LIVINGSTON CEO SAYS PRE-ARRIVAL CLEARANCE KEY FOR U.S./CANADA TRADE

LIVINGSTON CEO SAYS PRE-ARRIVAL CLEARANCE KEY FOR U.S./CANADA TRADE    Companies shipping goods across the U.S./Canada border    should use electronic pre-arrival programs to minimize delays, Peter Luit, chief executive officer of Livingston International, said Friday.
   'There are programs already available that more companies could be using,' Luit said.
   Shipments entering Canada from the United States can use the Pre-Arrival Review System that allows information to be released before goods arrive at the border. PARS was developed by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.
   'We are advising clients with Canada-bound shipments to take advantage of PARS and get us shipment information by any electronic means, including fax, in advance,' Luit said.
   Motor carriers entering the United States can apply for the Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS), a U.S. Customs program that lets approved drivers forward shipment documentation to the border in advance of their arrival, to speed release.
   'Both programs are fairly easy to set up and customs brokers are happy to help,' Luit said. Livingston International uses pre-arrival release for about 55 percent of shipments entering Canada. The percentage of U.S.-bound shipments is lower because PAPS is a fairly recent program, he added.
   In addition, Luit said importers and exporters should make sure their goods are shipped by reputable carriers.
   “At many places, a larger number off thorough inspections are taking place on a random basis. If Customs does not know the carrier, or has any doubts about the integrity of the carrier or driver, rigorous physical inspections are far more likely,” Luit said. “What's more, traders need to make sure shippers are providing a complete and accurate description of the goods they are carrying. Drivers are also advised to carry photo identification.”