October 5, 2005

Commencing October 3, 2005, RFID (radio frequency identification) tags, also known as transponders, will replace paper user fee decals previously issued by for commercial vehicles, according to a recent notice issued by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The RFID tag contains an electronic chip, which will hold information about the commercial vehicle and border crossing user fee payment status.

According to CBP, the following information is required for the purchase of a commercial vehicle RFID tag:

• Color of vehicle
• Cab number
• Primary license plate number
• License plate country code
• License plate state/province code
• Transponder number
• SCAC code
• Manifest issuing carrier
• Owner/subcontractor information

Furthermore, CBP adds that a transponder will not be issued if any of the required information is missing, or if the payment is inaccurate for the number of transponders requested. Incomplete applications or applications that do not match the amount of the payment will be returned by first class mail for correction.