LAREDO FORWARDERS, FCS SECURE MQ LINK TO CUSTOMS? AES SYSTEM

LAREDO FORWARDERS, FCS SECURE MQ LINK TO CUSTOMSÆ AES SYSTEM    Forwarders in Laredo, Texas said they have successfully converted their AES service center to link to U.S. Customs' Automated Export System using MQ technology.
   The Association of Laredo Forwarding Agents, which operates one of the largest service centers on the southern border, have chose Flagship Customs Services Inc.'s MQ*Customs VPN service to submit shipper export declarations to the U.S. Customs' AES system.
   The service will enable the association to reduce response time and ensure fully secured high-speed connection to AES for its members. The association said it submits thousands of shipments per month on behalf of its member companies.
   'U.S. Customs is encouraging companies to connect using the MQ technology as opposed to the current older and slower dial-up procedures. The association and its members were excited about the prospect, but the MQ software, equipment and dedicated line are very expensive,' said Francisco Marques, of the association. 'By using the FCS MQ*Customs VPN service we are able to quickly provide an affordable MQ solution for our members.'