The Department of Homeland Security and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) established the 24-hour rule and deployed the Automated Manifest System to monitor the cargo in international shipments.

AMS Ocean enables participants to transmit manifest data electronically prior to vessel arrival. CBP can then determine in advance whether the merchandise warrants examination or immediate release. Upon receiving notification from Customs, the carrier can make decisions on staging cargo and the importer can arrange for examination, release, and distribution of the merchandise. All of this can be accomplished before the vessel arrives.

AMS Air allows carriers to "arrive" an in-bond shipment and to file in-bond, permit to proceed, and local transfers electronically. The carrier obtains notifications of releases, in-bond authorizations, general order, permit to proceed, and local transfer authorization upon flight departure or arrival from the last foreign port. Air waybill data can be transmitted in any sequence. AMS Air increases data reliability and electronic enforcement capability by standardizing the way the trade community and Customs communicate.