NP-8
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| Blaine, WA Border Facility |
Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS)
Contact: Mark MacVittie
U.S. Customs Service
Port of Buffalo
(716) 881-4447
mark.l.macvittie@customs.treas.gov
Brief Description of the Noteworthy Practice or Policy:
The Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) is a simple carrier driven process, whereby the carrier develops a unique barcode using their Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) and a progressive number. The driver affixes this barcode to the invoice and corresponding manifest line while still in Canada, faxes the invoice to the U.S. Broker and proceeds to the U.S. The Broker enters the selectivity information and unique SCAC PRO combination into ACS in advance of the truck arrival. When the driver arrives at the U.S. Customs Primary line the Inspector wands the barcode and access the selectivity information. The primary Inspector can then make an exam or release determination based on the ACS selectivity results.
Location Where Practice or Policy is Employed:
Port of Buffalo/Niagara Falls N.Y. - Note, this may also be employed in Detroit &Port Huron, MI, Champlain & Alexandria Bay, N.Y. and Blaine, WA.
Location and Type(s) of Projects Where This Practice/Policy is Most Applicable/Effective:
Land Border Cargo Processing Locations
Reason(s) for Adopting the Noteworthy Practice/Policy:
To reduce unnecessary truck congestion in the U.S. Plaza, decrease wait times for prepared drivers and reduce Inspectors clerical tasks.
Biggest Benefit(s) Being Realized From This Noteworthy Practice/Policy:
Because the Pre Arrival Processing System is a carrier driven process, there are many benefits. Some of those benefits include the ability to target carriers and establishing the communication infrastructure among trading chains to prepare them for automated processing. Trucking companies participating in this program have drivers who know who their brokers, shippers, product and consignees, they are less likely to show up unprepared or have a shipment detained/returned for lack of correct information. We can release more trucks at the primary inspection booth rather than referring them to the warehouse simply for paper processing.
Categories Where This Noteworthy Practice/Policy Applies:
- Interagency Coordination
- Information Management
- Congestion and Traffic Management
- Process Improvements
- ITS and Innovative Technology
- Public Relations, Education and Outreach (General Public, Drivers, Shippers, Brokers, Commuters, etc.)
