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ACE Manifest Software User Guide (CBP)

From BorderConnect Wiki

🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect ACE Manifest Guide

ACE Manifest

A comprehensive guide to U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) electronic truck manifest system, compliance rules, and modernization updates.

Difficulty: Beginner Time: 15 Minutes

Overview

Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) primary trade processing system. For highway carriers, ACE includes the Truck e-Manifest capability, which allows carriers to electronically transmit inbound truck, conveyance, and cargo information to CBP prior to arrival at a U.S. land border crossing.[1][2]

CBP’s advance electronic truck manifest requirements are implemented under 19 CFR §123.92, which establishes mandatory advance timeframes for submitting cargo and conveyance data.[3]

BorderConnect provides a web-based ACE eManifest solution that allows carriers to meet CBP truck e-Manifest requirements, supported by 24/7 technical support.

⏱️ ACE Truck e-Manifest at a Glance

Requirement Standard Movements FAST Movements
Advance transmission deadline ≥ 1 hour prior to arrival ≥ 30 minutes prior to arrival
Regulatory authority 19 CFR §123.92
Transmission methods ACE Portal or approved EDI / service provider
Driver document Manifest cover sheet (lead sheet)

ACE Manifest Requirements

Advance Notice Timeframes

Under 19 CFR §123.92, CBP must receive the required electronic truck cargo and conveyance information no later than 1 hour prior to arrival at the first U.S. port of arrival.

FAST Member Exception: For qualifying FAST movements, the minimum advance notice is reduced to 30 minutes prior to arrival.[3]

These requirements apply regardless of whether the manifest is transmitted directly through the ACE Secure Data Portal or via an approved software provider like BorderConnect.

Why Advance Filing is Required

CBP’s truck e-Manifest program allows officers to:

  • Perform pre-arrival risk assessment.
  • Identify admissibility or targeting issues earlier.
  • Improve processing efficiency at primary inspection.
  • Reduce border delays caused by incomplete or late information.

Filing ACE Truck e-Manifests

Transmission Methods

CBP supports two primary methods for filing:[2]

  • ACE Secure Data Portal: Manual entry via CBP’s web portal.
  • EDI / Service Provider: Electronic messaging using CBP-tested software such as BorderConnect.

Carriers using a service provider remain fully responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the transmitted data.

Manifest Cover Sheet

After a truck manifest is successfully transmitted and accepted by CBP, carriers can print a manifest cover sheet (commonly referred to as a lead sheet) from the manifest screen. This document helps CBP officers link the driver and conveyance at the port of entry to the electronically filed manifest.

🔖 Local port procedures and document expectations may vary. Drivers should always carry paperwork appropriate to the shipment type and any applicable programs (FAST, in-bond, etc.).

Modernization & QR Codes

Truck Manifest Modernization (TMM)

On January 30, 2022, CBP began deploying ACE Truck Manifest Modernization (TMM) – Phase 2. This initiative focused on modernizing and enhancing the user interface used by CBP officers for truck manifest processing.[4]

  • Certain validations relaxed in the legacy system are now strictly enforced.
  • Carriers may encounter new errors if data is incomplete or invalid.
  • The legacy truck manifest application (R4) is being retired.

QR Code Requirements

Since 2020, truck manifest cover sheets can optionally include a Quick Response (QR) code. CBP identified benefits including faster manifest retrieval, improved matching accuracy, and fewer manual steps at primary inspection.[5]

Mandatory at Laredo: Effective August 11, 2024, the Laredo Field Office requires QR codes on cover sheets for all its ports of entry (8 ports total).[6]

BorderConnect Generated Cover Sheet

Getting Started in BorderConnect

1 Create Profiles

Before creating ACE manifests, create profiles for drivers, trucks, and trailers. This automatically populates mandatory fields and significantly reduces data entry errors.

🔖 If you also use BorderConnect ACI eManifest software, these profiles are shared between ACE and ACI.

2 Create & Submit Manifest

Once profiles are set up, you can begin creating and submitting ACE truck manifests. Ensure all data is transmitted early enough to meet CBP’s advance notice requirements.

See: Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a New ACE Manifest

Tutorial Library

Helpful videos for specific ACE scenarios.

Related Guides

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2007-01-19/pdf/FR-2007-01-19.pdf
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://www.sandersbrokerage.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ACE-Truck-Manifest-User-Guide.pdf
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-123/subpart-J/section-123.92
  4. ↑ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/31d9392
  5. ↑ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/27bace9
  6. ↑ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/3e4f415
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