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Import Wizard (ACE and ACI eManifest)

Last updated 22 July 2026

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This article is part of the BorderConnect Software User Guide

The BorderConnect File Import Wizard allows users to import internal company data into BorderConnect so it can be used on ACE and ACI eManifests. The wizard can import shippers, consignees, shipments, vehicles, trailers, drivers, passengers, and related data.[1]

The Import Wizard is designed to reduce repetitive manual data entry and help companies bring existing operational records into BorderConnect. Imported records can then be used when creating ACE and ACI eManifests, depending on the data type and the user's account permissions.

For help troubleshooting a file upload, contact BorderConnect's technical support.

Getting Started

The File Import Wizard is available to registered BorderConnect users. It can be opened from the Manage Data menu by selecting Import Wizard.

The Import Wizard can also be opened from the Import button dropdown on these search pages:

  • Search ACI Shipments;
  • Search ACE Shipments;
  • Search Shipper/Consignee;
  • Search Drivers;
  • Search Passengers;
  • Search Trucks; and
  • Search Trailers.

Importing directly from the Search ACE Shipments and Search ACI Shipments pages requires Allow ACE and ACI Imports to be enabled on the Company Settings page. BorderConnect's ACE shipment import materials also describe enabling import buttons from Company Settings before uploading shipments into an ACE eManifest.[2]

Supported File Types

The Import Wizard supports the following file types:[1]

  • .csv
  • .xlsx
  • .xls
  • .xml
  • .numbers

For best results, use a clean spreadsheet with one header row and consistent formatting. Avoid merged cells, hidden rows, duplicate column names, and mixed date formats where possible.

Acceptable Import Data

The Import Wizard supports multiple data categories used across ACE and ACI eManifest workflows.[1]

Data Information imported
ACE Consignees ACE consignee name, contact information, and address.
ACE Shippers ACE shipper name, contact information, and address.
ACE Shipments ACE shipment type, shipment control number, trip lead sheet, shipper and consignee information, and commodity details.
ACI Consignees ACI consignee name, contact information, and address.
ACI Shippers ACI shipper name, contact information, and address.
ACI Shipments ACI shipment type, cargo control number, port of entry, release office, sublocation if applicable, estimated arrival date and time, and commodity details.
Drivers Driver name, travel document information, and notification details.
Passengers Passenger name, travel document information, and FAST or ACE information.
Trailers Trailer unit number, trailer type, and licence plate information.
Vehicles Vehicle unit number, vehicle type, licence plate information, and VIN.

The selected import type should match the contents of the file. For example, a truck list should be imported as Vehicles, while a list of ACE shipment rows should be imported as ACE Shipments.

How to Import

The import process has three main steps: upload, map, and validate. Users should review each step carefully before completing the import, especially when importing shipments or profile records that will be used on live customs filings.

File Import Wizard Home Page
File Import Wizard Home Page

Part 1: Upload

Select the type of data you are importing. Then click Upload a File or drag the file into the upload area.

Selecting the data type
Selecting the data type
Uploading the file
Uploading the file

After the data type has been selected and the file has been uploaded, click Next to continue to the Map page.

Part 2: Mapping

Mapping connects the headers in the uploaded file to the matching BorderConnect destination fields. The Incoming Data column shows the headings from the uploaded file, the Destination Data column shows the BorderConnect field that will receive the data, and the Example column helps users verify that each field is matched correctly.

Mapping imported columns to BorderConnect fields
Mapping imported columns to BorderConnect fields

The Map page is split into three sections:

  • Completed Mappings: fields that are matched and ready to review. Users can use the row menu to duplicate, ignore, or split incoming data, and can use destination dropdowns to adjust the mapped destination fields.
  • Incomplete Mappings: fields that are missing required values, use an incompatible format, or still need to be mapped before the import can continue.
  • Ignore: fields that will not be imported because the user marked them as ignored.

Review the mapping carefully. When the required mappings have been verified, click Next to continue to the Validate page.

Part 3: Validate

The Validate page lets users review the data before it is imported. Use this step to correct formatting issues, review flagged rows, add or remove rows and columns, and edit individual cells directly in the grid.

Validating data before import
Validating data before import

When the data has been reviewed, click Finish Import to complete the process. BorderConnect will return to the corresponding search page and show a confirmation message with a unique import reference number.

Successful import confirmation
Successful import confirmation

Reviewing Imports

Imported Files Search Page
Imported Files Search Page

After files have been imported, users can review the imports from Manage Data and then Search Imported Files.

The Imported Files Search page can be searched by import reference ID, schema type, and date created range. Recent imports are listed in the Imported Files References section.

Click an imported file, or click View in its row menu, to open the Imported Files Details page. From the details page, users can review the imported file and manage imported records. Depending on the data type and status, the row menu may allow users to view, edit, deactivate, or delete imported data.

Importing Shipments

ACE and ACI shipment imports should be reviewed more carefully than profile imports because shipment data may be transmitted to CBP or CBSA. BorderConnect's ACE shipment import workflow shows users enabling import buttons, uploading shipment data into an ACE eManifest, reviewing the imported shipments, and then sending the eManifest to CBP after verifying the data.[2]

When importing shipments, confirm that the shipment type, control number, shipper, consignee, commodity description, quantity, weight, and port-related fields are correct. Incorrect shipment details can lead to rejected manifests, mismatched broker entries, or customs delays.

Best Practices

  • Use clear column headers in the source file.
  • Remove duplicate or outdated records before uploading.
  • Keep one type of data per file.
  • Use consistent date, phone number, licence plate, and travel document formatting.
  • Review incomplete mappings before continuing.
  • Validate the imported rows carefully before clicking Finish Import.
  • Import a small test file first when using a new spreadsheet format.
  • Confirm imported shipment data before transmitting an ACE or ACI eManifest.

Troubleshooting

If an import does not work as expected, review the source file before uploading it again. Common issues include unsupported file types, missing required columns, incorrect data formats, blank required fields, duplicate records, or columns mapped to the wrong BorderConnect destination field.

If the issue continues, provide BorderConnect support with the import reference number shown after the import attempt. The import reference number helps identify the file and import event that needs to be reviewed.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 BorderConnect: Import Wizard (ACE and ACI eManifest)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 BorderConnect: How to Import Shipments Into an ACE eManifest
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