DHL, Flagship Customs Services Meet Deadline For Advanced Air Manifest Filing In Canada

SILVER SPRING, MD./TORONTO, CANADA -- February 27, 2006, DHL Danzas Air & Ocean, Flagship Customs Services Team Up to Successfully Implement Global ACI Air Solution.

DHL Danzas Air & Ocean (DHL), the logistics division of the DHL network, and Flagship Customs Services, Inc. (FCS), announced today that they have successfully launched a system in Canada to electronically transmit air import manifest data to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) prior to the aircraft’s arrival in the country.

The Canadian government set a December 12 deadline for compliance with its Air Carrier Interface (ACI) rules requiring all air import manifest information be electronically transmitted to CBSA in advance of the aircraft’s arrival, which are similar to existing directives governing the movement of air imports into the United States. The actions in Canada are designed to strike the proper balance between maintaining the rapid and efficient flow of commerce and fostering a secure environment for commerce to flourish.

Under the DHL/FCS system, customer data is transmitted directly to CBSA and bypasses the airlines’ automated systems. By removing this step from the process, DHL dramatically expedites the data transfer and the subsequent clearance of shipments into Canada, and maintains total control of the end-to-end information flow.

Since December 12, 2005, DHL has processed all transactions without any rejections or holds from CBSA. Approximately 130 global users have accessed the Flagship system to monitor their shipment status.

“DHL can transmit its required data elements to CBSA long before tendering the freight to the carriers, with an anticipated reply from Customs within 30-40 minutes after transmission,” said Sunil Menon, ACI Project Manager for DHL. “The program reinforces DHL’s commitment to investing in leading-edge technology to speed and streamline the import/export process for our customers. We are one of the few in the logistics community providing this direct transmission to CBSA and level of service to its customers.”

DHL already transmits ocean import data directly to customs authorities in the U.S. and Canada, and the program has been a great success in both countries. DHL currently routes U.S. air import data through the airlines, which then transmit the information to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. However, DHL is considering a transition to the “direct transmission” model during 2006.

To ensure successful on-time implementation, FCS and DHL created a joint project team that implemented a complete global solution. “The system now being used by DHL is available to any freight forwarder and air carrier as they move forward to comply with ACI for air shipments,” said Robert Foley, president of Flagship.

ABOUT FLAGSHIP CUSTOMS SERVICES
Flagship Customs Services (FCS) operates the largest certified U.S. Customs Service Center in North America. The company delivers electronic gateway service access to all the major North American Customs systems and related EDI Services, for wide range of enterprises, service providers and intermediaries. FCS has a proven track record of providing and maintaining electronic links of the highest quality to U.S. and Canadian Customs both as provider of software and services. Its products and services are proven in practice and include all the latest capabilities required and available from US and Canadian Customs. For more information about FCS, visit www.tradegate2000.com.

ABOUT DHL
At DHL, Customer Service is back in shipping. Our mission is to provide the most flexible, personable and enjoyable experience in the shipping industry for our customers.

With annual revenues over $32 billion in 2004, DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source.

DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport and logistics solutions, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. Over 170,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers’ expectations. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, DHL’s international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. For more information on DHL, please visit www.dhl.com.

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