GENERAL Frequently Asked Questions by Product:

Forwarder Pro

What is SITA?  After purchase of TPro you have the option to participate with SITA Integration. We will automatically query the member Airlines by MAWB Number and return Status messages. They will be display on the Active Shipments Screen.
What is Container Status? After purchase of TPro you have the option to participate with eModal Container Tracking. eModal allows automatic queries to be sent from TPro. Supported container yards in the US return real-time container messages such as; RELEASED, ON HOLD, CUSTOMS CLEARED, OUT THE GATE etc...
What is an Active Shipment? Shipments are displayed on the Active Shipment list if the confirmed arrival date is blank or filled in and, is less than seven days old. Two Week and One Month Active shipments are derived by clicking on the Two Week or One Month Buttons.
What is Add/Edit Shipment? Importers and Exporters can enter or Electronically transfer shipment information to or on the web using the Add/Edit Shipment module.
What is Tracking? Importers, Exporters, CHB's, Consignees, Ultimate Consignee's, Shippers, Suppliers and Truckers can view Shipments where they are a party to the transaction. Tracking records are archived on-line for a period on one year from the date of the transaction. Purchase Orders, SKU Numbers, Item Style and many PO Line Item and Shipment data elements can be searched for in Air, Ocean or Both subsystems.
What is a Party? A Party is a company defined in the Company table using administration.
What is a Role? A role is a type of company defined in the company record such as Trucker, Shipper, Consignee, Import Forwarder, Notify Party, Export Forwarder, Customs House Broker, Carrier and Supplier. Depending on the Role(s) defined for a company TPro adjusts the security and visibility policies.
What is Partner Connect? A company defined as an Export forwarder can use Partner Connect to deliver Shipment and Commercial Invoice Information to a US Imported enabled to receive partner connect messages. The billing for Partner Connect messages is paid for by the US Import Forwarder. US Customs broker.
What is Booking? A sub-system within TPro that allows collaboration in the booking process between Import Forwarder, Export Forwarder and Consignee/Buyer.
How do PO's get into TPro? Purchase Orders are received electronically via EDI, MS-Excel or Fixed length Flat Files. PO become listed in the PO Sub-system by Consignee Required ETA Date.
Who Sends PO's? Buyers send PO's.
What is an Upload? An Upload is a process where data from one system is delivered to Tpro for display and collaboration on the Web. Export Shipments are Uploads, US Customs information is an upload. PO's are an upload.
What is a Download? A Download is the extraction of Data from TPro for use in a Import or Export System. Partner Connect data is downloaded to a US Importers system to elliminate errors, faxing, phone calls and key strokes.
What are Reports? Reports are available on the Active Shipment Screen in Adobe. One Week, Two Week and One Month Active Shipments reports are default with TPro. The Reports button is enabled when custom reports are required.
What does the Extract Button do in Tracking? The Extract Button delivers a MS-Excel spreadsheet to the requester via e-mail for a period not to exceed 90 days.
What is Training? TPro supports on-line training from the Training icon on the main tool bar.
What are Shipping Tools? An area for our customers to define customized tools and links for carrier schedules, packing dimension calculators etc...
How do I get my data into Tracking pro? You use an Upload. We provide a specification and you send us the data via an e-mail attachment of to an FTP Site we define for you.
How Long does it take to get TPro on Line for my company? After we share out Upload specification and you get us data to test with, the time varies from 1 - 3 weeks depending on you capabilities to deliver good data to our data processing engine.   If you are a Tradepoint Customer all the integration modules are complete and you can be using TPro in 1 - 3 days.
What Systems are can TPro Integrate with? Tradepoint Systems Alliance, and Cargo Point. DCS Import and Export Systems. Several other US based Import and Export systems have been integrated with. Call and check with us 978-834-7803.
Can TPro support multiple companies working together on part of a customer? Yes our security and roles based approach make sharing customer information easy and secure.
How does Tracking.com customize the site for me? In the set-up fee we allow for a customized login page, and company log's to be displayed in the Top Left and Center of each page. Tpro is branded individually to each customer.
Is Tpro a shipment Tracking System and a PO Tracking system combined? Yes TPro combines Shipment, Commercial Invoice, Purchase Order and Party Information to provide a full Issue of PO to Proof of Delivery collaborative web-based environment.
How Much does TPro Cost? Tpro is a Transaction based system that uses a pay as you go approach. Small customers can pay a little and still provide the same solution as the big multi nationals. Large customers can realize significant volume discounts for high volume implementations. Pricing begins at 500.00 per month and comes pre-loaded with a set-of transactions.
How do I get Training? Training is available on-site for 1500.00 per day or over the internet for 1000.00 per day.
ADMINISTRATION Frequently Asked Questions
Where does one go to logon to the TPro Application?  One must either have purchased TPro or  have been invited to participate in the TPro Application.  A hyperlink  installed on the home page of the “owner” of the Application is the first step to gain access to TPro.  The second step is to logon with a valid User Name and Password. 
 

How is the initial set up of the Corporate Administrator accomplished?  GLOBAL TRANXIT assigns the Corporate Administrator at time of purchase of the Application.

What is the Corporate Name field for on the Logon screen?  The company name in the Corporate Name field shows the “owner” of the Application. 
How do I get into the Application if I’ve forgotten my User Name or Password?  Contact the Administrator.  The administrator can change your password, which will trigger an e-mail to the user showing the User Name and new Password.  The Corporate Administrator will need to contact GLOBAL TRANXIT if he or she forgets his or her password.
What characters are not allowed in the logon?  Characters such as %, *, \, /, @, etc. are reserved for system use and are not allowed in the User Name and Password fields.  Any combination of numbers and/or letters will do.  Keep them secure.
Can someone change my Password? Yes, the Corporate Administrator can and must change the password if the password is due to expire.   Every time the password changes an auto e-mail containing the new user logon information is automatically sent to the user at the e-mail address on record in the User ID.
Can someone change my User Name?  No, the User Name cannot be changed or deleted from the system once it is created, but may be set as inactive in the User ID screen.

What does Group Inactive mean?  When this flag is checked, it allows the user to deactivate the group.  This group will no longer be displayed on search lists.
Who makes up the Group Code list?  A default group is established by the system for each new company set up by the Corporate Administrator.  Other group combinations are created by the Corporate Administrator.

Can multiple offices be set up to limit views among those offices?
If a Group code has my company and two others in it, will all the users in my office have access to the other data?  No, unless the user at your office is a party to the transaction, or the User ID assigned to them contains that specific Group Code.  User IDs that have been assigned the multiple group code will be allowed access to that data.  The assignment of the new Group Code is done in the User ID form.
Can multiple offices be set up to limit views among those offices? Yes.  As an example let’s look at a three-office scenario.  One office is located on the East Coast, one on the West Coast and the HQ office is located in the Midwest.  In this example, HQ desires to see all of the East and West Coast office transactions as well as their own, although the two coastal offices are only allowed to see their own transactions.  In this example, one would first enter all offices, including HQ, as separate Companies under the “Enter Company Information” screen.  By default, each of these companies has a Group code with the same name as the company code, established when the new company was added.  The next step is to edit the group HQ to include all 3 companies.  In Administration, search for the group HQ.  Add the companies ‘EC’ & ‘WC’.  Now establish 3 User IDs; one attaching the East Coast group, one West Coast group and one to the modified group containing all three.  Automatic e-mails are sent to the e-mail address provided on the User ID screen when a new login is established and every time the password is changed.  When logged in, as the User ID attached to HQ group, shipments for HQ, EC and WC will be accessible.   The login for EC will

WEB Ocean AMS 

The purpose of this document is to outline the frequently asked questions about SEA-AMS. Please forward comments and suggestions to:  Kevin.Gavin@Securetracking.com

 Amendments

  1. What can be amended on a manifest after it has been sent to US Customs?

A.    You can make changes through an edit as long as the change does not affect the vessel, voyage or port.  For changes to these fields you must delete the manifest (you will receive a prompt to create a new manifest with the existing data) and re-send to US Customs. 

Q:  A mistake on my manifest was accepted by customs. I re-entered the manifest and sent it but it was rejected because the BOL was already on file? What does that mean?

A.  If the problem with the manifest can be corrected with an amendment then it is best to fix the error that way. If the problem is with the Vessel or other base information of the manifest then the original manifest will need to be deleted prior to sending the newly redone manifest or the BOL error occurs.  The BOL error means that a manifest with that BOL code has already been accepted by Customs,  when you delete a manifest from the WebAMS system, the request for delete is sent to customs and the manifest is removed from their records.  Until the manifest is removed from Customs’ database no other manifests with the same BOL number can be sent and accepted by Customs.

Arrivals

       Q:   How do I arrive a vessel?

A:   In the Arrivals section of the application there is a Vessels button. Click that button and the name of the vessel you wish to arrive, you will then go to a screen where you input the date the vessel arrived and click save.  Your vessel has now been arrived.

Containers

Q:  A container on my Manifest did not get loaded at the port.  What do I do?

A:  There are two scenarios in this instance: there are additional containers on the manifest or the container is the only one on the manifest.  Below are the instructions for each scenario.

If the Manifest contains additional containers (other than the one not loaded):

1)       Go into the Manifest and delete that particular container

2)       Resend the Manifest to US Customs

 

If the Manifest only contains the container that was not loaded:

1)       Go in and delete the Manifest and make sure you click the box to create a new Manifest from the existing

2)       Put the new container information in

3)       Send the manifest to US Customs

Costs

  1. What is the cost of utilizing the Sectra LLC Web AMS service?
  1. WebAMS pricing is based upon volume of transactions per month. More details can be provided by contacting Kevin Gavin at Kevin.Gavin@SecureTracking.com.

InBond

Q.    What do I need to be able to perform In Bond movements on my cargo?

A.    To perform an In Bond movement you must have a Type 2 Conveyance Bond, The IRS Number that you used to file for the Bond, US Customs approval and know your V Number.

  1. When do I file my In Bond movement on a manifest?
  1. You should file your In Bond movement no more then 5 days before the vessel is set to arrive.

Q:  What InBond Carrier Code (SCAC) is used for an InBond?

A:   The code of the carrier who is responsible for that portion of the transaction is the code you should use.

Q:  What do I do if I don’t know the Inbond value?

A:   If you do not know the value, the value is equal to $20 multiplied by the weight in kilos.

Q:  What information makes up the Inbond Carrier Code?

A:   The Inbond Carrier Code is usually the SCAC code of the software owner.

Q:  What information makes up the Inbond Carrier IRS #?

A:   The InBond Carrier IRS # is usually the IRS Number filed when applying for the Type 2 Bond.

Q:  I have a shipment going from the Japan to LA and then on to NY.  On the manifest screen, which US city should I put in the Port of Unloading?

A:  LA should be the Port of Unloading.  This field is for the 1st US port where the container are unloaded.

 

Q:  I have an InBond shipment going to Chicago.  Some of the cargo will remain on board and go to   Detroit.  Do I need to file two ITs?

A:   No, simply do one IT manifest.  On the house bills enter the individual final destination cities.

Lloyds

 

  1. The Lloyds number I got from my carrier and the one in your database do not match?
  1. Our database has been created from various available sources and from time to time is incorrect, the code given to you by the carrier is assumed correct; please contact Cnabinger@securetracking.com with the information so it can be added/corrected in our table for your convenience.

 

Manifests

 

Q.    How long after I send my manifest will I receive an answer from US Customs?

A.    Typically US Customs replies in 1-2 hours. However, on occasion Customs has taken up to four hours to reply.

Q:  When are Manifests removed from the system?

A:   When Sectra receives an archive status from US customs we will remove the Manifest from the web system.  This transaction will remain permanently in our backup system

Q:  Should Manifest details include the transport from the feeder vessel to the final US destination?

A:  No, the Manifest should include the transport from the Mother vessel to the final US destination.
 

Q:  How do I enter the secondary notify party?

A:   The Web AMS system automatically lists the carrier as notify party.  The carrier SCAC code entered at the vessel Lloyds code level is the second notify party.

Q: Is “To Order of Shipper” allowed on the Consignee field?

A:  YES the answer to the issue below on the US Goverment web site 24 hr rule FAQs update, its question #32.It allows consignee TO ORDER OF SHIPPER or NON-US BANK provided you have full details of US Buyer in first Notify filed.

 

Other

 

  1. I have chosen to have Sectra LLC as my AMS provider but my overseas associates have chosen another AMS provider, are there any problems that can arise from that?
  1. The Customs AMS system will accept AMS-Manifests from any number of providers as long as manifests are not filed in duplicity.  Sectra LLC invites you to show your associates our WebAMS client software and show them the ease of our Graphic Interface for their AMS needs.

 

Q:  I have a shipment going from the Far East to Canada then to the United States; do I need to file with AMS?

A:   No.  US Customs does not currently require movements by truck or rail to be filed with Web AMS.

Process

 

  1. I have selected Sectra LLC as my AMS provider and have entered the testing phase. Now what do I do?
  1. We have produced a thorough and easily understood instruction document located at http://www.securetracking.com/Training.htm  the file size is 25 MB in .zip format. If you need an unzipping program an evaluation version of WinZip can be downloaded from http://www.winzip.com/ddchomea.htm.

 

Rejections/Errors

 

Q.   My manifest was rejected, how do I find out why?

A.    In the AMS section of the application, click the number of the rejected manifest. There is a button at the top that reads Customs Message.  Click that button to read the reasons behind the rejection. There will also be links to the errors where you can go in and change the mistakes. Once the errors have been corrected you can re-send the manifest to US Customs.

Q.    My manifest was rejected because of an Incorrect Conv Code error and a No bills Process for Port error, Why?

A.   The Incorrect Conv Code error means there is a problem with the vessel name or vessel Lloyds Code.  US Customs internally maintains a list of Vessel and Lloyds codes for every vessel. This list is not public and US Customs will not disclose the list to anyone. Sectra LLC maintains a list within the Application to assist you in finding vessels and Lloyds Codes. The carrier should provide you with this information for every vessel you will be using. You can also forward the updated Information to Updates@securetracking.com to be amended in our database for future use. The No Bills Processed For Port is a secondary error message meaning that because of the previous error the manifest has not been processed. Reparations of the preceding errors will correct it.
 

Q.    I put my carrier SCAC code in for the secondary notify party and I got an error message. The vessel should be the secondary notify party, why do I get an error?

 

A.    Sectra LLC automatically sets the carrier SCAC as the secondary notify party by default so adding the carrier SCAC in as the secondary notify party is unnecessary.  You also cannot put the BOL SCAC in as the secondary notify party as that too will be rejected.

 

Support

 

Q.    I think I’ve made a mistake or I need assistance with a manifest. How can I contact Sectra LLC?

A.    You can Contact Sectra LLC Support at 1-978-834-7803 Be advised that there may be a charge for support calls not related to application errors and/or database mistakes. Alternately you can download the manual at http://www.securetracking.com/Training.htm to assist you in solving your basic, use of the AMS, application problems.

Template

 

Q:  What should I use as the Manifest template name?

 

A:   You may name the template anything that will help you to identify it in the future.  We advise using some type of combination of the consignee and supplier name.

 

Vessel

 

  1. My vessel is not in your database, why?

 

  1. We here at Sectra LLC try to get as complete a list of vessels and Lloyds codes as possible. Customs has the master list but cannot release it to us.  If your vessel is not on the list, Contact us with the name and Lloyds number at Updates@Securetracking.com and we will gladly add it to our database.

 

  1. I sent a manifest with the wrong vessel name and it was accepted by customs how can I change the Vessel name on an amendment?

 

  1. Unfortunately due to the nature of US Customs, the ability to amend a manifest with a new vessel is not available.  The only way to change the vessel name or information on an accepted manifest is to delete the manifest create a new manifest based on the previous one.

 

Website/Web Browser

 

  1. Is the WebAMS software compatible with all ISP’s and Web Browsers?

 

  1. WebAMS is compatible with all ISP’s from dial-up internet access to broadband internet such as cable or DSL. However, the WebAMS system itself is only compatible with Internet explorer 5 or higher.  Microsoft Internet Explorer can be downloaded from the following URL http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp

 

  1. I lost the URL that I use to add and edit manifests, where can I find it again?

 

  1. The URL will be either http://www.securetracking.com/webams/login.asp?cc=xxxx if you are a WebAMS customer or http://www.securetracking.com/manifest24/login.asp?cc=xxxx if you are a Manifest 24 Customer.

Where the xxxx is should be your SCAC code

Sectra LLC recommends that you save the page to your favorites to assist you in accessing your AMS system.

 

  1. I’m having a problem with the Website. It’s loading slowly or timing out, what should I do?

 

  1. If the site appears to be loading slowly we have an alternate address, simply replace the www in your URL to ww2 and load the site.  If the site continues to be slow on the secondary address then the network traffic in your area may be increasing and causing the slowdown.

Contact Information:

Tel. 978-834-7803 E-mail Kevin.Gavin@SecureTracking.com  SECTRA, LLC. 26 Millyard, Unit 7, Amesbury, MA. 01913