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Generating ACE and ACI eManifest Lead Sheets (CBP and CBSA)

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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

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How to generate coversheets in BorderConnect.
Example: Detailed ACI Driver Copy lead sheet

This guide explains how to generate and distribute lead sheets / cover sheets for both:

  • ACI eManifest (CBSA – Canada)
  • ACE Truck eManifest (CBP – United States)

BorderConnect can generate lead sheets in multiple ways depending on your workflow (print from a submitted manifest, send by email/fax, or generate batches ahead of time).

What is a lead sheet (cover sheet)?

A lead sheet (also called a driver copy or cover sheet) is the page a driver presents at the primary booth to help the officer retrieve the electronically-filed manifest/trip in CBSA/CBP systems.

Canada (ACI / CBSA)
CBSA highway guidance describes lead sheet presentation options (bar-coded CRN or other bar-coded options tied to the conveyance). Drivers must present a lead sheet when arriving at the First Port of Arrival (FPOA).
United States (ACE / CBP)
After an ACE manifest is filed, carriers can present a cover sheet that links the driver/conveyance to the electronically-filed manifest. Some ports may have specific preferences (for example QR code cover sheets).

Choose a lead sheet method

Use the table below to pick the best workflow for your operation.

Method Best for Output Where to do it
Print from a manifest Most common day-to-day use PDF lead sheet (Standard or Detailed) ACI/ACE Manifest Details page
Email / Fax from a manifest Sending to a terminal, driver, or partner Email/Fax + PDF attachment ACI/ACE Manifest Details page
Generate lead sheets ahead of time (batch) Giving drivers a stack in advance (like PARS labels) PDF batch of pre-numbered coversheets Account menu → ACE/ACI Coversheets
ACE QR Code Driver Copy Ports/workflows requiring QR on cover sheet PDF lead sheet with QR code ACE Manifest Details page → Print/Fax/Email

🔖 Lead sheet requirements and port procedures can vary. Drivers should also carry any shipment-specific paperwork required for the load (in-bond documents, permits, etc.).

Method 1: Print lead sheets from a manifest

This is the most commonly used approach.

ACI (CBSA)

  1. Open your manifest: ACI eManifest Details Page
  2. Click Print near the top of the page.
  3. Choose one of the following:
    • Standard Driver’s Copy
    • Detailed Driver’s Copy
  4. Save or print the PDF.

🔖 Both the Standard and Detailed Driver’s Copy are acceptable lead sheet formats. Choose the one your drivers prefer.

ACE (CBP)

  1. Open your manifest: ACE eManifest Details Page
  2. Click Print near the top of the page.
  3. Select the driver copy / cover sheet option you need (including QR code options where applicable).
  4. Save or print the PDF.

Method 2: Email or fax lead sheets from a manifest

If you don’t need to print locally, you can send the lead sheet directly to someone else.

  1. Open the manifest details page (ACI or ACE).
  2. Click Email or Fax (next to Print).
  3. Choose Standard or Detailed (and QR code options for ACE, if required).
  4. Enter the recipient fax number or email address.
  5. (Email only) Add an optional message.
  6. Send.
Lead sheet buttons (Print / Fax / Email)

🔖 There is no fee associated with using the fax lead sheet option. Fax numbers must include an area code.

Method 3: Generate lead sheets ahead of time (batch)

Batch lead sheets are useful when the manifest is being prepared after the driver has already picked up the load. Drivers can begin moving while you complete the electronic filing—without stopping to wait for a fax or email.

Step-by-step

  1. From the top menu, open the Account menu.
  2. Select ACE/ACI Coversheets.
  3. On the Coversheet Listing page, click Create ACI Coversheet (or the equivalent action for the sheet type you need).
ACE/ACI Coversheets menu option

Required fields

At minimum, you will enter:

  • Carrier Code
  • Trip Number Range (first trip number → last trip number)

Example:

  • Trip range 0001 to 0050 generates 50 lead sheets.
Batch coversheet setup (carrier code and trip range)

Save and print

When ready:

  • Click Save to store the set in BorderConnect, OR
  • Click Save/View PDF to store the set and immediately open the printable PDF.
Example: PDF batch of pre-generated coversheets

How drivers use batch lead sheets

Once drivers have a stack of pre-generated lead sheets:

  • The driver uses the next available trip number sheet.
  • The driver completes any remaining handwritten fields (if applicable to your format).
  • The driver tells dispatch the Trip Number / CRN they used.
  • Dispatch uses that Trip Number / CRN to match the manifest filing to the driver’s paperwork.

🔖 You can return to the Coversheet Listing at any time to view prior ranges, re-open PDFs, edit sets, or delete sets.

Visual workflow (recommended)

Use this quick flow when deciding what to do: 

Do you already have the manifest filed?
  ├─ Yes → Print / Email / Fax lead sheet from the Manifest Details page
  └─ No  → Give driver a batch lead sheet (pre-generated range)
              └→ Driver provides Trip # / CRN → You file the manifest using that Trip # / CRN

ACE QR Code manifest cover sheet (CBP)

ACE QR Code Driver Copy as generated in BorderConnect

In February 2020, CBP announced optional ACE truck QR barcode support to improve identification of electronically-filed manifest data, reduce driver actions, and improve match probability.[1]

In September 2023, CBP described benefits and modernization context for QR barcodes and related technologies in ACE truck manifest processing.[2]

CBP also notified stakeholders that effective August 11, 2024, certain Laredo-area truck operations require a QR code on the ACE manifest lead sheet, with technical specifications referenced in CBP’s QR specifications guide.[3]

Printing ACE QR Code Driver Lead Sheets in BorderConnect

Print option for QR Barcode Driver Copy

After processing an ACE Manifest in BorderConnect:

  1. Open the ACE eManifest Details page.
  2. Click Print, Fax, or Email.
  3. Select QR Barcode Driver’s Copy.
  4. Generate the PDF and deliver it to the driver (print/email/fax).

🔖 If you are unsure which driver copy your port expects, contact BorderConnect support or confirm with your local port procedures.

Troubleshooting and best practices

Drivers don’t have the sheet in time
Use batch lead sheets so drivers always have a trip number sheet on-hand.
Trip number confusion
Use a simple dispatch rule: “Driver must text/call the Trip # / CRN before leaving pickup.”
Multiple shipments on one trip
The driver still presents the lead sheet for the trip/conveyance. Shipment paperwork may also be required depending on release type/program.
Reprinting
If you need another copy later, return to:
  • Manifest Details page → Print/Email/Fax
  • Coversheet Listing → View PDF

References

  1. ↑ https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2020-Mar/Truck%20Manifest%20QR%20Specifications%20Document%20%28002%29.pdf
  2. ↑ https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/23_0926_privacy-p%E2%81%AEia-cbp003c-acemodernizations.pdf
  3. ↑ https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2020-Mar/Truck%20Manifest%20QR%20Specifications%20Document%20%28002%29.pdf
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