Generating ACE and ACI eManifest Lead Sheets (CBP and CBSA)
Last updated 12 August 2026
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| This article is part of the BorderConnect Software User Guide, the BorderConnect ACI eManifest Guide and the BorderConnect ACE Manifest Guide |
This guide explains how to generate ACE and ACI eManifest lead sheets using BorderConnect eManifest software. Lead sheets, also called driver copies or cover sheets, help the driver present the trip information needed by CBP or CBSA at the border.
An ACI lead sheet is required to be presented by the driver each time the driver enters Canada using ACI. Although carriers may design and produce their own ACI lead sheets, BorderConnect provides built-in tools to generate lead sheets from a manifest or ahead of time in batches.
For ACE eManifests, a driver copy or lead sheet can help CBP locate the accepted manifest at primary inspection. CBP has published an ACE Truck Manifest QR Specifications Guide for QR barcode driver copies.[1]
Video Tutorial
Printing Lead Sheets from a Manifest
This is the most common method for obtaining a lead sheet. Once the manifest is complete, use the Print button near the top of the ACI eManifest Details Page or ACE eManifest Details Page to generate the driver copy in PDF format.
For ACI, BorderConnect provides a choice between the Standard Driver's Copy and Detailed Driver's Copy. Both are acceptable as ACI lead sheets, so the choice is based on user preference.
For ACE, choose the standard driver's copy or, where needed, the QR Barcode Driver's Copy.
Fax and Email
Next to the Print button are the Fax and Email buttons. These can be used to send the lead sheet to a fax machine or email address instead of printing it locally.
The Fax and Email buttons provide the same driver-copy choices as Print. For faxing, enter the fax number including the area code. For email, enter the recipient address and, if needed, a message to the recipient.
There is no fee associated with using the fax lead sheet option.
Generating Lead Sheets Ahead of Time
One problem with pulling lead sheets directly from a manifest is that it can be difficult to get them to the driver if the manifest is not ready until after pickup. A common workaround is to generate a batch of ACI lead sheets ahead of time, similar to providing PARS or PAPS barcodes, so the driver can carry pre-numbered lead sheets in the truck.
To get started, select ACE/ACI Coversheets from the Account menu on the top menu bar.
This will bring you to the ACI Coversheet Listing. From here, click Create ACI Coversheet to enter the information for the lead sheets you want to generate.
The required information is the Carrier Code and Trip Number Range. The range specifies the first and last trip number in the sequence. For example, entering 0001 to 0050 will generate 50 ACI lead sheets beginning with 0001 and continuing through 0050.
When finished, click Save to save the set in the system, or click Save/View PDF to save the set and immediately open the PDF file so it can be printed and distributed to drivers.
You can return to the ACI Coversheet Listing at any time to see previous trip number sequences, view the PDF files again, edit an existing set, or delete it.
When the driver picks up a load, they can complete the extra information on the lead sheet and let dispatch know which trip number, also known as the Conveyance Reference Number, they are using so the manifest can be entered with the same number.
ACE QR Code Driver Lead Sheets
CBP introduced ACE Truck Manifest QR barcode support to help officers identify the electronically filed manifest information associated with a conveyance.[1] CBP's QR specifications guide identifies the ACE Truck Manifest QR Specifications Guide as a PDF published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.[1]
After processing an ACE Manifest in BorderConnect, users can print, fax, or email a QR code driver lead sheet from the top of the ACE eManifest Details Page. Under Print, Fax, or Email, select QR Barcode Driver's Copy to generate an ACE Manifest lead sheet with the QR code.
Carriers should use the QR Barcode Driver's Copy wherever it is required by the port of entry, carrier procedure, or customer instructions. CBP has also issued guidance asking software providers to review the ACE Truck Manifest QR Code Specification Guide and ensure QR codes are properly formatted.[2]
Ordering from BorderPrint
Carriers that want pre-printed or downloadable lead sheets can order them from BorderPrint. BorderPrint offers ACE Manifest and ACI eManifest lead sheets for cross-border highway carriers, including printed sheets and digital PDF options.[3]
For U.S.-bound trips, order ACE Manifest lead sheets from the BorderPrint ACE Manifest Lead Sheets collection. BorderPrint lists ACE Manifest lead sheets and ACE Manifest Lead Sheets Digital Download as available products.[3]
For Canada-bound trips, order ACI eManifest lead sheets from the BorderPrint ACI eManifest Lead Sheets collection. BorderPrint ACI eManifest lead sheets are available in high-quality printed formats or instant digital PDF downloads.[4]
Digital ACI eManifest lead sheets are emailed as a PDF document and include the company name and a unique sequence of barcoded Conveyance Reference Numbers, also known as trip numbers.[5] As per CBSA requirements, the ACI eManifest must be on file at least one hour before the driver arrives at the border.[5]
To order from BorderPrint:
- Go to the ACE or ACI lead sheet collection page.
- Choose the printed or digital product.
- Select the quantity or sheet count.
- Enter the carrier information required for the lead sheets.
- Complete checkout.
- For digital orders, download or receive the PDF and print the sheets as needed.
- For printed orders, wait for the physical lead sheets to be printed and shipped.
| BorderPrint lead sheets can be useful for drivers who need pre-numbered sheets in the truck before a manifest is created. When a pre-printed lead sheet is used, dispatch should create the ACE or ACI eManifest with the same trip number shown on the lead sheet. |
Best Practices
- Generate the lead sheet after the manifest is accepted when possible.
- Use pre-numbered lead sheets when the driver needs paperwork before dispatch can complete the manifest.
- Make sure the trip number on the lead sheet matches the trip number on the ACE or ACI eManifest.
- Use the ACE QR Barcode Driver's Copy when required by the port or carrier procedure.
- Confirm the driver has the correct lead sheet before arriving at the border.
- Keep unused pre-printed lead sheets secure so trip numbers are not reused accidentally.
Related Guides
- ACI eManifest Software User Guide
- ACE Manifest Software User Guide
- ACI eManifest Details Page
- ACE eManifest Details Page
- Conveyance Reference Number
- PARS Shipment Type
- PAPS Shipment Type
- BorderPrint ACE Manifest Lead Sheets
- BorderPrint ACI eManifest Lead Sheets