If you’re working with Freight Right as your customs broker, you can choose to pay duties directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using the Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) instead of having your broker advance payments on your behalf. This approach gives you greater control over cash flow, reduces administrative friction, and enables consolidated monthly payments.
Step 1: Create an ACE Portal Account
To begin, you must register for CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), which is the system used to manage imports and payments.
Step 2: Enroll in ACH with CBP
Next, apply to pay duties electronically through CBP’s ACH program. You will need to choose between ACH Debit (CBP pulls funds automatically) or ACH Credit (you push payments from your bank). Most importers use ACH Debit.
Step 3: Receive Your PUN (Payer Unit Number)
Once your ACH application is approved, CBP will issue you a Payer Unit Number (PUN), which identifies your payment account. You should confirm your ACH setup is visible and active within your ACE Portal account. Share your PUN with your Freight Right rep.
Step 4: Coordinate Entry and Payment Setup with Freight Right
Confirm your setup before shipments move. Make sure that:
You are listed as payer of record
Entries match your ACH account
No broker-fronted duty payments
Step 5: Enable Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS) Payments
If you import regularly, you can streamline payments by enrolling in CBP’s Periodic Monthly Statement program, which consolidates all duties into a single monthly payment.
Step 6: Begin Paying Duties Directly via ACH
Once your account is active and coordinated with Freight Right, CBP will either automatically debit your account (ACH Debit) or you will submit payments based on your statements (ACH Credit).
Cost Savings & Reduced Fees: Using ACH for duty payments minimizes or eliminates broker ACH handling fees, as importers can pay directly.
Enhanced Cash Flow & Control: ACH allows importers to pay duties directly rather than relying on brokers, and it enables participation in the Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS) program.
Simplified Accounting & Payment: The PMS program allows for the consolidation of daily duties into a single monthly payment, which is due on the 15th working day of the following month, giving you up to 45 days for payment.
Increased Security: Electronic transfers are more secure than paper checks, reducing issues related to lost or stolen mail.