If HB/L number mistakenly input, can I cancel the AMS and send again with new HB/L number?
Yes, but ONLY if it is before 24 hours from when container loads into the Vessel or sailing date. If you change the HBL Number and refile AMS using the new HBL number after 24 hours container loaded in vessel, you will risk Custom penalty and it will take a lot of time to resolve.
Also do not use characters like "-", "/", "." in the HB/L number, only digits and alphabet are allowed. Otherwise, AMS will be rejected by your filing system.
If MB/L is over 13 characters and cannot save, what should I do?
MB/L should not be over 13 characters. Normally the carrier MB/L number does not exceed 13 characters.
Some filing systems require adding carrier SCAC code in front of the MB/L number like MSCU12345678910. Some systems do not require carrier SCAC code in front of the MB/L number. In this case, omit carrier SCAC code MSCU, only input 1234567890.
If Vessel name too long and system rejected, what should I do?
Vessel name should not be over 23 characters. For example, the vessel’s name is "GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE", which is 24 characters. You just omit the E in Bridge; the input should be "GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDG".
Voyage number cannot be over 5 or less than 2 digit/alphabet.
If vessel changed before arriving United State port. Should I change the vessel name and resubmit AMS?
Very often the vessel changed in foreign port before arriving in US discharge port. You are required to change the Vessel name and voyage and resubmit AMS to update CBP record.
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I had submitted AMS but filing system message box show AMS rejected or failed submit. What should I do?
The most common errors is missing fields that are required to input in the AMS record. So, the first thing is to check which fields are missing. Fields like "Marks", if customer packing indicated no marking, still require inputting as "No Mark" or "Nil".
Loading port or US discharge port name is not accepted by system. Normally, loading port, last foreign port and US discharge port should show port code with the port name. You should consult with your software provider to check if the port you intended to input is missing or it is not an official port name. Your system will not show the correct code if it is not an official loading/discharge port name.
I found some unusual messages in AMS history, what can I do?
Some messages appear frequently,
a. 2Z Container mismatch. - Check the container number, correct and resend.
b. 6H Container Hold - Customs issue message to hold the container in loading port. You are required to contact US Customs and find out the reason why they hold the container or contact US Partner and ask for assistance so they can contact Customs. Carrier will not load the container if a 6H exists. If Customs cancels the 6H, you will receive a 6I message – meaning they have released the container hold.
c. 7H NII Exam Order - Customs issue message to check the container. If the container gets a release order, you will receive a 7I message.
d. 2O ISF Hold - No ISF file before container load.
e. Fail edit - AMS sent but it was not sent to US Customs and AMS was rejected. In this case, check every field input and if correct, the possible error will be Last Foreign Port input using US port name vs the Foreign Port name – i.e. US destination port input foreign port. (Code does not match – example: UK and US have city name London, one is UKLON, other is USLON).
Container information is missing some fields like container type or selecting the wrong code.
It is important to make sure you get the “55” message showing in the AMS submit history, if you show “55”, the AMS filing is successfully submitted, you can send email to AMS help desk.