CSCB and ViaSafe announce E-business partnership for brokers and carriers

The Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB) and ViaSafe have announced a partnership to jointly implement TRADEGATE, an e-business initiative that aims to improve the flow of data and documents between carriers and customs brokers for cross border shipments and provide Customs officers with the information that they need before shipments arrive at the border.

ViaSafe’s E-cargo services, which include TRADEGATE, focus on facilitating the exchange of documentation and data between shippers, carriers, customs brokers/importers and CCRA. TRADEGATE automatically routes electronic pro-bills and invoice images to the broker. The E-cargo service also enables carriers to send pre-arrival electronic cargo and conveyance data to CCRA keeping a complete auditable electronic file of all documentation sent to CCRA and brokers.

“Canada Customs is demanding more comprehensive pre-arrival electronic data from both customs brokers and carriers. The TRADEGATE project will enable brokers to prepare and submit their Customs declarations in advance, ensuring that the release process is streamlined and trucks will not be delayed at the border. It is a win-win project for both carriers and brokers,” says Carol West, President of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers.

Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) programs like Advance Commercial Information (ACI) require both carrier and broker to supply more extensive pre-arrival electronic data. These initiatives are part of CCRA’s goal of obtaining increased border security and improving the movement of freight across the U.S-Canada border.

“We have been working with the CSCB and their members for four years providing connectivity to Canada Customs, DFAIT and Stats Can. Our day to day relationship with brokers and government means ViaSafe has the relationships and expertise to facilitate this co-operative effort,” says Oryst Dydynsky, President of ViaSafe’s International Trade Division.

The TRADEGATE service will be widely available in the fall. Participating carriers so far include highway transporters Hercules Forwarding and Challenger Motor Freight, a major marine carrier and a major courier company. Customs Broker participants include PBB Global Logistics, Russell A. Farrow Limited, GHY International and B.W. Customs Consultants Limited.