New reporting requirements for ground and air cargo, as well as food shipments into the U.S., took effect in December. The new rules are aimed at increasing security in the supply chain, but could add cost and complexity for shippers and carriers.

The Department of Homeland Security released its final security rules for air, rail and truck shipments to and from the U.S. to Congress in November. The new regulations require shippers to provide advance manifest information for all cargo leaving and entering the country, much like the advance reporting requirements for ocean cargo (known as the 24-Hour Rule) that went into effect earlier in 2003. Customs began enforcing the new rules December 5.

"We need to take advantage of every opportunity to make our country safe from terrorists," said homeland security secretary Tom Ridge. "Advance information is a cornerstone in our efforts to secure our nation's borders and ensure the flow of trade. The security measures resulting from these rules are necessary to achieve these twin goals."

The new manifest reporting timelines for inbound freight are:

* Air and courier--Four hours prior to arrival in the U.S., or "wheels up" from some nearby areas

* Rail--Two hours prior to arrival at a U.S. port of entry

* Vessel--24 hours prior to lading at a foreign port

* Truck--Free And Secure Trade (FAST): 30 minutes prior to arrival in U.S.; non-FAST: One hour prior to arrival in the U.S.

For outbound freight:

* Air and courier--Two hours prior to scheduled departure

* Rail--Two hours prior to the arrival of the train at the border

* Vessel--24 hours prior to departure from U.S. port where cargo is laden

* Truck--One hour prior to the arrival of the truck at the border

The U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will process advance cargo information into an automated targeting system linked to law enforcement and commercial databases. This will enable CBP to identify high-risk shipments. Previously, most nonmaritime inbound shipments entered the U.S. without being screened by an automated targeting system.

"When we are able to obtain better information prior to a shipment's arrival, we will be able to do a more effective job in combating terrorism," said Asa Hutchinson, undersecretary for border and transportation security. "These new rules will accomplish that."