The U.S. Census Bureau now requires a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) for each Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Island shipment having a declared value exceeding $2,500.00, unless otherwise exempt by Federal Regulations. Per this regulation change, a separate SED must be filed for each shipment, with the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) named and identified by an Employer Identification Number. It is consequently the duty of the USPPI, normally the shipper, to ensure the proper preparation of the SED. It is the duty of the carrier to report the filing status of each shipment to the U.S. Census Bureau. Further, it is the carrier's obligation to only move and deliver cargo for which the carrier can confirm appropriate filing. You may referred to copies of the FTSR Letters 168, 170 and 173 which further describe these new changes at www.census.gov. You may also obtain additional information on this regulation and research other exemptions at the U.S. Census Bureau website at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www/.

It is the goal of the U.S. Census Bureau to have 100% automated reporting through the Automated Export System (AES), and consequently at this juncture, conversion to the automated process is being strongly encouraged. The U.S. Census Bureau's Automated Export System (AES) is now available as a free, Internet-based filing system, and shippers who are not already filing through AES may quickly receive certification at www.AESDirect.gov. Please note Option 4 Certification is available that offers exporters up to 14 days after departure to complete filing. An Internet link to this site is also available at ABF's website, www.abf.com. Simply visit our eCenter ® Tools section, and under "Forms and ABF Doc's", access the Automated Export System, obtain a copy of Shipper's Export Declaration Form 7525v, or link to the Schedule B Search Facility.

In order for ABF to fulfill its obligations and to assist the shippers in compliance with the regulations, the following options and procedures, effective May 1, 2001, have been established regarding the proper preparation of a bill of lading:

1. If the shipper electronically files the SED, the shipper must note the Declared Value and one of the following statements on the face of the bill of lading…

   Sample BOL Statements

   NDR AES (XTN) ___________-______________ (No paper declaration required, shipper supplies AES XTN number)

   NDR AES (ITN) ____________ (No paper declaration required, shipper supplies ITN number)

   NDR AES4 (I.D.)______________ (No paper declaration required, shipper is AES4-certified and supplies filer's EIN, DUNS, or social security number)

2. If the shipment meets exemption criteria, the shipper may declare the shipment exempt under the Federal Regulations found at www.census.gov. The shipper must note the Declared Value and one of the following statements on the face of the bill of lading…

   Sample BOL Statements

   NDR Value L/T $2,500.00
   NDR Gift
   NDR Government Agency
   NDR Household Goods
   NDR Military
   NDR _______________________ (No declaration required with other exemption reason indicated per regulations.)

3. The shipper may authorize ABF to file the SED on their behalf. For a nominal filing fee, ABF will electronically file the shipment information through AES, provided the appropriate detailed information has been forwarded to us. The authorization must be in place prior to tendering of a shipment. The shipper must still note the Declared Value and one of the following statements on the face of the bill of lading…

   Sample BOL Statement
   Carrier to file SED
   Carrier to file SED AES4

4. The shipper, at the time of shipment tender, may provide ABF with an SED Form 7525v, with Block 29 signed, granting ABF filing authorization. As mentioned previously, this form can be printed from the ABF website. The shipper must complete the required information and submit it as an attachment to the bill of lading. For a nominal fee, ABF will electronically file this information through AES. The shipper must note the Declared Value and the following statement on the face of the bill of lading…

   Sample BOL Statement
   SED Form 7525v Block 29 Signed

5. The shipper may provide ABF with an Original SED Form 7525v (Yellow Paper) for ABF's forwarding to the Census Department. While this option is discouraged by the Census Bureau, ABF is positioned to offer a filing service, but at a significant charge as follows…

   Sample BOL Statement
   SED Form 7525v Original

ABF has developed a reliable system to ensure a seamless conversion and compliance with these governmental changes. While we highly recommend that you file your Shipper's Export Information direct with AES (Option 4), ABF is positioned to provide filing services for you at a reasonable rate.

Should you have questions concerning written authorization forms for filing purposes, you may direct them to your local Account Manager. An ABF Specialist will be pleased to answer any specific questions regarding electronic filing via AES or preparing bills of lading for movement to or from Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands at the (888) 241-5211 toll-free number.

*Fees will apply in accordance with Item 882, ABF 301 series.