The Logistics Industry Relies on Technology to Support Compliance and Increase Efficiency

Date/Issue: Special Quest: January 2008

Title: New Web Merlin™ v1.6 release Innovative updates improve industry-leading technology

Author: Andriana Davis, Product Manager, Avalon Risk Management, Inc.

The logistics industry relies on technology to support compliance and increase efficiency. Avalon Risk Management, Inc. is proud to announce the release of Web Merlin™ v1.6, an update to the first technology of its kind for customs brokers.

Web Merlin v1.6 incorporates the Automated Bond Maintenance Package. Using a secure login, this new feature allows the user to view an imaged bond package and process riders (Addition or Deletion of Trade Names, Name Change and Address Change), as well as terminations on any filed and billed bonds. The portal also completes and compiles the appropriate documents for bond riders, terminations and the CBP Form 5106 to be filed directly with the National Finance Center (NFC) using Avalon’s “SureFile” submission protocol to avoid rejections.

The new features also provide an easier interface to work with bonds in process as well as those already filed with NFC and/or billed. This functionality applies to any bonds filed through Web Merlin as well as bond filed manually through Avalon’s Centralized Bond Unit (CBU). The user can then track the status of bonds in real time by easily searching through bonds and submissions.

Avalon exclusively developed Web Merlin to support the unique needs of our client, the customs broker. Selecting various features allows our clients to manage information, request and review activity and support compliance. Multiple access levels are available to only select account numbers, or employees can be granted full access to account information.

Web Merlin also continues to provide additional Customs bond-related features for our customers:

• E-mail notifications for bond insufficiency – Based on CBP’s current formulas, Web Merlin automatically tracks bond sufficiency. If a bond is potentially insufficient, an e-mail notification will be sent to the branch and/or corporate contact. A bond calculation is provided for brokers to review and can be shared with their importer clients. • Bond Sufficiency Calculator – CBP has been conducting aggressive bond sufficiency reviews and Web Merlin’s calculation table can assist in determining the appropriate bond limit for your clients. You can review existing bonds or establish the correct amount for new bonds. • Centralized bond filing and tracking – Information is gathered through Web Merlin and sent to Avalon's CBU. This approach effectively creates a paperless interface between the customs broker and surety, which will help to prepare for the e-bond environment scheduled to start in the next year. • Entry Wizard reports – Provides details of liquidated entries, unliquidated entries, increased duty bills, liquidated damages, loss experience and more for a particular importer to help support an import compliance program.

The Quest Newsletter is published quarterly and is designed to provide critical information in the transportation industry. Avalon Risk Management is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information contained in articles. The reader/user assumes all risk in the use of such information. Page 2 of 2

• Entry by Filer Reports – Identify the percentage of entries for your importers with a continuous bond for another filer code. • Management Reports – Other reports are available in real time on demand in Word, Excel or PDF format. These include single entry bonds greater than $100,000 or $300,000, single entry bonds filed within the last 90 days, and more. ™ • Bond Merlin updates – Easily download the latest version of Bond Merlin while logged into the portal. Bond Merlin allows the automated issuance of both single and continuous bonds.

To obtain a secure Web Merlin login and password, contact your Avalon representative or request a login via our Web site at www.avalonrisk.com/WebMerlinRequest.aspx.

For a Web Merlin demonstration or further information, contact Andriana Davis, Product Manager at Avalon’s corporate headquarters. Andriana Davis can be reached at (847) 700-8087 or at [email protected]. Please do not hesitate to contact one of our nine regional offices throughout the United States. To view a directory of Avalon’s office locations, please visit our Web site at www.avalonrisk.com.