Generating ACE and ACI eManifest Lead Sheets (CBP and CBSA)
Last updated 27 June 2026
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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 ACE and ACI eManifest lead sheets using BorderConnect eManifest software.
Training video: How to generate coversheets in BorderConnect.
An ACI lead sheet is required to be presented by the driver each time the driver enters Canada using ACI. Although carriers may design and produce their own ACI lead sheets, BorderConnect provides built-in tools to generate lead sheets from a manifest or ahead of time in batches.
For ACE eManifests, a driver copy or lead sheet can help CBP locate the accepted manifest at primary inspection. CBP has also published ACE Truck Manifest QR barcode specifications, and some ports or carrier procedures may require the QR Barcode Driver's Copy.[1]
Printing Lead Sheets from a Manifest
This is the most common method for obtaining a lead sheet. Once the manifest is complete, use the Print button near the top of the ACI eManifest Details Page or ACE eManifest Details Page to generate the driver copy in PDF format.
For ACI, BorderConnect provides a choice between the Standard Driver's Copy and Detailed Driver's Copy. Both are acceptable as ACI lead sheets, so the choice is based on user preference.
For ACE, choose the standard driver's copy or, where needed, the QR Barcode Driver's Copy.
Fax and Email
Next to the Print button are the Fax and Email buttons. These can be used to send the lead sheet to a fax machine or email address instead of printing it locally.
The Fax and Email buttons provide the same driver-copy choices as Print. For faxing, enter the fax number including the area code. For email, enter the recipient address and, if needed, a message to the recipient.
There is no fee associated with using the fax lead sheet option.
Generating Lead Sheets Ahead of Time
One problem with pulling lead sheets directly from a manifest is that it can be difficult to get them to the driver if the manifest is not ready until after pickup. A common workaround is to generate a batch of ACI lead sheets ahead of time, similar to providing PARS barcodes, so the driver can carry pre-numbered lead sheets in the truck.
To get started, select ACE/ACI Coversheets from the Account menu on the top menu bar.
This will bring you to the ACI Coversheet Listing. From here, click Create ACI Coversheet to enter the information for the lead sheets you want to generate.
The required information is the Carrier Code and Trip Number Range. The range specifies the first and last trip number in the sequence. For example, entering 0001 to 0050 will generate 50 ACI lead sheets beginning with 0001 and continuing through 0050.
When finished, click Save to save the set in the system, or click Save/View PDF to save the set and immediately open the PDF file so it can be printed and distributed to drivers.
You can return to the ACI Coversheet Listing at any time to see previous trip number sequences, view the PDF files again, edit an existing set, or delete it.
When the driver picks up a load, they can complete the extra information on the lead sheet and let dispatch know which trip number, also known as the conveyance reference number, they are using so the manifest can be entered with the same number.
ACE QR Code Driver Lead Sheets
CBP introduced ACE Truck Manifest QR barcode support to help officers identify the electronically filed manifest information associated with a conveyance.[1]
After processing an ACE Manifest in BorderConnect, users can print, fax, or email a QR code driver lead sheet from the top of the ACE eManifest Details page. Under Print, Fax, or Email, select QR Barcode Driver's Copy to generate an ACE Manifest lead sheet with the QR code.
Carriers should use the QR Barcode Driver's Copy wherever it is required by the port of entry, carrier procedure, or customer instructions.