Creating a Split Shipment (ACE Manifest)
Split Shipments in ACE
Learn how to manage shipments that cross the border in multiple loads under a single Shipment Control Number (SCN).
← Back to ACE Guide Difficulty: Intermediate Estimated Time: 10 Min
Video Tutorial
Watch the full walkthrough on creating Master and Split shipments.
What is a Split Shipment?
A Split Shipment occurs when a single PAPS entry (one SCN) is transported across the border in multiple loads.
Important Rule
Split shipments must be arranged by the importer or broker before moving loads. CBP approval is required.
The General Workflow:
- Step 1: Create & Send the Master Shipment (Total Quantity).
- Step 2: Wait for CBP Acceptance.
- Step 3: Create Split Segments for each physical truckload.
⚙️ One-Time Setup Required
Before you can process split shipments, you must enable this setting in your account:
- Go to Account → Company Settings.
- Under ACE Shipment Settings, set Allow ACE "Split Shipments" to Yes.
- Click Save.
Phase 1: The Master Shipment
The master shipment holds the total quantity for all segments combined. It is never attached to a manifest directly.
1. Create the Shipment
- Navigate to ACE eManifests → Start New ACE Shipment.
- Enter the SCN (PAPS), Shipper, Consignee, and Commodity.
- Crucial: Enter the Total Quantity for all loads combined.
- Click Save.
2. Send to CBP
- On the Shipment Details page, hover over Shipment Only Send to CBP.
- Select Send Unassociated Shipment.
- Wait for the status to change to Accepted.
Phase 2: The Split Segments
Each physical truck crossing the border gets its own "Segment" linked to the Master.
1. Start the Manifest
- Navigate to Start New ACE eManifest.
- Enter Trip #, Port, ETA, Truck, Trailer, and Driver.
- Click Save and Start New ACE Shipment.
2. Link the Segment
- Enter the Same SCN used for the Master.
- Check the box: ☑ Split Shipment Segment.
- Enter the quantity for this specific load only.
- Click Save. Commodity info will auto-fill from the Master.
Final Step: Return to the eManifest page and click Sync with CBP. The segment should be accepted within 30–60 seconds. Repeat this for every load until the total quantity reaches zero.
Master vs. Segment: Key Differences
| Feature | Master Shipment | Split Shipment Segment |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence | Created First | Created Second |
| Manifest Status | Unassociated (Not on manifest) | Attached to eManifest |
| Quantity | Total of all loads combined | Only what is on the truck |
| Commodity Data | Manually entered | Auto-pulled from Master |
Making Changes & Corrections
Changing Quantity on a Segment
- Detach the shipment from the manifest.
- Cancel the eManifest to reset the status.
- Reattach utilizing Quick Assign Shipment.
- Edit the quantity and Save.
- Resubmit by clicking Sync with CBP.
Changing the Master SCN
- Locate the master via Search ACE Shipments.
- Select Cancel Shipment Message.
- Cancel all manifests containing segments.
- Edit the SCN and Save.
- Resend Unassociated Shipment.