Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work?
Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance?
Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’?
If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you.
Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade.
We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed!
You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders.
Let’s get to it!
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Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work?
Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance?
Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’?
If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you.
Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade.
We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed!
You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders.
Let’s get to it!
Host: Annik SobingGuest: Michelle Frennier
Published: October 20, 2025Length: ~30 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center
ACE Up Your Trade Game: Turning Data into Compliance Intelligence
This week on Simply Trade, host Annik Sobing sits down with trade data expert Michelle Frennier to explore one of the most powerful—and underused—resources in compliance: ACE, the Automated Commercial Environment.
Together, they dive into how companies can use ACE not just for entry filings and reporting but as a living system of business intelligence. From identifying tariff misclassifications and broker inconsistencies to predicting compliance risks before CBP does, Michelle breaks down how to transform ACE data into proactive strategy.
Whether you’re new to ACE or already using it daily, this episode will show you how to make the system work for you—revealing errors, trends, and opportunities buried inside your own trade data.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How ACE works—and why every importer and exporter should have an account
What ACE reveals about your company’s compliance “story”
How to set up accounts, assign users, and customize reports
Common mistakes companies make when they ignore ACE data
Auditing through exceptions instead of endless sampling
How ACE helps identify anomalies automatically
Using Excel pivot tables and filters to visualize compliance trends
The difference between manual audits and automated exception-based reviews
Real-world risk reduction and “aha” moments from ACE users
Spotting manufacturer ID errors, missed CF-28 notices, or outdated tariff entries
How to tie ACE reports to actual duty savings and corrective action
Ways brokers and importers can collaborate on data quality using weekly reports
Export insight through ACE and why it matters now
Tracking where your exports are filed and why ACE visibility helps reduce enforcement risks
How to find unauthorized or incorrect export filings under your company name
Why ACE data is critical amid the new 50% rule and SDN ownership restrictions
ACE for leadership and ROI
How to turn ACE reports into C-suite scorecards
Building credibility and securing a compliance “seat at the table”
Making your data-driven story part of enterprise risk strategy
Tips for Getting Started:
Apply for your free ACE importer or exporter account directly through CBP.
Assign trusted company users and maintain strong access controls.
Run and save template reports for regular review—don’t treat ACE as an archive.
Communicate findings early; catching errors before CBP does is always cheaper.
Key Takeaways:
ACE is more than a filing platform—it’s the single source of truth for your trade data history.
Learning to read and work with your ACE data helps you correct errors before CBP finds them.
With exception-based auditing, automation strengthens compliance oversight while keeping humans in control.
ACE offers visibility, transparency, and credibility—three essentials for compliance leaders seeking strategic impact.
Resources & Mentions:
Michelle Frennier
E-Mail: michelle@evolve-trade.com
— CBP Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Overview:
https://www.federalregister.gov/automated-commercial-environment-ace-https://www.descartes.com/resources/knowledge-center/us-automated-commercial-environment-ace-resource-center
— ACE Reports and Account Access:https://www.aiag.org/expertise-areas/supply-chain-management/north-american-customs---trade/ace-and-automated-systems-reporting-for-export-and-importhttps://www.shapiro.com/resources/what-you-need-to-know-about-automated-commercial-environment-ace/
— ACE for Export Filings and Electronic Manifests:https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/13/2024-31331/automated-commercial-environment-ace-electronic-export-manifest-for-rail-cargo
— ACE Tutorials and FAQs:https://www.magaya.com/automated-commercial-environment/
Credits
Host: Annik SobingGuest: Michelle Frennier
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Simply Trade
Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work?
Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance?
Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’?
If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you.
Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade.
We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed!
You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders.
Let’s get to it!
