Creating a Split Shipment (ACE Manifest)

🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect ACE Manifest Guide

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How to create master and split shipments using BorderConnect

Enabling Split Shipments in Company Settings

A Split Shipment occurs when a single PAPS entry (one shipment control number) is transported across the border in multiple loads due to shipment size or operational needs.

Split shipments are arranged by the importer or customs broker, who obtains approval from the CBP port before the carrier begins moving the loads.

Carriers should only process split shipments when instructed by the broker or importer.

How Split Shipments Work in ACE

One master shipment is created first to represent the total quantity. Each physical load is then created as a split shipment segment linked to that master.

Simple flow:

Master shipment submitted → CBP accepts master → Split shipment segments created → Each segment synced as loads cross

Enabling Split Shipments

Before creating split shipments:

1. Go to Account → Company Settings
2. Under ACE Shipment Settings set Allow ACE "Split Shipments" to Yes
3. Click Save

This only needs to be done once per account.

Creating the Master Shipment

The master shipment holds the total quantity for all segments.

Step-by-Step

1. Navigate to ACE eManifests → Start New ACE Shipment
2. Enter the Shipment Control Number (PAPS number)
3. Enter shipper, consignee, and commodity information
4. Set the quantity as the total quantity for all loads combined
5. Click Save

Sending the Master Shipment to CBP

From the Shipment Details page:

1. Hover over Shipment Only Send to CBP
2. Select Send Unassociated Shipment
3. Wait for CBP acceptance

Once accepted, split shipment segments may be created.

Creating Split Shipment Segments

Each load crossing the border is entered as a split segment.

Step-by-Step

1. Navigate to ACE eManifests → Start New ACE eManifest
2. Enter trip number, port, ETA, truck, trailer, and driver
3. Click Save and Start New ACE Shipment
4. Enter the same Shipment Control Number used for the master
5. Check Split Shipment Segment
6. Enter the quantity on this load only
7. Click Save

Commodity information is pulled automatically from the master shipment.

Return to the eManifest and click Sync with CBP.

Within 30 to 60 seconds the segment should be accepted.

Repeat for every load until the total quantity reaches zero.

Master Shipment vs Split Shipment Segment

Feature	Master Shipment	Split Shipment Segment
Created first	Yes	No
Attached to manifest	No	Yes
Quantity	Total of all loads	Individual load amount
Commodity info	Entered once	Pulled automatically
Shipment control number	Same number	Same number

Visual example of master shipment and split segments

Making Changes or Cancellations

Changing Quantity on a Split Segment

1. Detach the shipment from the manifest
2. Cancel the eManifest
3. Reattach the shipment using Quick Assign Shipment
4. Edit the quantity and save
5. Return to the eManifest and click Sync with CBP

Removing a Split Shipment Segment

1. Detach the shipment from the manifest
2. Cancel the eManifest

Changing the Master Shipment Control Number

1. Locate the unassociated master shipment using Search ACE Shipments
2. Open the shipment and select Cancel Shipment Message
3. Cancel all manifests containing split segments
4. Edit the master shipment control number and save
5. Send Unassociated Shipment again to CBP
6. Update each split manifest and sync with CBP

Best Practices

Tip	Why It Matters
Always create master shipment first	CBP requires it for segments
Match total quantities exactly	Prevent rejections
Sync each segment individually	Proper CBP processing
Follow broker instructions	Ensures port approval