If your trucks cross through any of the ports mandatory for e-Manifest on January 25th, the answer is simple: If you don’t start now, you’re not going to be ready. It’s not just about learning how to use a website, it’s about gathering all of the necessary information and redefining your business processes. The experience of our e-Manifest clients has proven consistent; getting your e-ducks in an e-row takes more time and effort than you think.

How so?

Well, there is a large amount of data to organize. First, you need to have all of your fleet documented - including your truck IDs, VINs, and plate numbers; as well as your trailer IDs and plate numbers. Second, you need information from your drivers - some of which you’ve likely never requested of them before. This has been the greatest challenge to date for many carriers. [Here’s a good format for getting info from your drivers: driver form (PDF)]

Finally, as far as business processes, your drivers may be making small revisions to your manifest and Customs documents at the border. Those revisions will likely need to be done before an e-Manifest can be finalized.

What about me?

If you don’t cross through any of the January-mandated ports, we still recommend that you begin to implement a plan - organize your information and talk with your drivers about your processes. While e-Manifest will likely change a bit before you see it, learn from the scrambling e-Pioneers and do your homework early. Here’s a great tool to organize your information (notice the three separate tabs at the bottom of the sheet for trucks, trailers, and drivers): Truck, Trailer, Driver Easy-setup Spreadsheet