Danzas makes a direct connect

Danzas, a large international forwarder and a subsidiary of Deutsche Post World Net, says it has forged a direct two-way link with the U.S. Customs Service for the automated filing of ocean manifest data 24 hours before goods are placed aboard vessels bound for U.S. ports. The direct interface allows Danmar Lines, Danzas' non-vessel operating common carrier, to comply with U.S. Customs' "24-hour rule." Danmar had transmitted manifest data to its steamship line partners, which in turn used U.S. Customs' Automated Manifest System (AMS) to relay the manifest information to the agency.

The direct interface between Danmar and U.S. Customs will benefit Danzas' customers in two key areas, according to Philipp C. Rathgeb, vice president, ocean freight, North America. "On one end, we have complete control of the transmission process. On the other, messages from U.S. Customs are now relayed directly into our systems."

Customs has the authority to issue "no-load" orders to a carrier if a shipment listed on the vessel manifest does not meet strict compliance standards. A "no-load" order effectively blocks the shipment's transit until compliance is achieved. Customs also has the power to impose monetary penalties for any shipment deemed to be in non-compliance.