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Empty ACE Manifest (CBP): Difference between revisions

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{{note|This article is part of the [[ACE_Manifest_Software_User_Guide_(CBP)|BorderConnect ACE eManifest Guide]] and the [[Shipment_Types_For_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest|Shipment Release Types Guide]]|info}}
{{note|This article is part of the [[ACE_Manifest_Software_User_Guide_(CBP)|BorderConnect ACE eManifest Guide]] and the [[Shipment_Types_For_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest|Shipment Release Types Guide]]|info}}


{{#ev:youtube|4dk7OFhuUXY|960|center|How to create an empty ACE Manifest in BorderConnect.}}
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An '''Empty ACE eManifest''' (sometimes called an “empty trip” manifest) is an ACE Truck eManifest where the carrier transmits only the '''trip/conveyance information''' to [[US Customs and Border Protection - General Information|U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)]] and does '''not''' transmit any shipment bills.
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<h1>Empty ACE eManifest (Trip Only)</h1>
<p>A guide to transmitting conveyance information for empty trucks, bobtails, and exempt cargo in ACE.</p>
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<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-truck"></i> Type: Trip Only</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-flag-usa"></i> Country: United States (CBP)</span>
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CBP’s advance cargo reporting rules are focused on the electronic transmission of '''cargo data''' prior to arrival. When a truck is physically empty (including bobtail moves), CBP regulations do not require cargo data to be transmitted, because there is no cargo to report.<ref name="cfr-123-92">19 CFR § 123.92 — Electronic information for truck cargo required in advance of arrival https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/19/123.92</ref>
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That said, CBP guidance and port practice recognize that carriers may still transmit an empty trip eManifest as a '''best practice''' in certain situations, such as:
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* When a port expects a trip record for operational awareness
  <div class="bc-video-trigger" data-video-id="4dk7OFhuUXY">
* When the driver will be presenting documentation for a shipment type that is not transmitted electronically as a standard ACE shipment release type
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* When the carrier wants CBP to have advance notice of the truck’s arrival
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CBP’s ACE Truck Manifest guidance emphasizes advance notification of truck arrivals and explains that the eManifest system is used to transmit trip/conveyance information as well as shipment data where applicable.<ref name="ace-truck-guide">CBP — ''e-Manifest: Trucks (ACE Truck Manifest User Guide)'' https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf</ref>
<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
<p>An <strong>Empty ACE eManifest</strong> (often called a "Trip Only" or "Empty Trip" manifest) is a filing where the carrier transmits only the <strong>conveyance and trip information</strong> to CBP and does <strong>not</strong> transmit any shipment bills.</p>


== To process an ACE Manifest in BorderConnect, follow these steps. ==
<p>CBP's advance reporting rules focus on <strong>cargo data</strong>. When a truck is physically empty (including "bobtail" moves), regulations under 19 CFR § 123.92 generally do not require cargo data to be transmitted because there is no commercial cargo to report.</p>


=== Step 1 ===
<div class="bc-did-you-know" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Why File an Empty?</strong> While not strictly required by regulation for true empties, filing an Empty ACE eManifest is considered a <strong>best practice</strong>. It provides CBP with advance notice of your arrival, allows for faster processing at the booth, and creates a digital record of the crossing for your fleet.
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* Navigate to 'Start New ACE eManifest' under the ACE eManifest menu option.
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">How to Process in BorderConnect</h2>
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<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">1</span> Start New Manifest</h3>
<p>Navigate to <strong>ACE eManifest</strong> in the menu and select <strong>Start New ACE eManifest</strong>.</p>
[[Image:Startace1.jpg|800px]]
[[Image:Startace1.jpg|800px]]
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=== Step 2 ===
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<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">2</span> Enter Trip Data & Save</h3>
* Once you have entered your ACE eManifest trip data, navigate to the top left and click 'Save'. This will bring you to your ACE eManifest details page.
<p>Enter your standard trip details (Driver, Truck, Port of Entry, ETA). Do <strong>not</strong> create any shipment records. Click <strong>Save</strong> to view the manifest details.</p>
 
[[Image:Start-new-ace-manifest-empty.jpg|800px]]
[[Image:Start-new-ace-manifest-empty.jpg|800px]]
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=== Step 3 ===
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<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">3</span> Sync with CBP</h3>
* Once you confirm the data entered for the ACE eManifest, click 'Sync with CBP'. This will transmit your empty ACE eManifest to CBP, and let CBP know that no shipments will be transmitted along with the ACE eManifest.
<p>Once verified, click <strong>Sync with CBP</strong>. This transmits the trip data to Customs and indicates that no shipments are attached.</p>
 
[[Image:Emanifest-sync-required.png|800px]]
[[Image:Emanifest-sync-required.png|800px]]
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=== Wait For Acceptance ===
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<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">4</span> Wait for Acceptance</h3>
* Once CBP accepts your empty trip ACE eManifest, and the status of your eManifest turns to three blue bars, your driver will be cleared to cross.
<p>Wait for the status to change to <strong>On File</strong> (often indicated by blue status bars). Your driver is now cleared to proceed to the border.</p>
[[Image:Acemanifest-onfile-status.png]]
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[[Image:Acemanifest-onfile-status.png]]
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Using "Empty Trips" for Exempt Cargo</h2>
<p>Certain shipments are exempt from standard electronic shipment reporting but still require the truck to be reported. In these cases, an Empty/Trip-Only manifest is often used to facilitate the crossing.</p>


== Creating an empty trip for other shipment scenarios ==
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<h3><i class="fas fa-passport"></i> ATA Carnet Shipments</h3>
<p><strong>ATA Carnets</strong> are processed via physical paperwork at the port. Because they are not a standard ACE shipment type, carriers often file an empty trip to notify CBP of the arrival, while the driver presents the Carnet booklet manually.</p>
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;ATA Carnet shipments
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:ATA Carnets are processed under specific CBP carnet procedures at the port of entry and are not typically transmitted as a standard electronic shipment release type in the ACE truck manifest workflow. Carriers should follow current CBP and port instructions for presenting the carnet documentation at arrival. When there are no other shipments on the truck, many carriers transmit an empty trip eManifest so CBP has advance notice of the truck’s arrival.
<h3><i class="fas fa-shield-alt"></i> Department of Defense (DOD)</h3>
<p><strong>DOD Shipments</strong> (exempt under 19 CFR 10.102) do not always have a corresponding ACE shipment release type. If the truck is carrying <em>only</em> Government/DOD freight, an empty trip manifest allows the carrier to declare the conveyance, while the driver declares the cargo verbally and presents the DCMA certificates.</p>
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;Department of Defense (DOD) / U.S. Government shipments
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:Certain U.S. Government or Department of Defense shipments are cleared under specific CBP regulations and certification requirements rather than as standard ACE truck shipment release types. While the treatment depends on the shipment and documentation, carriers should follow the instructions provided by the Government shipper or entry filer and any port-specific guidance. If other commercial shipments are on the truck, those shipments must still be transmitted normally. If the only freight is Government/DOD cargo, an empty trip eManifest is often used to notify CBP of the arrival.
<h3><i class="fas fa-box-open"></i> Instruments of International Traffic (10.41b)</h3>
<p>While <strong>10.41a IITs</strong> (standard pallets/containers) can be declared as an IIT shipment type, <strong>10.41b(b) reusable shipping devices</strong> (often called "CHEP" pallets or similar pooled containers) are frequently moved under an empty manifest with a notation. Carriers transmit an empty trip and the driver declares the 10.41b instruments upon arrival.</p>
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;Instruments of International Traffic (IIT) — 19 CFR 10.41a / 10.41b
{{AppPromo}}
:CBP regulations governing Instruments of International Traffic are found in 19 CFR §§ 10.41a and 10.41b:
::* '''19 CFR 10.41a''' covers common IITs such as pallets, skids, racks, lift vans, shipping tanks, and similar articles used in international traffic.<ref name="cfr-1041a">19 CFR § 10.41a — Instruments of international traffic https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/19/10.41a</ref>
::* '''19 CFR 10.41b''' addresses certain serially numbered substantial holders or outer containers released under specific conditions.<ref name="cfr-1041b">19 CFR § 10.41b — Clearance of serially numbered substantial holders or outer containers https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/19/10.41b</ref>
:Many pooled pallets and returnable transport items (such as CHEP pallets) are commonly designated as IIT under 10.41a when they meet the regulatory criteria. When a truck is transporting only IITs and no other shipments that are transmitted electronically, carriers may transmit an empty trip eManifest and have the driver declare the IIT movement and present supporting documentation at the port, following port instructions.


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />
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[[Category:ACE Manifest Guide]]
[[Category:ACE Manifest Guide]]
[[Category:Shipment Type Guide]]
[[Category:Shipment Type Guide]]

Latest revision as of 15:41, 5 February 2026

🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect ACE eManifest Guide and the Shipment Release Types Guide

Empty ACE eManifest (Trip Only)

A guide to transmitting conveyance information for empty trucks, bobtails, and exempt cargo in ACE.

Type: Trip Only Country: United States (CBP)

Overview

An Empty ACE eManifest (often called a "Trip Only" or "Empty Trip" manifest) is a filing where the carrier transmits only the conveyance and trip information to CBP and does not transmit any shipment bills.

CBP's advance reporting rules focus on cargo data. When a truck is physically empty (including "bobtail" moves), regulations under 19 CFR § 123.92 generally do not require cargo data to be transmitted because there is no commercial cargo to report.

Why File an Empty? While not strictly required by regulation for true empties, filing an Empty ACE eManifest is considered a best practice. It provides CBP with advance notice of your arrival, allows for faster processing at the booth, and creates a digital record of the crossing for your fleet.

How to Process in BorderConnect

1 Start New Manifest

Navigate to ACE eManifest in the menu and select Start New ACE eManifest.

2 Enter Trip Data & Save

Enter your standard trip details (Driver, Truck, Port of Entry, ETA). Do not create any shipment records. Click Save to view the manifest details.

3 Sync with CBP

Once verified, click Sync with CBP. This transmits the trip data to Customs and indicates that no shipments are attached.

4 Wait for Acceptance

Wait for the status to change to On File (often indicated by blue status bars). Your driver is now cleared to proceed to the border.

Using "Empty Trips" for Exempt Cargo

Certain shipments are exempt from standard electronic shipment reporting but still require the truck to be reported. In these cases, an Empty/Trip-Only manifest is often used to facilitate the crossing.

ATA Carnet Shipments

ATA Carnets are processed via physical paperwork at the port. Because they are not a standard ACE shipment type, carriers often file an empty trip to notify CBP of the arrival, while the driver presents the Carnet booklet manually.

Department of Defense (DOD)

DOD Shipments (exempt under 19 CFR 10.102) do not always have a corresponding ACE shipment release type. If the truck is carrying only Government/DOD freight, an empty trip manifest allows the carrier to declare the conveyance, while the driver declares the cargo verbally and presents the DCMA certificates.

Instruments of International Traffic (10.41b)

While 10.41a IITs (standard pallets/containers) can be declared as an IIT shipment type, 10.41b(b) reusable shipping devices (often called "CHEP" pallets or similar pooled containers) are frequently moved under an empty manifest with a notation. Carriers transmit an empty trip and the driver declares the 10.41b instruments upon arrival.

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References


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