TRACS®
Your Interface to CBP's Automated Manifest System
TRACS is a community based cargo manifesting and release system certified on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Automated Manifest System (AMS) since 1989. Its purpose is to facilitate and streamline cargo processing through the Delaware River port and has since expanded to many other ports. Since TRACS is first and foremost a manifest system, the primary beneficiaries are steamship lines and agents. Manifest data and cargo status are then made available to brokers, terminal operators, trucking companies, and warehouses, as dictated by the data owners.
TRACS transmits ocean vessel manifest data to Customs electronically and receives cargo status (hold, do not load, release, examination, etc.) messages in as many as five days in advance of vessel arrival. This information is then disseminated to those trading partners throughout the community on a right-to-know basis. Sharing this data electronically both facilitates imported cargo flow and saves time and money by eliminating redundant data entry.News\Updates
- 05/17/11 CBP Vessel Registration Form
- 01/12/10 Stow Plan Released
TRACS Features
- Send Transmission Capabilities
- Manifest Transmissions
- VOC/Agent/NVOCC Notifications
- Terminal Discharge Notifications
- AMS In-Bond (Conventional)
- In-Bond Arrival Function
- Freight Releases
- Manifest Amendments
- Paperless Master In-Bond
- Permit To Transfer
- Secondary Notify Party
- Vessel Arrival/Departure Function
- Importer Security Filings (ISF 5)
- Stow Plan Submissions
- Receive Transmission Capabilities
- Customs Status Notifications
- Manifest and In-Bond Downloads
- Other Government Agencies Interface
- Second Notify Party Status Notifications
- TRACS Benefits
- TRACS enables timely manifest transmissions for compliance with all CBP reporting requirements including the 24 hour rule and 10+2.
- TRACS speeds up the clearance of imported goods.
- TRACS technology improves the competitiveness of the port region – and of the businesses which utilize it – and will help attract new customers and cargoes.
- TRACS replaces cumbersome and unnecessary document handling in international trade with electronic communications and computer technologies.
- TRACS eliminates unnecessary paperwork and telephone calls, reduces the need for courier service, minimizes the occurrence of data entry errors while helping to improve overall customer service levels.
- TRACS includes a Shipper, Consignee, Notify Party database to store company contact and address information.
- TRACS includes on-line help.
- TRACS can serve as a centralized system for all U.S. AMS transactions.
- TRACS is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How Do I Get Started With TRACS?
Getting started with TRACS to process your manifest information is an easy process. You will need to download a few forms for processing. The following steps will help you through the process:
- Obtain and Process Necessary Forms and Documentation
- Sample Letter of Intent (pdf) (word doc) – Customize the letter with your company’s information, mail the original to CBP headquarters, fax it to Philadelphia CBP and the Maritime Exchange. CBP and the Exchange will use this letter to establish your company profile and setup your SCAC code for use in AMS.
- Maritime On-line Service Request Form (pdf) – Complete and return this form to the Maritime Exchange by mail or fax (see contact information above). We will use this document to establish your company and employee profiles.
- TRACS File Transfer Specification: Follow this text file specification to generate manifest files from your system compatible for electronic upload to TRACS (or you can key your manifest on-line). It includes the changes needed to accommodate the additional Security Filing carrier requirements.
- TRACS Status Notification Specification – Status notifications can be viewed directly on the TRACS system and are available as an automated download. Follow this format to import manifest status notifications into your own system from TRACS.
- TRACS Critical Status Messages (CBP Disposition Codes) - To receive TRACS Critical CBP Status Notifications, choose the disposition codes your company wants to receive via email and alert the Maritime Exchange Operations Department of your choices.
- CBP requests Operating Carriers to complete a vessel registration form to insure CBP has an accurate account of the vessel information in AMS.
- CBP has requested updates on all carriers as to the status of Container Status Messages (CSMs) and stow plans. Please fill out the Excel spreadsheet and email to mfink@maritimedelriv.com.
- Processing
After the Exchange and CBP receive the necessary forms outlined above:
- CBP will authorize and setup your company SCAC information in AMS.
- The Exchange will create a company profile within TRACS and work with CBP to finalize all necessary administrative steps for your company to transmit manifest data to AMS.
- Training
We will train you on all aspects of the TRACS system, including manifest input and upload procedures, reports, and system queries. Once you have completed training, you are ready to begin processing manifest information through TRACS.
This Project was financed (in part) by a grant from the Commonwealth of PA, Department of Community and Economic Development
