Automated Logistics Systems Simplifies Customs Clearance with Descartes Foreign Trade Zone Solution

ATLANTA, Nov. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that Michigan-based Automated Logistics Systems is using Descartes’ foreign trade zone (FTZ) solution to help its customers accelerate customs clearance and lower costs for imports into the U.S. by deferring the payment of many duties.

“With our warehouse in Jackson, Michigan already established as an FTZ, we wanted to make customs compliance as easy and cost-effective as possible for our customers,” said Paul McDonald, Strategic Advisor at Automated Logistics Systems. “The Descartes solution helps us maximize the operational and cost savings benefits of FTZs through automation while ensuring compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. By automating customs filing procedures, digitizing back-office operations and increasing shipment visibility, we’ve elevated FTZ services for our customers until their goods leave for the domestic market.”

A FTZ is a secure area authorized by the federal government in which commercial domestic and foreign merchandise receives the same treatment by CBP as if it were outside the commerce of the United States. The Descartes FTZ solution allows importers and logistics services providers (LSPs) to comply with CBP regulatory requirements for operating a FTZ in the U.S. by automating detailed chain of custody, access, shipment release and record-keeping processes. The solution is also used to streamline shipment management, customs clearance, classification and warehousing. The Descartes FTZ solution can be operated as a stand-alone module or as part of a company’s wider trade compliance platform. 

“We’re pleased to help Automated Logistics Systems improve FTZ operations at its Michigan warehouse,” said Scott Sangster, General Manager, Logistics Services Providers at Descartes. “Importers have different reasons and scenarios for using a FTZ to help defer, reduce or eliminate duty payments; however, many do not have expertise in FTZ compliance and are turning to LSPs to handle FTZ movements. Using our solution, LSPs can provide the FTZ services importers require, without adding labor costs, by automating many task-heavy, repetitive processes associated with goods control, chain of custody requirements and entry filing standards.”

Learn more about Descartes’ Foreign Trade Zone Solution.

About Automated Logistics Systems

What is now Automated Logistics Systems (ALS) started before the Great Depression as Parker Motor Freight (PMF). Over the next several decades, the family-owned PMF business grew despite challenging economic times and personal setbacks. The organization eventually grew into what it is today—a true end-to-end logistics partner for companies throughout the continent. ALS provides non-asset transportation and value-add warehousing solutions, and, for those customers having challenges with managing their end-to-end supply chain, ALS offers a fully Managed Transportation Service which is a meticulously engineered solution that is backed by cutting-edge technology. For more information, visit www.automatedlogistics.com.

About Descartes

Descartes (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Global Media Contact
Cara Strohack                                                                     
Tel: +1(800) 419-8495 ext. 202025                                 
cstrohack@descartes.com  

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”) that relate to Descartes’ foreign trade zone solution offering and potential benefits derived therefrom; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, “Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results” in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada including Descartes’ most recently filed management’s discussion and analysis. If any such risks actually occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, perhaps materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purposes of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.