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 |
This guide explains how to generate and distribute lead sheets / cover sheets (also called driver copies) for:
- ACI eManifest (CBSA – Canada)
- ACE Truck eManifest (CBP – United States)
A lead sheet is the page the driver presents at primary inspection to help the officer retrieve the electronically-filed trip/manifest in CBSA/CBP systems.
Quick overview
Use a lead sheet when:
- A driver needs a printable page that ties to the electronic trip/manifest
- You want a consistent workflow for printing, emailing, faxing, or pre-generating trip paperwork
- Your port or operation prefers specific formats (for example, a QR-code driver copy for ACE)
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🔖 Lead sheet procedures can vary by port and carrier workflow. If you are unsure which format to use, contact BorderConnect support or confirm with your local port procedures. |
Choose your lead sheet method
| Method | Best for | Output | Where to do it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print from a manifest | Day-to-day dispatch workflow | PDF driver copy (Standard or Detailed) | ACI/ACE Manifest Details page |
| Email / Fax from a manifest | Sending to a terminal, driver, or partner | Email/Fax with PDF attachment | ACI/ACE Manifest Details page |
| Generate lead sheets ahead of time (batch) | Drivers need a stack in advance | PDF batch of pre-numbered coversheets | Account menu → ACE/ACI Coversheets |
| ACE QR Code Driver Copy | Operations using QR-based driver copies | PDF driver copy with QR code | ACE Manifest Details page → Print/Fax/Email |
Method 1: Print lead sheets from a manifest
This is the most common approach when the manifest is already created in BorderConnect.
ACI (CBSA)
- Open the trip: ACI eManifest Details Page
- Click Print near the top of the page
- Choose one option:
- Standard Driver’s Copy
- Detailed Driver’s Copy
- Save or print the PDF
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🔖 Both Standard and Detailed formats can be used. Many dispatch teams use Standard for speed and Detailed when drivers want extra detail on the page. |
ACE (CBP)
- Open the trip: ACE eManifest Details Page
- Click Print near the top of the page
- Select the driver copy / cover sheet option you need (including QR code options where applicable)
- Save or print the PDF
Method 2: Email or fax lead sheets from a manifest
Use this method when the PDF needs to be delivered to someone else without printing locally.
- Open the manifest details page (ACI or ACE)
- Click Email or Fax (next to Print)
- Choose Standard or Detailed (and QR options for ACE, if required)
- Enter the recipient email address or fax number
- Add an optional subject/message (email) or subject header (fax)
- Send
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🔖 Fax numbers must include an area code. If you have delivery issues, confirm the destination fax/email is correct and try resending from the same manifest. |
Method 3: Generate lead sheets ahead of time (batch)
Batch lead sheets are useful when drivers must leave with paperwork before the manifest is finished. You can hand out a range (like a stack), then the driver reports which trip number they used.
Step-by-step (batch)
- From the top menu, open the Account menu
- Select ACE/ACI Coversheets
- Click Create ACI Coversheet (or the equivalent action for the sheet type you need)
Required fields (batch)
At minimum, you will enter:
- Carrier Code
- Trip Number Range (first trip number → last trip number)
Example:
- Range 0001 to 0050 generates 50 lead sheets
Save and print (batch)
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
How drivers use batch lead sheets
Once drivers have a stack of pre-generated lead sheets:
- Driver uses the next available sheet (next trip number)
- Driver tells dispatch the Trip Number / CRN they used
- Dispatch files the electronic manifest using that same Trip Number / CRN
- Driver presents the sheet at arrival
Visual workflow
Do you already have the manifest filed?
├─ Yes → Print / Email / Fax the lead sheet from the Manifest Details page
└─ No → Give the driver a batch lead sheet (pre-generated range)
└→ Driver provides Trip # / CRN → You file the manifest using that Trip # / CRN
ACE QR Code driver copies
CBP introduced optional QR barcode driver copy support for ACE truck manifests in 2020, with published technical specifications for how the QR should be formatted.[1]
If your operation uses QR driver copies, it is important the QR is generated and printed correctly. CBP has also issued guidance to trade stakeholders about QR formatting issues and scanning reliability.[2]
Printing an ACE QR Code driver copy in BorderConnect
- Open the ACE eManifest Details page
- Click Print, Fax, or Email
- Select QR Barcode Driver’s Copy
- Generate the PDF and deliver it to the driver
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 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
- Reprint any time from:
- Manifest Details page → Print / Email / Fax
- Coversheet Listing → View PDF