Transplace, a leading provider of transportation management services and logistics technology, has announced enhancements to its Customs Portal to help shippers more efficiently and accurately manage the U.S.-Mexico customs process. The proprietary system automates and standardizes the interaction between shippers, importers and customs, improving communication, increasing visibility and reducing mistakes when transporting goods across the U.S.-Mexico border. “Compliance with customs laws, rules and regulations is critical when transporting goods to and from Mexico, but it is often a complex, time-consuming process that can have a significant impact on the supply chain,” said Jose Minarro, ‎customs brokerage director for Transplace. “Using the Customs Portal, importers can interact with the shipper, broker, and multiple departments within their own organization through a single platform, enabling easier communication and visibility and ensuring the integrity of all data transmitted to Mexican Customs.” The Customs Portal has multi-modal capability to clear air, ocean or land shipments through multiple ports of entry. The system comprehends inbound shipments at a Purchase Order (PO) or Advance Shipping Notice (ASN) level, automating the data input of each product line and eliminating the need for manual data entry. The system also features a centralized parts database for multi-port operations, allowing importers to add technical and use specifications for each part number. “Due to the required documentation and the number of parties involved when importing and exporting goods from Mexico, we would spend a significant amount of time filling out and submitting paperwork then following up with shippers, brokers and customs officials to make sure things went smoothly,” said Rafael Urbina, logistics manager, Superior Essex. “Transplace’s Customs Portal gives us the solution needed to streamline the process and improve visibility and communication within our own organization as well as with our shipper and broker partners.” The system’s Electronic Filing Record System stores Pedimento and related documents used for entry declaration for five years, which are available to customers in case of internal or external audits. The enhanced system also provides tactical and strategic operations and finance reporting, including shipments in process, cleared shipments, key performance indicators by mode of transportation, customs fees, brokerage charges, duties/taxes paid and more. All of the reports contain multiple filters that allow the user pinpointed access to specific shipment or part number details if needed.