1.What is the Automated Manifest System?
The Automated Manifest System (AMS) is an electronic information transmission system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Air and ocean shipments into the U.S. require an AMS filing with detailed information about the cargo, as a security measure.The AMS is used for electronic air manifests, but AMS is often used as an umbrella term to refer to all electronic information transmission.
ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) is used for electronic truck, rail, and sea manifests.
An AMS fee will be charged per BOL/AWB. Either the client or supplier must cover the fee

2.What is the Automated Export System (AES)?
The Automated Export System (AES) is the automated system for filing U.S. Shipper’s Export Declarations.
AES authorizes the electronic filing of export and manifest information directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Due to electronic filing, AES has the capability to edit collected information immediately and correct any detected errors at the time of filing.
AES is a nationwide system operational at all ports and for all methods of transportation.
The system was designed to assure the  compliance and enforcement of laws relating to exports, improving trade  statistics, reducing duplicate reporting, and improving customer service.

3.What is a CES?
A CES (Centralized Examination Station) is a privately operated facility designated by CBP for physical examination where imported or exported cargo is made available for a Customs inspection.
Shipments selected for a Tail Gate or Intensive exam will be trucked to a CES.
The importer is responsible for all costs associated with a Customs exam, including trucking to and from the CES, the CES fee, storage, etc.