AMS Filing Software

Automated Manifest System (AMS) Filing Software for Freight Forwarders

Automated Manifest System (AMS) Filing Software for Freight Forwarders

Create, validate, and transmit AMS to CBP in a few clicks. Document AI handles the data entry and links each filing to its ISF.

Create, validate, and transmit AMS to CBP in a few clicks. Document AI handles the data entry and links each filing to its ISF.

Direct to CBP (ACE)

Linked to ISF

Your own SCAC

ams filing software
ams filing software
  • Senator International Shipping Co. WLL logo
  • Air7Seas Transport Logistics, Inc. logo
  • Nacs Logo
  • Defense Program Support logo
  • T.I.M.E. Cargo logo
  • STRABE Logistics logo
  • Senator International Shipping Co. WLL logo
  • Air7Seas Transport Logistics, Inc. logo
  • Nacs Logo
  • Defense Program Support logo
  • T.I.M.E. Cargo logo
  • STRABE Logistics logo
  • Senator International Shipping Co. WLL logo
  • Air7Seas Transport Logistics, Inc. logo
  • Nacs Logo
  • Defense Program Support logo
  • T.I.M.E. Cargo logo
  • STRABE Logistics logo

AMS filing software transmits advance cargo manifest data from carriers and freight forwarders to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the Automated Manifest System (AMS) in ACE. File your US customs manifest to CBP for ocean and air cargo, under your own SCAC, linked to the ISF, straight from the shipment record. No re-keying, no mismatches. 

AMS filing software transmits advance cargo manifest data from carriers and freight forwarders to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the Automated Manifest System (AMS) in ACE. File your US customs manifest to CBP for ocean and air cargo, under your own SCAC, linked to the ISF, straight from the shipment record. No re-keying, no mismatches. 

What's Holding Back Your AMS Process?

Challenging Compliance Timelines

AMS (Automated Manifest System) filings require submission 24 hours before vessel loading, missing this can result in costly delays.

map
map

Constantly Changing Regulations

Navigating evolving CBP requirements demands attention to detail and regular updates.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) logo

Manual Processes Increase Risk

Relying on spreadsheets, emails, and disjointed systems often leads to data errors and filing inconsistencies.

manual filing
cbp direct integration

Operational Delays & Penalties

Inaccurate or late submissions may trigger cargo holds, inspections, and significant financial penalties.

Late Submission

-$5000

-$5000

-$5000

Key Features

Everything you need for AMS filing, in one platform.

Document AI Extraction

Upload the MBL and HBL; CargoEZ parses and auto-fills the AMS.

Reusable Templates

Save recurring lanes and create a filing in a click.

Duplicate Prevention

Idempotency checks block duplicate and concurrent submissions.

Multi-Level Approvals

Sequential/parallel approvals, groups, delegation, escalation.

Authorized-Filer Transmission

Approval and transmission stay separate; only an authorized filer sends to CBP.

AMS-ISF Link & Data Sync

Link each AMS to its ISF, with a Data Sync Check to keep both aligned.

Custom Alerts

In-app and email alerts for deadlines, approvals, risks, and failures.

Save as Draft

Save any filing as a draft and come back to finish it later.

Consolidated Dashboard

Status, approvals, deadline risk, and CBP responses in one view.

2FA & Role-Based Access

Two-factor login with view/create/edit/delete permissions and audit history.

CBP Onboarding Support

LOI with your SCAC, bond, and NVOCC name to obtain your filer code.

Link your AMS to the ISF, so the data matches

CBP requires your ocean AMS data to match the importer's ISF. Miss the match and you get holds and exams. Most tools file AMS in a separate window from everything else, a second entry, a second chance to mismatch.

CargoEZ files AMS from the shipment record and links it straight to the ISF (a real "Link ISF" field). Shipper, consignee, container, and bill-of-lading data are already there, so AMS and ISF match by design, not by double-checking.

Document AI reads your MBL and HBL and auto-fills the filing

"Link ISF" field ties each AMS filing to its ISF, with a Data Sync Check to keep both aligned

File under your own SCAC / filer code

Live CBP disposition codes and status tracking (Draft to Approved)

Status-based email alerts on every filing

Who files AMS and by when

AMS is filed by the carrier, NVOCC, or freight forwarder moving cargo into the US, under its own SCAC and International Carrier Bond. CargoEZ files both modes:

01

Ocean cargo

AMS is filed 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the foreign port (the 24-hour rule). Carrier files the Master Bill; the forwarder/NVOCC files the House Bill, linked to it.

02

Air cargo

AMS is filed 4 hours before arrival at the first US port (or by "wheels up" from nearby regions). Master and House Air Waybills filed by the carrier or Indirect Air Carrier (IAC).

03

Your SCAC + bond

File under your own Filer Code/SCAC and International Carrier Bond (min $50,000).

04

Precise commodity

Vague descriptions like "general cargo" or "FAK" are rejected, validation catches them first.

05

Bill Type Codes

Correct CBP bill type (e.g. House Bill) and master/house hierarchy, built in.

AMS vs ISF: what’s the difference?

Both are advance US filings on the same ocean import, filed by different parties, and CargoEZ handles both from one record.

AMS

ISF (10+2)

What it is

The cargo manifest

The importer's security filing

Who files

Carrier / NVOCC / forwarder

Importer (or agent) + carrier

Deadline

Ocean: 24h before loading · Air: 4h before arrival

24h before vessel loading

In CargoEZ

Filed from the same shipment record and linked together, so the data matches. See

Transform Your Customs Filing Process

AMS FIling

Accelerated Filing

AMS FIling

Accelerated Filing

Submit AMS documentation quickly with centralized access to shipment data.

AMS FIling

Accelerated Filing

Submit AMS documentation quickly with centralized access to shipment data.

Real time visibility

Real-Time Visibility

Real time visibility

Real-Time Visibility

Monitor submission status, receive confirmation receipts, and manage filings in one place.

Real time visibility

Real-Time Visibility

Monitor submission status, receive confirmation receipts, and manage filings in one place.

man holding blue shield

Reliable Compliance Management

man holding blue shield

Reliable Compliance Management

Reduce the risk of fines and delays while maintaining a seamless customs workflow.

man holding blue shield

Reliable Compliance Management

Reduce the risk of fines and delays while maintaining a seamless customs workflow.

Why Choose CargoEZ AMS Filing Software?

freight forwarder

Purpose-Built for Freight Professionals

Streamlined Data Entry & Real-Time Validation

Compliance Without Complexity

Ease of Use at Every Step

freight forwarder

Purpose-Built for Freight Professionals

Explicitly designed for freight forwarders and ocean carriers to streamline Automated Manifest System compliance.

Streamlined Data Entry & Real-Time Validation

Ensures accurate and compliant filings by reducing manual data entry and validating key information instantly.

Compliance Without Complexity

Stay current with CBP requirements through intelligent filing workflows and built-in checks.

Ease of Use at Every Step

Our user-friendly interface requires no technical expertise—ensuring fast adoption across teams.

Step -1

Import Shipment Information

Sync your data automatically or upload it directly into the platform.

Step -1

Import Shipment Information

Sync your data automatically or upload it directly into the platform.

Step -1

Import Shipment Information

Sync your data automatically or upload it directly into the platform.

How CargoEZ Simplifies AMS Filing

 A Step-by-Step Workflow

How CargoEZ Simplifies AMS Filing

 A Step-by-Step Workflow

FAQs

FAQs

What is the Automated Manifest System (AMS)?

AMS is U.S. Customs and Border Protection's electronic system that collects advance cargo data to enhance security and streamline clearance. It is part of CBP's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).

Does CargoEZ file AMS for ocean and air cargo?

Yes, CargoEZ files US AMS for both ocean and air cargo, from the same shipment record, under your own SCAC.

Can CargoEZ auto-fill an AMS from my documents?

Yes. Upload the MBL and HBL and CargoEZ's Document AI extracts the vessel, voyage, bill numbers, containers, and parties, then populates the filing for you to review and accept.

Does CargoEZ prevent duplicate AMS submissions?

Yes. An idempotency check and duplicate detection (on bill and vessel details) block duplicate or concurrent submissions to CBP.

Who can transmit an AMS filing to CBP?

Approval and transmission are separate actions. Only an authorized filer can send a filing to CBP, and approving a filing never transmits it automatically.

When must AMS be filed?

For ocean cargo, AMS must be filed at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the foreign port. For air cargo, AMS must be filed 4 hours before the aircraft arrives in the US (or by "wheels up" from nearby regions).

Who is required to file AMS?

The carrier, NVOCC, or freight forwarder moving cargo into the US, filing under its own SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) and International Carrier Bond (minimum $50,000).

What is required for AMS filing?

A valid SCAC and carrier bond, plus cargo details: shipper, consignee, goods description, container and seal numbers, bill-of-lading (or air waybill) numbers, and port of loading/discharge. Vague commodity terms like "general cargo" or "FAK" are rejected by CBP.

Can I track AMS filings in CargoEZ?

Yes. CargoEZ shows real-time status updates, CBP disposition codes, and confirmation receipts for every submission.

What is the difference between ISF and AMS filing?

ISF (10+2) is the importer's security filing; AMS is the cargo manifest filed by the carrier or forwarder. Both are advance US filings on the same ocean import, and CargoEZ files and links both from one shipment record so the data matches. See ISF filing software.

How much does AMS filing cost?

AMS fees are typically charged per bill of lading or air waybill and vary by provider. CargoEZ includes AMS filing in its customs module, book a demo for pricing on your volume.

What happens if AMS is filed late or incorrectly?

CBP can issue holds, exams, and penalties of $5,000 for a first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation (19 U.S.C. 1436). CargoEZ validates every filing and surfaces CBP disposition codes, so errors are caught before they cost you.

Is AMS filing software free?

No. AMS filing is a professional customs function requiring a SCAC and bond. CargoEZ is a full AMS/ISF solution built for freight forwarders, not a free portal.

Do I need technical training to use CargoEZ?

No. CargoEZ is built for ease of use, so anyone on your team can operate it confidently without IT help.

How does CargoEZ ensure compliance accuracy?

Real-time validations and CBP-aligned checks reduce filing errors and ensure accurate submissions.

Is CargoEZ updated with the latest customs rules?

Absolutely. CargoEZ is continuously updated to reflect any changes in CBP regulations.

What are the benefits of AMS filing?

It improves supply chain visibility, reduces delays at ports, and helps avoid penalties.

Does CargoEZ integrate with existing logistics systems?

Yes. It connects seamlessly with major ERP, TMS, and freight platforms for smooth operations.

Seamless Integration with Your Existing Tools

CargoEZ integrates effortlessly with your ERP, TMS, or freight management system.

Experience smooth data exchange and operational continuity, without complicated setup.