ACE Shipment CSV Upload Feature (ACE Manifest)
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🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect ACE Manifest Guide and the BorderConnect Software User Guide |
ACE Shipment CSV Upload Feature
A comprehensive guide to bulk importing shipments into ACE eManifests using CSV files.
Overview
The ACE Shipment CSV Upload Feature allows carriers to import large volumes of shipments directly into a specific ACE eManifest using a standardized CSV template. This is ideal for trips with hundreds of shipments, such as courier loads or consolidated freight.
BorderConnect also offers the File Import Wizard, a broader tool for importing permanent company data (drivers, trucks, profiles).
Which Tool Should I Use?
- CSV Upload (This Guide): Best for quick, trip-specific bulk shipment uploads directly into one manifest.
- Import Wizard: Best for importing standing data like driver profiles, truck lists, or maintaining customer databases.
Step 1: Enable Import Buttons
By default, the import controls may be hidden. To enable them:
1. Go to Account > Company Settings. 2. Scroll to the eManifest Preferences section. 3. Set Display ACE Import Buttons to Yes. 4. Click Save.
Step 2: Download the Template
You must use the official template to ensure your data maps correctly.
- Download: ACE Shipment CSV Template
- Format Rule: Do not rename, remove, or reorder the column headers. Always save as .csv (Comma Separated Values).
Step 3: Prepare Your Data
Shipment Control Number (SCN)
- Format: Must be 8-16 alphanumeric characters. No spaces or special characters.
- Autofill: To let BorderConnect generate numbers, use your SCAC followed immediately by "AUTOFILL" (e.g.,
ABCDAUTOFILL). - Rule: Do not mix manual SCNs and AUTOFILL in the same file.
Shipment Type
Values must match exactly (case-sensitive):
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| PAPS | PAPS |
| Section 321 | SECTION 321 |
| Intangibles | INTANGIBLES |
| Free of Duty | ATTACHED_CF7523 |
Commodity Data
- Description: Plain language description of goods (max 45 chars).
- Value: Numeric only. No dollar signs (e.g.,
1500.50). - Weight: Whole numbers only (round up).
Step 4: Importing into BorderConnect
Once your file is ready, follow these specific steps to upload it into the system.
1. Create or Open the Manifest
- Navigate to ACE eManifest > Start New ACE eManifest.
- Enter the required Trip details (Trip Number, Port of Entry, Estimated Arrival).
- Click Save. You must save the trip header before you can add shipments.
2. Locate the Import Tool
- On the ACE eManifest Details page, scroll down to the Shipments section.
- Look for the button labeled Import Shipments via CSV (sometimes labeled Upload Shipments).
- Note: If you do not see this button, ensure you completed Step 1 to enable import buttons in Company Settings.
3. Upload and Process
- Click Choose File and select your prepared
.csvfile from your computer. - Click Save or Import.
- The system will process the file immediately.
4. Verify Results
- Success: You will see a green confirmation message, and your shipments will appear in the list below.
- Failure: A red error box will appear at the top of the page. It will list the specific row numbers and the exact error (e.g., "Row 4: Invalid SCAC"). Correct these errors in your CSV file and try uploading again.
Reference Codes
Weight Unit Codes
Only the following codes are accepted for the Weight Unit column:
| Unit | Accepted Codes |
|---|---|
| Kilograms | K, KG, KGM |
| Pounds | L, LB, LBS, LBR |
Package Type Codes
The Quantity Unit column must use one of the specific 3-letter codes below. (Case-sensitive).
| Description | Code |
|---|---|
| Bag | BAG |
| Bale | BLE |
| Barrel | BBL |
| Basket | BSK |
| Bin | BIN |
| Box | BOX |
| Bucket | BKT |
| Bundle | BDL |
| Can | CAN |
| Carboy | CBY |
| Carton | CTN |
| Case | CAS |
| Chest | CHS |
| Coil | COL |
| Crate | CRT |
| Cylinder | CYL |
| Drum | DRM |
| Description | Code |
|---|---|
| Envelope | ENV |
| Keg | KEG |
| Lift Van | LVN |
| Liquid Bulk | LBK |
| Logs | LOG |
| Package | PKG |
| Pail | PAL |
| Pallet | PLT |
| Pieces | PCS |
| Reel | REL |
| Roll | ROL |
| Sack | SAK |
| Sheet | SHT |
| Skid | SKD |
| Tank | TNK |
| Tote Bin | TBN |
| Tube | TBE |
Common Country of Origin Codes
Use the 2-letter ISO code for the Country of Origin column. Common codes include:
| Country | Code | Country | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | CA | United States | US |
| Mexico | MX | China | CN |
| Germany | DE | Japan | JP |
| United Kingdom | GB | France | FR |
| India | IN | Italy | IT |
| South Korea | KR | Taiwan | TW |
Note: For a complete list of all world country codes, refer to the <a href="https://www.borderconnect.com/data/countries.json" target="_blank">BorderConnect Data JSON</a>.
Importing 10,000+ Shipments
For manifests exceeding 9,999 shipments, use the Link Shipments to Trip feature.
Workflow
1. Master Manifest: Create the first manifest and import the first ~5,000 shipments. 2. Linked Manifests: Create additional manifests (e.g., Trip 123B, 123C). 3. Link Field: In the new manifests, set Link Shipments to Trip to the original Trip Number (123). 4. Transmit: Send the master manifest first. Then, send the linked manifests using "Link Shipments to Trip" transmission.
Common Import Errors
Troubleshooting Guide
| Error Message | Solution |
|---|---|
SCAC Code [AAA] is invalid. |
SCAC must be exactly 4 characters. |
Shipment Type [SECTION321] is invalid |
Check spacing. It must be SECTION 321 with a space. |
Unknown packaging unit [box] |
Package codes are case-sensitive. Use uppercase BOX. |
Consignee State [California] is invalid |
Use 2-letter codes (e.g., CA) for states and provinces. |
References