie Arnold, regulatory compliance officer for JAS Forwarding (USA), Inc. “We used another application previously and at that time we were not able to see or enter the AMS information, so we continually had to resend corrected information to try and obtain the match which caused a lot of additional work on our part. With Trade Tech’s solution, our US-based users enter the project filing for the ISF and attach an ISF template. Trade Tech then inputs the ISF filing and we receive back confirmation and the CBP result. It is an easy solution for JAS and it helps us to see the AMS filing and be able to match the ISF to the AMS giving us the results we are looking for which is an AMS-ISF match. This saves time for us as we don’t have to ‘chase’ down the AMS information from the steamship lines.”
According to Heimbeck, the ISF regulations have created specific new challenges for Customs House Brokers and other parties responsible for the ISF filings:
1) Brokers need to provide an ISF solution for their importers in order to stay competitive.
2) Brokers who are not able to do so will be at risk of losing their customers to a broker with an effective ISF solution.
3) In order to provide an ISF solution that allows for timely filing of all data elements required by 10+2, brokers must work directly with shippers, who are located on another continent and in a different time zone. Regional proximity to the shipper is essential for brokers to remain competitive in this new environment.
“To create an effective 10+2 solution for brokers, there are three major issues that have to be addressed: direct contact with the shipper, the timing of data filing requirements, and the need for a feedback loop in order to deal with any hold messages issued by U.S. Customs in response to the data filing, which are all covered by our full-service 10+2 solution,” noted Heimbeck.
“A delay in receiving 10+2 data from the shipper will result in the broker having to contact the shipper in their language during their workday in order to avoid costly hold orders caused by delays in filing 10+2 data in the allowable time frame,” said Heimbeck.
Timing of data filing needs:
Ten data elements must be filed with U.S. Customs 24 hours before the cargo loads on board the vessel. This creates a challenge because of the time zone difference between the United States and foreign ports. “The presence of a local back office at the foreign port will greatly reduce the amount of time a U.S.-based broker has to spend ensuring all ISF data is filed in time for the 24-hour cutoff before sailing,” said Heimbeck, “while still allowing them the capacity to review and add data, which is solely within their domain expertise.”
Heimbeck says the combination of Trade Tech’s international office structure, with overseas offices in Asia and Europe, and its data input and operations centers, allow customs brokers to fully leverage Trade Tech’s technology in servicing their customers’ origin-oriented needs in order to comply with 10+2.
About Trade Tech:
Trade Tech is an integrated global application service provider for the transportation and logistics industry and is owned and operated by industry professionals. It also is an ERP for the freight-forwarding and NVOCC community, licensing and delivering applications in eight key areas, including:
- Cost optimization / pricing
- Transportation management
- Rate management
- Supply chain / purchase order management and visibility (tracking and tracing)
- Sales / operations
- Accounting
- AMS/ACI and security related to ocean and air transportation, including all Cargo Security Filing requirements, including Smart Border
- 10+2 Rule Solution Provider
Founded in 1997, Trade Tech’s applications link shippers, importers, Customs House Brokers, consignees, NVOCCs, carriers, truckers, warehouses and forwarders, providing visibility of the movement of goods throughout the supply chain. Trade Tech clients enjoy access to the latest applications and data anywhere in the world every time they log on to the Trade Tech network – without any software downloads.