PAPS (CBP Shipment Type)
| This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide |
PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System) is a U.S. Shipment Type for commercial truck shipments to clear through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using ACE (Automated Commercial Environment). In CBP’s ACE truck manifest guidance, PAPS is described as the most common shipment release type, and the ACE Portal shipment type defaults to PAPS. [1]
PAPS is used to support pre-arrival processing by linking the carrier’s manifest shipment to the broker/entry filer’s release information using a common control number (the Shipment Control Number / “PAPS number”). [2]
PAPS depends on the use of a Shipment Control Number (SCN) (often referred to operationally as a “PAPS number”) assigned by the carrier for the shipment. CBP truck guidance describes the identification number format as the carrier’s four-character SCAC plus up to 12 additional alphanumeric characters (maximum 16 characters total). [3]
NMFTA and SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code)
A SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) is a unique two-to-four letter code used to identify transportation companies. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is the organization that assigns SCACs for most companies (with certain exceptions such as railroads and some intermodal equipment identification cases). [4]
Because CBP truck identification numbers (including PAPS/SCN formats) rely on the carrier’s SCAC, carriers generally need an appropriate SCAC issued/managed via NMFTA processes to operate smoothly in cross-border/ACE manifest workflows. [5]
The PAPS process typically begins when the carrier picks up a shipment. The carrier assigns a PAPS number/SCN to the shipment and provides it to the Customs Broker (often via a barcode label and/or on the shipment paperwork). The broker then prepares an entry requesting the release of the goods by CBP, referencing the same PAPS number/SCN. The carrier also prepares an ACE eManifest listing the same PAPS number/SCN for the shipment. The PAPS number/SCN is the common element used to link the broker/entry information to the carrier’s manifest shipment for release processing. [6]
Declaring a PAPS Shipment in ACE eManifest
PAPS shipments are required to be declared on an ACE eManifest. To report a PAPS shipment the carrier will need to create an ACE Shipment designated as PAPS and ensure that the shipment is transmitted as part of their ACE eManifest. The example below shows how to report PAPS shipments using BorderConnect's ACE eManifest software.
When entering a PAPS shipment in ACE, the carrier should take special care to make sure that the PAPS Number entered exactly matches the PAPS Number provided to the Customs Broker. Failure to do so can result in delays at the border. In addition to being reported on the eManifest, each PAPS declaration must be accompanied formal entry filed a Customs Broker. The carrier must ensure that the Customs Broker has cleared the PAPS prior to the driver's arrival at the border. This can be verified directly on the carrier's eManifest, the broker's entry numbers will be displayed there for the carrier.
References
- ↑ CBP – ACE Truck Manifest User Guide (PAPS described as most common; ACE Portal defaults to PAPS): https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf
- ↑ CBP – ACE Truck Manifest User Guide (SCN must match to link manifest shipment to entry/QP in-bond for release): https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf
- ↑ CBP – Inbound Truck FAQs (SCAC + up to 12 alphanumeric characters; max 16 total): https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/truck_faqs_0.pdf
- ↑ NMFTA – SCAC overview and assignment responsibility: https://nmfta.org/scac/
- ↑ NMFTA – What is SCAC and how carriers get it (NMFTA as official agency assigning SCACs): https://nmfta.org/what-is-scac-and-how-do-carriers-get-it/
- ↑ CBP – ACE Truck Manifest User Guide (linking shipment/entry using matching control number): https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf