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ACE Manifest Software User Guide (CBP): Difference between revisions

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{{#seo:
|title=ACE Manifest Software User Guide (CBP) {{!}} BorderConnect Support Wiki
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|keywords=ACE manifest, CBP truck e-manifest, US customs software, ACE portal alternative, FAST driver rules, ACE lead sheet QR code, Truck Manifest Modernization TMM, 19 CFR 123.92, cross-border logistics, BorderConnect guide
|description=The complete user guide for BorderConnect's ACE Manifest software. Learn how to submit U.S. CBP truck manifests, meet advance notice timeframes, and generate mandatory QR code lead sheets.
}}
{{note|This article is part of the [[ACE_Manifest_Software_User_Guide_(CBP)|BorderConnect ACE Manifest Guide]]|info}}
{{note|This article is part of the [[ACE_Manifest_Software_User_Guide_(CBP)|BorderConnect ACE Manifest Guide]]|info}}
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[[Image:Ace-manifest-logo.png|thumb|360px|right]]The '''Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)''' is U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) electronic manifest program. It is intended to facilitate trade while strengthening border security.<ref>https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated</ref> Since 2007, highway carriers have had to comply with ACE eManifest requirements when bringing goods into the United States by filing an ACE eManifest at least one hour prior to arrival at the border.
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<h1>ACE Manifest</h1>
<p>A comprehensive guide to U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) electronic truck manifest system, compliance rules, and modernization updates.</p>
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<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-chart-line"></i> Difficulty: Beginner</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="far fa-clock"></i> Time: 15 Minutes</span>
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[https://www.borderconnect.com BorderConnect's] [https://www.borderconnect.com/borderconnect/ace-e-manifest/index.htm ACE eManifest software] offers an extremely user-friendly web-based solution to comply with eManifest requirements, complete with [https://www.borderconnect.com/contact 24/7 technical support.]
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== ACE Manifest Requirements ==
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Under ACE Manifest regulations trucks must ensure that BOTH the ACE Manifest and the entry number by the customs broker (for PAPS shipments) are on file with CBP for at least one hour prior to the driver's arrival at the border. Failure to do so could result in delays at the border, refused entry into the U.S. and/or penalty action. Users can also process and submit an ACE Manifest up to 30 days in advance of the driver crossing the U.S. Port of Entry.
<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
<p><strong>Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)</strong> is U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) primary trade processing system. For highway carriers, ACE includes the <strong>Truck e-Manifest</strong> capability, which allows carriers to electronically transmit inbound truck, conveyance, and cargo information to CBP <strong>prior to arrival at a U.S. land border crossing</strong>.<ref name="FR-ACE-2007">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2007-01-19/pdf/FR-2007-01-19.pdf</ref><ref name="CBP-emanifest-trucks-guide">https://www.sandersbrokerage.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ACE-Truck-Manifest-User-Guide.pdf</ref></p>


When arriving at the border in the United States, the driver must present customs paperwork (ie customs invoice and/or Bill of Lading) with a legible trip number or shipment control number. Although CBP officers capture the trip information from the truck license plate, a PAPS barcode and/or barcoded ACE lead sheet can expedite the border processing time and also helps the officer to bring up the ACE Manifest in their system.
<p>CBP’s advance electronic truck manifest requirements are implemented under <strong>19 CFR §123.92</strong>, which establishes mandatory advance timeframes for submitting cargo and conveyance data.<ref name="ECFR-12392">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-123/subpart-J/section-123.92</ref></p>


The officer will then verify the information is correct, and it is their discretion to move the driver to secondary inspection or not for further verification. CBP officers do not stamp paperwork upon release of the shipment, and the only way to prove that a shipment was released with CBP is to use a signed proof of delivery document.
<p>[https://www.borderconnect.com BorderConnect] provides a web-based [https://www.borderconnect.com/borderconnect/ace-e-manifest/index.htm ACE eManifest solution] that allows carriers to meet CBP truck e-Manifest requirements, supported by [https://www.borderconnect.com/contact 24/7 technical support].</p>


ACE Manifest lead sheets can be generated from within BorderConnect, either from the manifest or as a set ahead of time. The carrier can also design and produce their own lead sheets.
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=== ACE Truck Manifest Modernization ===
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<h3>⏱️ ACE Truck e-Manifest at a Glance</h3>
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! Requirement !! Standard Movements !! FAST Movements
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| <strong>Advance transmission deadline</strong> || ≥ <strong>1 hour</strong> prior to arrival || ≥ <strong>30 minutes</strong> prior to arrival
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| <strong>Regulatory authority</strong> || colspan="2" | 19 CFR §123.92
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| <strong>Transmission methods</strong> || colspan="2" | ACE Portal or approved EDI / service provider
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| <strong>Driver document</strong> || colspan="2" | Manifest cover sheet (lead sheet)
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">ACE Manifest Requirements</h2>
 
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<h3>Advance Notice Timeframes</h3>
<p>Under 19 CFR §123.92, CBP must receive the required electronic truck cargo and conveyance information <strong>no later than 1 hour prior to arrival</strong> at the first U.S. port of arrival.</p>
 
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<strong>FAST Member Exception:</strong> For qualifying FAST movements, the minimum advance notice is reduced to <strong>30 minutes prior to arrival</strong>.<ref name="ECFR-12392" />
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<p style="margin-top:15px;">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.</p>
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<h3>Why Advance Filing is Required</h3>
CBP’s truck e-Manifest program allows officers to:
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* 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.
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Filing ACE Truck e-Manifests</h2>
 
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<h3>Transmission Methods</h3>
CBP supports two primary methods for filing:<ref name="CBP-emanifest-trucks-guide" />
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* <strong>ACE Secure Data Portal:</strong> Manual entry via CBP’s web portal.
* <strong>EDI / Service Provider:</strong> Electronic messaging using CBP-tested software such as BorderConnect.
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<p style="font-size: 0.9rem; color: #666; margin-top: 10px;">Carriers using a service provider remain fully responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the transmitted data.</p>
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<h3>Manifest Cover Sheet</h3>
After a truck manifest is successfully transmitted and accepted by CBP, carriers can print a <strong>manifest cover sheet</strong> (commonly referred to as a <strong>lead sheet</strong>) from the manifest screen. This document helps CBP officers link the driver and conveyance at the port of entry to the electronically filed manifest.
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{{note|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.).|info}}
 
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Modernization & QR Codes</h2>
 
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<h3>Truck Manifest Modernization (TMM)</h3>
<p>On <strong>January 30, 2022</strong>, CBP began deploying <strong>ACE Truck Manifest Modernization (TMM) – Phase 2</strong>. This initiative focused on modernizing and enhancing the user interface used by CBP officers for truck manifest processing.<ref name="CSMS-TMM-Phase2">https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/31d9392</ref></p>
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* Certain validations relaxed in the legacy system are now <strong>strictly enforced</strong>.
* Carriers may encounter new errors if data is incomplete or invalid.
* The legacy truck manifest application (R4) is being retired.
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<h3>QR Code Requirements</h3>
<p>Since 2020, truck manifest cover sheets can optionally include a <strong>Quick Response (QR) code</strong>. CBP identified benefits including faster manifest retrieval, improved matching accuracy, and fewer manual steps at primary inspection.<ref name="CSMS-QR-Optional">https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/27bace9</ref></p>
 
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<strong>Mandatory at Laredo:</strong> Effective <strong>August 11, 2024</strong>, the Laredo Field Office requires QR codes on cover sheets for all its ports of entry (8 ports total).<ref name="LFO-QR-Req">https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/3e4f415</ref>
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[[Image:Qr-barcode-ace-leadsheet.png|thumb|center|300px|BorderConnect Generated Cover Sheet]]
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Getting Started in BorderConnect</h2>


On January 30, 2022 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began the multi-release deployment of Enhancements to ACE Truck Manifest - Phase 2, also known as ACE Truck Manifest Modernization (TMM). Enhancements to ACE Truck Manifest – Phase 2 is focused on enhancing the CBP user interface (UI) for the primary and secondary processing of truck manifests. As part of this deployment, previously relaxed validations in the legacy truck manifest application are now supported in TMM and may result in errors for some trade users. To prepare for the upcoming deployments and avoid potential errors, please review the validations as documented in the Truck Manifest X.12 – 309 and EDIFACT CUSCAR EDI implementation guides found at [https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/technical/ace-import-manifest-documentation ACE Import Manifest Documentation]. For additional information, please review CSMS #51405084.
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<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">1</span> Create Profiles</h3>
<p>Before creating ACE manifests, create profiles for drivers, trucks, and trailers. This automatically populates mandatory fields and significantly reduces data entry errors.</p>
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* [[Creating_and_Maintaining_Driver_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Driver Profiles]]
* [[Creating_and_Maintaining_Truck_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Truck Profiles]]
* [[Creating_and_Maintaining_Trailer_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Trailer Profiles]]
* [[Creating_and_Maintaining_Passenger_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Passenger Profiles]]
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{{note|If you also use BorderConnect ACI eManifest software, these profiles are shared between ACE and ACI.|info}}
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Implementing the capabilities developed in Phase 2, deployment of Phase 3 enhancements will provide trade users with new messaging regarding modifications to Crew, Vehicle, Cargo and Seals. The Phase 3 deployment was set for July 11, 2022. More information on Phase 3 enhancements is available in the ACE Truck Manifest: Draft Chapters for Future Use implementation guides found on [https://CBP.gov CBP.gov].
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<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">2</span> Create & Submit Manifest</h3>
<p>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.</p>
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See: [[Creating_and_Submitting_a_New_ACE_Manifest_(ACE_Manifest)|Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a New ACE Manifest]]
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=== QR Code ACE Manifest Lead Sheet Requirements ===
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Tutorial Library</h2>
<p>Helpful videos for specific ACE scenarios.</p>


[[Image:Qr-barcode-ace-leadsheet.png|thumb|right|300px|QR Code Driver Leadsheet as seen in BorderConnect]]In February of 2020 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced optional ACE Truck QR Barcode requirements which would help CBP uniquely identify the electronic filed manifest information associated with a conveyance, minimize actions required of a driver and maximize match probability.<ref>https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2020-Mar/Truck%20Manifest%20QR%20Specifications%20Document%20%28002%29.pdf</ref>
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As part of the Privacy Impact Assessment Update for the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Modernization in September of 2023<ref>https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/23_0926_privacy-p%E2%81%AEia-cbp003c-acemodernizations.pdf</ref>, CBP provided detailed information on the benefits and roll out of QR barcodes and RFID technology, specifically with ACE Truck Manifest.
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In July 2024 CBP emailed all stakeholders and highway carriers that cross from Mexico to the United States that on August 11, 2024 CBP will require all carriers to provide a QR code ACE Manifest lead sheet at the Port of Laredo. A referenced guide was provided as well, which provided the technical specifications of what information needs to be provided on the QR barcode and the format.<ref>https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2020-Mar/Truck%20Manifest%20QR%20Specifications%20Document%20%28002%29.pdf</ref>
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== Getting Started ==
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The first step is create profiles for any drivers, trucks and trailers that may be crossing the border. The information in these profiles will be used to complete mandatory fields on your manifests. It is recommended that you enter the profile information ahead of time to facilitate creating eManifests. Please refer to the individual sections for instructions on entering and maintaining:
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*[[Creating_and_Maintaining_Driver_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Driver profiles]]
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*[[Creating_and_Maintaining_Truck_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Truck profiles]]
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*[[Creating_and_Maintaining_Trailer_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Trailer profiles]]
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Once you are registered to use ACE with BorderConnect and you have created the driver, truck and trailer profiles, you are ready to begin creating and submitting eManifests to Customs!
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== ACE Manifest Instructions ==
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Please refer to the individual sections for complete instructions on the following:
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<h3>Related Guides</h3>
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* [[Creating_and_Submitting_a_New_ACE_Manifest_(ACE_Manifest)|Creating and submitting a new ACE Manifest]]
* [[Creating_and_Submitting_a_New_ACE_Manifest_(ACE_Manifest)|Creating and submitting a new ACE Manifest]]
* [[Correcting_Rejected_ACE_Manifests_(ACE_Manifest)|Correcting rejected ACE Manifests]]
* [[Correcting_Rejected_ACE_Manifests_(ACE_Manifest)|Correcting rejected ACE Manifests]]
* [[Updating_or_Correcting_an_Accepted_ACE_Manifest_(ACE_Manifest)|Updating or correcting an accepted manifest]]
* [[Updating_or_Correcting_an_Arrived_ACE_Manifest_(ACE_Manifest)|Updating a manifest when the driver has already arrived at the border]]
* [[ACE_Manifest_Status_Guide_(ACE_Manifest)|ACE Manifest Status Guide]]
* [[ACE_Manifest_Status_Guide_(ACE_Manifest)|ACE Manifest Status Guide]]
* [[ACE_In_Bond_(CBP_Shipment_Type)|Creating your own bonds in ACE]]
* [[ACE_In_Bond_(CBP_Shipment_Type)|Creating In-Bonds in ACE]]
* [[ACE_In_Bond_Sequences_(ACE_Manifest_/_U.S._In-Bond_Manager)|Creating and tracking your own In-Bond sequences]]
* [[Creating_a_Split_Shipment_(ACE_Manifest)|Creating split shipments]]
* [[Creating_a_Split_Shipment_(ACE_Manifest)|How to create a split shipment in ACE]]
* [[US_In_Bond_Manager_Guide_(CBP)|U.S. In-Bond Manager Guide]]
* [[Shipment_Types_For_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest|Manifesting different types of shipments]]
* [[Shipment_Types_For_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest|Manifesting different shipment types]]
* [[ACE_Shipment_CSV_Upload_Feature_(ACE_Manifest)|Uploading large volume of shipments using CSV upload feature]]
* [[ACE_Shipment_CSV_Upload_Feature_(ACE_Manifest)|Uploading shipments via CSV]]
* [[US_In_Bond_Manager_Guide_(CBP)|U.S. In-Bond Manager Guide for CBP]]
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* [[Creating_and_Managing_Insurance_Policies_(ACE Manifest)|Creating and Managing Insurance Policies]]
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== ACE Manifest Tutorial Videos ==
 
{|
|{{#ev:youtube|zemtEcz2Cp8|360|left|How to create an ACE eManifest in BorderConnect.}}
|{{#ev:youtube|bY6FKNGdz6M|360|left|How to create and submit an ACE In-Bond.}}
|{{#ev:youtube|l3OsoWtH6uU|360|left|How to amend and cancel an ACE in BorderConnect.}}
|}
 
{|
|{{#ev:youtube|O68y9wz_DQ8|360|left|How to create an empty ACE in BorderConnect.}}
|{{#ev:youtube|5ASPCIRR308|360|left|How to create a Goods Astray in BorderConnect.}}
|{{#ev:youtube|_izn28Tdklg|360|left|How to create and submit IITs in BorderConnect.}}
|}


{|
{{AppPromo}}
|{{#ev:youtube|eYK-dVsWHqc|360|left|How to create a Personal Shipment in BorderConnect.}}
|{{#ev:youtube|c5OKFxbl190|360|left|How to create a Section 321 in BorderConnect.}}
|}


== References:==
== References ==
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[[Category:ACE Manifest Guide]]
</div> [[Category:ACE Manifest Guide]]
Retrieved from "https://wiki.borderconnect.com/index.php?title=ACE_Manifest_Software_User_Guide_(CBP)"