First Freight Carriers (FFC) manages Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) for ocean imports so your containers load on time and clear the U.S. smoothly. ISF is a pre-departure requirement: key data about the shipment must be filed at least 24 hours before vessel loading at the foreign port. Our team collects and validates every element—the seller, buyer, importer of record, consignee, manufacturer/supplier, ship-to party, country of origin, HTS number, and the vessel stow plan/container status messages—so your Importer Security Filing is correct, on time, and accepted. We align ISF with your commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading to prevent mismatches, and we coordinate with your suppliers so data arrives early and accurately. If anything changes before sailing, we file ISF amendments quickly. On arrival, we keep your entry, customs clearance, drayage, and warehousing & transloading plans in sync so freight avoids unnecessary storage, demurrage, and per diem. Whether you import routinely under a continuous bond or occasionally with single-transaction bonds, FFC makes Importer Security Filing predictable, compliant, and hassle-free—without last-minute surprises.
Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2)
Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2)
How our ISF process works
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Pre-alert & checklist: We send a simple ISF template to your supplier and align on who provides what, by when.
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Data validation: We verify parties, addresses, HTS numbers, and the ship-to location against your documents.
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Bond & filing: We attach your continuous bond or arrange a single ISF bond, then submit the Importer Security Filing in ACE.
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Status monitoring: We confirm ISF acceptance and reconcile with the bill of lading before the foreign port cutoff.
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Amendments: If details change, we file amendments prior to lading to keep the ISF accurate.
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Arrival handoff: We coordinate customs clearance, drayage, and return of empties within LFD windows.
What we need to file your ISF fast
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Importer of Record details (EIN, address) and POA
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Seller and buyer names/addresses
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Manufacturer/Supplier name/address and ship-to name/address
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Country of origin and HTS number(s)
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Bill of lading (house/master) and planned loading date
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Bond preference (continuous or single-transaction)
Common pitfalls (and how we prevent them)
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Late data from suppliers: We issue a clear checklist and deadline; we follow up proactively.
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Party/address mismatches: We reconcile names and addresses to match commercial documents and B/L.
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Wrong HTS numbers: We review classifications with your team to avoid costly rework or holds.
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Ship-to confusion: We confirm the first U.S. delivery point to route drayage and appointments correctly.
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Missed amendments: We monitor changes and amend the Importer Security Filing before lading.
Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2)
What is Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2)?
Importer Security Filing is advance ocean-import data that must be filed 24 hours before loading at the foreign port so U.S. Customs can assess security risk.
Who is responsible for filing ISF?
The Importer of Record is responsible; we file as your agent once we have POA, bond, and complete data.
What happens if ISF is late or inaccurate?
Late or inaccurate ISF can trigger penalties, holds, or delayed availability; we file on time and amend quickly to keep cargo moving.
Do I need a bond for ISF?
Yes—either a continuous bond that covers ISF and entries, or a single ISF bond for one shipment.
What documents do you need?
Seller/buyer, manufacturer/supplier, ship-to, country of origin, HTS, and your B/L—plus Importer of Record info and POA.
Is ISF the same as the customs entry?
No—ISF is pre-departure security data; the customs entry is filed at arrival to clear the freight into the U.S.
Can you coordinate the rest of the move?
Yes—we tie ISF to customs clearance, drayage, warehousing & transloading, and FTL/LTL delivery for an end-to-end plan.