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Ports of entry

Customs broker at U.S. ports of entry

Allied CHB files customs entries at every U.S. port of entry in ACE under filer code 9AJ. These pages give the facts for 12 major ports: port codes, agencies, main cargo and common problems.

See the portsCall (908) 291-8001

Which ports have a page?

Each page gives the CBP port code, the agencies at the port, the rules for its main cargo, and questions about that port.

How can one broker file at every port?

A customs entry is electronic. The broker files it in ACE, the CBP Automated Commercial Environment, for the port where the goods arrive. A broker with a national permit can do customs business everywhere in the U.S. customs territory (19 CFR 111.19).

Allied CHB is a licensed customs broker in Rahway, New Jersey. We file entries remotely in ACE under filer code 9AJ at every U.S. port of entry. The cargo stays at the port: the carrier, the terminal and your trucker move it, and CBP and the other agencies examine it there.

What do I send for an entry at any port?

  • Bill of lading or air waybill

    The master and house numbers.

  • Commercial invoice and packing list

  • ISF data for ocean cargo

    No later than 24 hours before loading at the foreign port. See ISF filing.

  • Importer of record number and a customs bond

    A formal entry needs a bond. See customs bonds.

  • Agency data

    FDA, USDA, EPA, DOT or USFWS information when the goods need it.

  • A signed power of attorney

    One time, before the first entry. Sign it online.

Why does the port code matter?

CBP gives each port of entry a four-digit code. The first two digits are the district, and the last two are the port in that district. The entry, the in-bond record and the manifest use this code.

The code on the entry must match the port where the goods are. When cargo lands at one port and moves in-bond to another, the entry is filed at the destination port. See in-bond moves.

Questions

Questions about filing at U.S. ports

Does Allied CHB have offices at these ports?

No. Allied CHB is in Rahway, New Jersey. We file entries remotely in ACE at every U.S. port of entry. The goods stay at the port, and the carrier, the terminal and your trucker move them.

Can you file at a port that has no page here?

Yes. These 12 pages cover major ports, but we file at every U.S. port of entry, including land borders, seaports and airports. Tell us the port when you ask for a quote.

What is a CBP port code?

A four-digit code for each port of entry. The first two digits are the CBP district, and the last two are the port. For example, 4701 is JFK Airport and 4601 is New York/Newark.

Do I need a different broker for each port?

No. One broker with a national permit can file at all ports (19 CFR 111.19). A continuous bond also covers entries at all ports.

How do I start?

Sign the power of attorney online, then send the transport document and the invoice for your first shipment. We reply with the documents that are still missing.

Shipping to a U.S. port?

Tell us the port, the goods and the arrival date. We reply with a quote and the list of documents that we need.

Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com

Request a quoteSign the power of attorney

Last reviewed September 28, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.

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