Skip Navigation Links Please note: To view the design of this website, you need a browser that supports web standards. The content of this site is accessible (with no formatting) to most browsers. Upgrade to a Web standards compliant browser.

Air Cargo Report - Advance Electronic Cargo Information (Air AMS)

Customs and Border Protection has announced a phased implementation plan based on first airport of arrival. The first phase will involve the Eastern region with an effective date of August 13, 2004. The second phase for the Midwest region is effective October 13, 2004. And the last phase for the Western Region begins December 13, 2004.

Expeditors is an approved Air AMS provider for directly transmitting HAWB information for our consolidations and have successfully tested with CBP to ensure we are compliant prior to the announced implementation dates.

What are the Shipper's Responsibilities?

To screen cargo prior to arrival for potential security risks, CBP will be scrutinizing the data transmitted in much greater detail. Critical pieces of information received from the shipper will have to be of the following level of detail to be acceptable:

Shipper Information

  • The Shipper Name and Address must identify the foreign party initiating the shipment.
  • It must include the full company name and address and must be a foreign address.
  • The indication of freight forwarder, carrier, or consolidator as the shipper is not acceptable.

Consignee Information

  • The name and address of the Consignee to whom the cargo will be delivered is required. They do not need to be located in the arrival or destination port.

Quantity Shipped

  • The quantity documented by the shipper must be in the "smallest external packing unit" according to CBP. If the cargo is on pallets, the shipper must advise the respective carton count as well, i.e. 5 pallets containing 100 cartons.

Cargo Description

  • A precise cargo description sufficient for CBP to identify the commodity shipped must be supplied. A six-digit HTS number may be used but is not required. Vague or unclear cargo descriptions will increase potential holds and exams by CBP. Published on the CBP website is a list of unacceptable descriptions for reference.

Further information on the Trade Act of 2002 and Air AMS is available on the U.S. Customs & Border Protection website at www.cbp.gov.