If you’re a vessel agent, freight forwarder, or anyone responsible for cargo reporting, you’ve probably had to deal with the Automated Manifest System (AMS) at some point. And if you haven’t yet—trust me, you will. Understanding AMS filing is about making sure your shipments clear Customs and Border Protection (CBP) efficiently, avoiding delays, and steering clear of severe fines that nobody wants to pay.
But let’s be real—AMS can feel like an administrative headache if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why I’m breaking it down in plain English, with all insider knowledge that makes a difference when dealing with CBP regulations, ocean freight, and customs requirements.
What is the Automated Manifest System, and Why Was It Implemented?
Before AMS, cargo reporting was a mess. Carriers had to submit physical documents upon cargo arrival, leaving CBP scrambling to process everything in real time. That wasn’t just inefficient—it was a security risk.
AMS was introduced in 2004 to streamline cargo processing, reduce paperwork, and improve national security. Essentially, it forces shipping carriers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and rail carriers to electronically submit shipment details before a ship arrives at a foreign port bound for the U.S.
Why? Because CBP wants to know what’s coming in before it gets here. This allows them to flag potential security threats, verify compliance with customs requirements, and clear low-risk ocean shipments faster.
For vessel agents, this means keeping track of electronic air manifests, customs entry lodgement, and ensuring everything aligns. If your data doesn’t match up, expect delays—or worse, a CBP audit.
The key takeaway is this: the sooner you file AMS, the fewer problems you’ll have when your ship arrives at a U.S. port.
Who Is Required to File AMS?
As a vessel agent, you may not always be directly responsible for AMS filing, but you play a crucial role in making sure it gets done correctly. You’re often the one making sure the right documentation is in place, coordinating between carriers, freight forwarders, and customs officials, and catching potential issues before they turn into costly mistakes.
So, who actually files AMS? That depends on the type of shipment and who has control over the cargo:
- NVOCCs (non-vessel operating common carriers) are usually the ones handling AMS filing, especially when consolidating shipments for multiple clients.
- Freight forwarders may also file AMS if they act as the NVOCC or if the carrier delegates the responsibility to them.
- Ocean carriers submit master AMS filings, while freight forwarders/NVOCCs submit house AMS filings.
Mistakes in AMS filings can lead to severe fines—up to $10,000 per violation. If shipment details are inaccurate, CBP holds the freight forwarder or carrier accountable.
Learn the difference between AMS and VECS on our blog about the Vessel Entrance & Clearance System.
AMS vs. ISF: What’s the Difference?
People mix these up all the time, so let’s set the record straight. While both AMS and ISF are pre-arrival filings required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, they serve different purposes and have distinct filing requirements.
AMS (Automated Manifest System)
- Filed by carriers, NVOCCs, or freight forwarders handling cargo transport.
- Required for all transport modes—ocean freight, air freight, rail, and truck shipments.
- Must be submitted before cargo departs from the origin to allow CBP to assess potential risks and process customs entries efficiently.
ISF (Importer Security Filing):
- Filed by importers or their customs brokers, focusing only on ocean freight.
- Due at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the foreign port.
- Requires 10+2 data elements, such as shipper and consignee details, cargo description, and container stuffing location, to enhance supply chain transparency.
If you work with ocean shipments, you’ll likely deal with both AMS and ISF. They complement each other, but getting them wrong can have different consequences:
- Mess up ISF, and your importer faces fines, cargo holds, or additional CBP inspections.
- Mess up AMS, and CBP will flag the carrier (or freight forwarder)—which means delays, penalties, or worse, cargo rejection at the port of entry.
At the end of the day, both filings ensure CBP knows what’s coming into the country before the ship arrives, but knowing who’s responsible for what and when makes all the difference in keeping your cargo moving.
Learn more with our blog about ISFs.
5 Benefits of AMS Filing for Carriers and Importers
Here’s why AMS filing actually helps your operations rather than just being another bureaucratic hurdle:
1. CBP screens shipments early, reducing the risk of last-minute holds.
When CBP has pre-arrival data, they can identify potential security threats before your ship arrives at port. This means fewer surprises, fewer secondary screenings, and fewer disruptions to your supply chain. If your cargo gets flagged before arrival, you can handle the issue proactively rather than scrambling when the shipment is already docked.
2. Faster clearance at ports, which means fewer demurrage fees.
Ever dealt with unexpected demurrage or detention fees because your cargo got held up at customs? Late or incomplete filings are a big reason why containers sit at the port longer than necessary. When AMS filings are accurate and timely, cargo gets processed faster, reducing the risk of storage fees that can quickly add up.
3. Less paperwork, since everything is submitted electronically.
Before AMS, shipping documentation was a nightmare of physical manifests, paper bills of lading, and back-and-forth approvals. AMS filing digitized the process, cutting down on unnecessary paperwork and the manual errors that often came with it. With the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) and Electronic Air Manifests, everything is filed electronically and linked to CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) for faster processing.
4. Avoid AMS fees and severe fines for late or inaccurate filings.
CBP takes AMS compliance seriously. Miss a deadline, submit shipment details with errors, or fail to update manifest changes, and you could face severe fines—sometimes up to $10,000 per violation. Late or incorrect AMS filings can damage relationships with importers, who expect their cargo to arrive on schedule.
5. Better supply chain visibility, so shippers and carriers know what’s moving and when.
AMS benefits ocean carriers, freight forwarders, and NVOCCs by providing real-time tracking of cargo movement. Whether you’re moving ocean shipments, electronic truck cargo, or rail freight, having pre-filed AMS data means you (and your customers) know exactly where things are in the logistics pipeline. Better tracking = fewer miscommunications = happier clients.
At the end of the day, AMS is an essential part of modern freight logistics that helps keep cargo flowing smoothly. Whether you’re managing consolidated shipments or overseeing CBP compliance for vessel agents, having AMS in place ensures that your port operations stay predictable and efficient.
What Information Is Required for AMS Filing?
While both importers and NVOCCs need to submit similar information, their roles in the shipping process determine who is responsible for specific details. Here’s what must be included in your AMS filing:
| Document | AMS Filing for Importers | AMS Filing for NVOCCs |
| Bill of Lading (BOL) | – Identifies the shipper and consignee, including full names and addresses. – Specifies cargo details, such as weight, quantity, and packaging. – Lists container and seal numbers to verify integrity. – Includes loading and discharge ports to track cargo movement. – Provides vessel name and voyage number for reference. | – Documents shipper and consignee information, ensuring all necessary contact details are present. – Contains precise cargo descriptions, including weight and packaging details. – Features unique container and seal numbers to track the cargo. – Indicates ports of origin and final destination. – Identifies the vessel and voyage number to maintain shipment records. |
| Cargo Control Number (CCN) | – Issued by the carrier to track and manage the cargo throughout its journey. – Must be consistent with the Bill of Lading to avoid discrepancies. | – Assigned by carriers to help maintain control over the movement of goods. – Must align with BOL details to prevent processing errors. |
| Consignee and Shipper Details | – Requires complete legal names and addresses for both parties. – Includes contact details and tax ID numbers, if applicable. | – Covers all involved parties, ensuring full documentation of the shipper and consignee. – Lists identification numbers or tax codes for compliance with customs regulations. |
| Manifest Document | – Breaks down all goods in the shipment, including declarations for hazardous materials when necessary. – Specifies country of origin and final destination to determine tariff obligations. – Includes an estimated arrival date and time at the U.S. port. | – Provides detailed documentation on transported cargo, including hazardous material information if required. – Identifies origin and destination countries for customs compliance. – Records the expected arrival date and time at the designated U.S. port. |
| Commercial Invoice | – Serves as proof of cargo value for customs duties and insurance purposes. – Contains a breakdown of goods, including manufacturing country and Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification numbers. | – Confirms valuation of goods for accurate customs declarations and insurance. – Details the product descriptions, country of manufacture, and tariff classification numbers required for proper processing. |
| Importer Security Filing (ISF) | – Necessary for ocean freight entering the U.S., filed separately from AMS but must align with its data. – Submitted at least 24 hours before vessel loading at the origin port. | – Typically filed by importers or their brokers, but in some cases, NVOCCs may be responsible if acting as the importer of record. |
| Carrier Bond | – Not applicable for importers. | – Ensures financial responsibility for compliance with customs regulations. – Required for carriers submitting AMS filings. |
By staying on top of AMS requirements, you can ensure smooth cargo movement and compliance with U.S. customs regulations. Learn more about staying compliant with our blog on AES Filings & CBP compliance.
How to File AMS: Choosing the Right Method
When it comes to Automated Manifest System (AMS) filing, different companies have different approaches depending on their size, resources, and compliance expertise. Some prefer complete control over the process, while others rely on third-party professionals or software to handle filings. Whether you’re a carrier, freight forwarder, or vessel agent, knowing the available options will help you select the best way to stay compliant and avoid delays.
Direct Filing Through the ACE Portal
One option is submitting AMS filings directly through CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Portal. This method allows carriers, NVOCCs, and freight forwarders to transmit shipment data straight to CBP without using an intermediary.
Direct filing provides full control over AMS submissions, making it ideal for companies that regularly handle filings and have the staff to manage compliance. However, for smaller businesses without dedicated compliance personnel, this method can be time-consuming and difficult to navigate.
Check out our blog on ACE manifests for more info on this topic.
Filing Through a Freight Forwarder or Customs Broker
Many companies prefer to outsource AMS filing to a freight forwarder or customs broker who specializes in customs compliance and cargo reporting. This method allows businesses to hand off AMS responsibilities to professionals who understand CBP requirements and handle filings daily.
Vessel agents often coordinate with freight forwarders and customs brokers to confirm that all shipment details are accurate before AMS filings are submitted. This approach can cut down on mistakes that might lead to CBP holds or fines.
In cases where a dispute arises over what was submitted, a Statement of Facts can serve as critical evidence to protect vessel agents and their clients.
Using AMS Filing Software
Some shipping companies opt for third-party AMS software to automate and simplify the filing process. These tools integrate with existing logistics and documentation systems, allowing users to submit AMS filings electronically without handling everything manually. Software can be costly, and users must still input shipment details accurately to avoid CBP rejections.
Regardless of the method chosen, vessel agents play a key role in making sure AMS filings are accurate and submitted on time. Errors can delay shipments, lead to penalties, and create logistical headaches, so knowing who is responsible for AMS filing and how to avoid mistakes is critical.
How Base Helps with AMS Filing
Base provides vessel agents, freight forwarders, and NVOCCs with a structured way to manage AMS-related shipment details, keep cargo documentation organized, and improve coordination among stakeholders.
AMS filing requires multiple documents, such as Bills of Lading, Cargo Manifests, and Commercial Invoices. Instead of scattered files and email chains, Base acts as a centralized hub where teams can:
- Store and access shipment documents for AMS-related filings.
- Retrieve past shipping records when reviewing customs paperwork.
- Keep all cargo details in one system to reduce manual searching.
Since customs cross-checks AMS filings with CIPL (Commercial Invoice and Packing List) data, having easy access to this documentation can reduce errors and speed up customs clearance.
Base also helps streamline communication between these stakeholders by:
- Providing visibility into key shipment details, reducing the need for back-and-forth emails.
- Allowing vessel agents to cross-check documentation before AMS is submitted by the responsible party.
- Making it easier to locate specific cargo information needed for AMS filings.
By using Base to manage AMS-related documentation, logistics teams can reduce the risk of missing critical shipping details when working with customs and carriers.
Final Take on Automated Manifest System
The AMS is a necessary part of cargo reporting, and while it may seem like another layer of customs paperwork, it plays a key role in preventing shipment delays, avoiding fines, and keeping global trade moving efficiently. Whether you’re a vessel agent, freight forwarder, or NVOCC, understanding AMS requirements helps you stay compliant, maintain smooth operations, and prevent costly mistakes.
Vessel agents, in particular, may not always be the ones filing AMS, but they are often at the center of coordination between carriers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers. A missed filing, incorrect shipment details, or mismatched documentation can quickly lead to port delays, demurrage fees, and unhappy clients.
This is where Base helps. While Base doesn’t submit AMS filings directly, it provides a centralized system for organizing AMS-related documents, tracking shipment details, and keeping vessel agents, freight forwarders, and NVOCCs aligned. With all the necessary records in one place, logistics teams can reduce manual errors, improve coordination, and avoid last-minute compliance issues.
Key Takeaways
- AMS is required for all cargo entering the U.S. and must be filed before the cargo departs the foreign port.
- Vessel agents play a key role in coordinating AMS filings, even if they aren’t directly responsible for submitting them.
- Late or incorrect filings can lead to severe fines—up to $10,000 per violation.
- Freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and carriers are responsible for AMS filing, depending on the shipment.
- AMS and ISF are separate filings—AMS applies to all transport modes, while ISF is specific to ocean shipments.
- Base helps vessel agents, freight forwarders, and NVOCCs organize AMS-related documents, making it easier to track shipment records and reduce errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Automated Manifest System tracking?
AMS tracking refers to the process by which U.S. Customs monitors and processes pre-arrival cargo information submitted electronically by carriers. This system allows for efficient tracking and clearance of shipments entering the United States.
What is the AMS filing status?
The AMS filing status indicates the current state of a submitted AMS document, such as whether it has been accepted, rejected, or is pending review by U.S. Customs. Monitoring the filing status helps carriers address any issues promptly to avoid delays.
Who files AMS in shipping?
In shipping, the responsibility for filing AMS typically falls on carriers, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs), or freight forwarders handling the shipment. Accurate and timely filing is crucial to comply with U.S. customs regulations and prevent potential penalties.
