PAPS (CBP Shipment Type)

This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

PAPS stands for Pre-Arrival Processing System. It is the standard U.S. Shipment Type for most commercial goods entering the United States by highway carrier through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and ACE Manifest.

PAPS is used when the customs broker files an entry with CBP before the truck arrives and the carrier files an ACE eManifest using the same shipment identifier. That shared identifier is the PAPS number, also called the Shipment Control Number (SCN).

Video tutorial

Creating an ACE eManifest with a PAPS shipment in BorderConnect

How PAPS works

PAPS links two filings:

• the carrier's ACE eManifest shipment; and
• the broker's CBP entry filing.

The PAPS number is the common value that allows CBP to connect the carrier's manifest to the broker's entry. CBP guidance for ACE truck manifests states that when an eManifest shipment is identified with a PAPS release type, ACE searches for a corresponding entry or electronic in-bond request that reported the same Shipment Control Number.

If the number on the ACE eManifest does not exactly match the number used by the broker, the shipment can be delayed or referred at the border. CBP’s ACE Truck Manifest User Guide also notes that the Shipment Control Number reported in the eManifest shipment must be identical to the related bill or in-bond record where applicable.

PAPS number

A PAPS number is assigned by the carrier for a shipment that requires pre-arrival clearance. It functions as the shipment control number used to identify the shipment in the ACE truck manifest workflow.

A PAPS number normally begins with the carrier's SCAC followed by a unique sequence assigned by the carrier. BorderConnect’s ACE Shipment page guidance states that the Shipment Control Number always begins with a SCAC, followed by at least four numbers or letters, and that for PAPS shipments this number is the PAPS number.

Carriers often use preprinted PAPS barcode labels to avoid accidentally reusing numbers and to make the number easy for the broker and CBP to scan. BorderConnect’s customs-supplies guide notes that PAPS barcode labels can be ordered and shipped to the highway carrier from BorderPrint.

Ordering PAPS labels

PAPS barcode labels as seen on BorderPrint

Carriers can order PAPS barcode labels from BorderPrint. BorderPrint offers PAPS labels in roll, sheet, and digital download formats, including unique sequenced barcode labels for highway carriers.

BorderPrint’s digital PAPS product page states that downloadable PAPS barcode labels are emailed as a PDF, start at 300 labels, and can be customized with the company name, SCAC code, shipment control number sequence, and an optional customs broker filer code box. BorderPrint specializes in cross-border barcodes and documents for commercial highway carriers, including PARS labels, PAPS labels, ACE Manifest lead sheets, and ACI eManifest lead sheets.

When ordering labels, the carrier should confirm the correct SCAC, starting sequence, company name, and label format before use. The same PAPS number printed on the label must be entered exactly in BorderConnect and provided to the customs broker.

Carrier and broker workflow

The usual PAPS workflow is:

1. The carrier picks up the shipment and assigns a unique PAPS number.
2. The carrier puts the PAPS number or barcode on the commercial paperwork, such as the invoice or bill of lading.
3. The paperwork is sent to the customs broker.
4. The broker files the entry with CBP using that same PAPS number.
5. The carrier creates an ACE eManifest shipment using that same PAPS number.
6. CBP matches the broker entry and carrier manifest before the truck arrives, allowing the officer to release the shipment or refer it for inspection.

BorderConnect’s PAPS overview explains that the PAPS number is the common element used to link the carrier’s ACE eManifest to the broker’s CBP entry filing.

Declaring a PAPS shipment in ACE eManifest

PAPS shipments are reported on an ACE eManifest. To report a PAPS shipment in BorderConnect:

1. Create an ACE shipment.
2. Select PAPS as the shipment type.
3. Enter the PAPS number exactly as it appears on the paperwork supplied to the broker.
4. Enter the shipper, consignee, and commodity information normally required for an ACE shipment.
5. Save the shipment and transmit it as part of the ACE eManifest.

Entering a PAPS shipment in BorderConnect ACE Manifest

BorderConnect’s ACE eManifest tutorial shows the user selecting or confirming the PAPS shipment type, entering the Shipment Control Number, adding shipment and commodity information, and transmitting the manifest to CBP from BorderConnect.

Before the driver goes to the border, confirm that both the ACE eManifest and the broker's entry are on file. In BorderConnect, the broker's entry numbers are displayed on the manifest when CBP has linked the entry to the shipment.

Timing

CBP advance truck cargo rules require electronic cargo information before the carrier reaches the first U.S. port of arrival. CBP’s commercial truck manifest guidance states that cargo data must be electronically transmitted to CBP one hour before the carrier reaches the first U.S. port of arrival, with a 30-minute timeframe for shipments that qualify for CTPAT.

The underlying regulation, 19 CFR 123.92, sets the advance electronic information requirements for truck cargo arriving in the United States. Carriers should transmit early enough for CBP to accept the ACE eManifest and for the broker's entry to appear on file before the driver arrives.

Troubleshooting

If the broker's entry number does not appear on the manifest:

• confirm that the broker has filed the entry;
• confirm that the broker used the exact same PAPS number;
• confirm that the PAPS number has not already been used on another shipment;
• check for typos, spaces, dashes, or missing SCAC characters; and
• wait for CBP status messages to update after transmission.

Do not send the driver to the border until the carrier and broker have confirmed that the manifest and entry are ready.

Common mistakes

• Reusing a PAPS number that was already used on another shipment.
• Entering a PAPS number in BorderConnect that does not exactly match the label or broker paperwork.
• Sending the driver before the broker entry appears on file.
• Using the wrong SCAC when hauling under another carrier’s authority.
• Applying a PAPS label to the paperwork but forgetting to enter the same number on the ACE shipment.