This guide provides step-by-step instructions for creating and submitting an ACE eManifest to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect ACE Manifest Guide

Creating a New ACE Manifest

A step-by-step guide to creating, submitting, and verifying US CBP eManifests using BorderConnect.

Type: Tutorial Time: 10 Minutes

Overview

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for creating and submitting an ACE eManifest to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

It covers the standard workflow required for highway carriers—from entering Trip and Shipment details to transmitting data and verifying broker clearance.

Prerequisites: Ensure you are authorized to file ACE manifests on behalf of the carrier and have an active BorderConnect account. Additionally, you must have an active Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) registered with the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and ensure this code has been added to your BorderConnect account.

Workflow Summary

Step 1: Create the Trip (Port, ETA, Driver/Truck).
Step 2: Create the Shipment (SCN, Shipper, Consignee).
Step 3: Transmit to CBP.
Step 4: Verify Acceptance & Broker Entry.

Step 1: Start a New Manifest

1 Select Menu Option

From the top menu, hover over ACE eManifests and select Start New ACE eManifest.

Step 2: Enter Trip Details

2 Trip Information

Enter the required trip-level information. This covers how the goods are crossing the border.

Trip Number: Your unique trip reference (SCAC + Number).
Port of Entry: Where the truck will cross into the USA.
ETA: Estimated arrival date and time.
Assets: Select your Driver, Truck, and Trailer profiles.

Action: When finished, click Save.

3 Review & IITs

You are now on the ACE Manifest Details page. Here you can:

Review entered details.
Add extra Drivers or Passengers.
Declare Instruments of International Traffic (IIT) if empty racks/containers are aboard.

Step 3: Enter Shipment Details

4 Start New Shipment

If the truck is carrying freight (not just empty IITs), click Create New Shipment near the bottom of the page.

Shipment Type: usually PAPS or Section 321.
Shipment Control Number: SCAC + Unique Number (PAPS number).

5 Add Shipper

Assign the party sending the goods.

Use Quick Assign Shipper to search stored profiles.
Or click Assign Shipper to create a new one.

6 Add Consignee

Assign the party receiving the goods in the US.

Use Quick Assign Consignee to search stored profiles.
Or click Assign Consignee to create a new one.

Step 4: Add Commodity

7 Commodity Details

Click Create Commodity to describe the goods.

Description: Clear description of the freight.
Quantity/Packaging: e.g., 10 Pallets, 500 Cartons.
Weight: Gross weight of the goods.

Recommendation: Provide a single general description that covers all goods rather than splitting into many small lines, unless hazardous materials are involved.

Transmission & Verification

8 Transmit to CBP

Return to the ACE Manifest Details page. Review your data, then click Sync with CBP.

9 Verify Acceptance

Wait approx. 1 minute, then refresh the page.

Status: Should change to Complete Manifest On File with CBP.
Responses: Look for the number of shipments accepted in the history.

10 Verify Entry

If you filed a PAPS, check for the broker entry.

Status: Look for Complete Manifest and Entry Numbers On File.
Entry #: The broker's entry number will appear on the manifest.

⚠️ Compliance Reminder

To comply with ACE Manifest requirements, both the ACE Manifest and the Broker's Entry must be on file with CBP before the driver arrives at the border.