The USA Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is a single portal that connects the trading community with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other participating government agencies (PGAs). The primary goal of ACE is to facilitate legitimate trade and enhance border security by better identifying high-risk shipments. Carriers, shippers, customs brokers and agents must use this system to submit advance electronic manifest information and other required import/export documentation to CBP.
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the trade and logistics industry, the new requirement means transitioning from the old way of doing things through the Automated Commercial System (ACS) to the new, much more efficient ACE electronic filing. ACE helps SMBs in many ways. It helps carriers save time by speeding up the eManifest filing process and automating previously manual processes. Reduced manual data entry means fewer phone calls to and from customs brokers. Because ACE saves so much time and resources, SMBs can better increase the bottom line and offer better pricing to customers.
Another way that ACE helps SMBs is through increased visibility of cargo status. Using the system, shippers know exactly when the cargo is approved and when to send their drivers to the border. Exact timing is important to prevent delays and deliver merchandise on schedule. If the shipment is held for examination, the shipper can send an email or SMS to the dispatcher or customer to inform them of the delay.
To be successful with ACE system, the key is to spend as little time as possible at the border and avoid any additional cost. SMBs can do this by using special software that connects their business directly to CBP via USA Automated Commercial Environment. Make sure to work with an experienced service provider that provides cost-effective and easy-to-use software, something that meets the filing requirements and delivers additional benefits such as status notifications, reporting, and data analytics.
Related Pages
CBP Entry Type 86 Clearance for eCommerce Shipments
What Importers Need to Know About Section 321 Entry Type 86
How to File ISF for your Inbound Cargo
Importer Security Filing (ISF)
ACE Ocean for eCommerce Shipments
New CBP Penalties for Cross Border Trucks
CBP Begins ISF-5 (Importer Security Filing) Enforcement
Avoid Penalties! Here are the 10+2 ISF Time Frames to Remember
US Electronic Manifest 10 + 2 ISF (Importer Security Filing)
What is SW – Single Window US?
