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

Latest revision as of 15:18, 23 January 2026

🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect ACE Manifest Guide

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 before arrival at the border.^[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. For qualifying FAST movements, the minimum advance notice is 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/service provider.^[2]

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

^[2]

Filing ACE Truck e-Manifests

Transmission methods

CBP supports two primary methods for filing truck e-Manifests:^[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 (driver paperwork)

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.^[2]

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.).

ACE 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 at primary and secondary inspection.^[4]

CBP advised the trade that:

Certain validations relaxed in the legacy truck manifest system would be strictly enforced in TMM
Some carriers and service providers could encounter new errors if data was incomplete or invalid
The legacy truck manifest application (R4) would be retired as part of the modernization effort

QR Code Requirements for ACE Manifest Cover Sheets

QR Code driver cover sheet as generated in BorderConnect

Optional QR codes (introduced 2020)

CBP announced that beginning February 29, 2020, truck manifest cover sheets could 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]

Laredo Field Office mandatory QR requirement

CBP’s Laredo Field Office issued a trade notice requiring QR codes on truck manifest cover sheets effective August 11, 2024, for the eight ports of entry within the Laredo Field Office.^[6]

CBP cited improvements in:

Processing speed
Accuracy
Officer efficiency
Manifest identification

Carriers operating through Laredo-area ports must ensure that QR-enabled cover sheets are provided to drivers.

Getting Started with ACE in BorderConnect

Step 1: Create driver, truck, and trailer profiles

Before creating ACE manifests, carriers should create profiles for drivers, trucks, and trailers. These profiles automatically populate mandatory manifest fields and significantly reduce data entry errors.

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

Step 2: Create and submit ACE manifests

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.

ACE Manifest Instructions

Refer to the following articles for step-by-step guidance:

ACE Manifest Tutorial Videos

Load video YouTube YouTube might collect personal data. Privacy Policy How to create an ACE eManifest in BorderConnect.	Load video YouTube YouTube might collect personal data. Privacy Policy How to create and submit an ACE In-Bond.	Load video YouTube YouTube might collect personal data. Privacy Policy How to amend and cancel an ACE in BorderConnect.
Load video YouTube YouTube might collect personal data. Privacy Policy How to create an empty ACE in BorderConnect.	Load video YouTube YouTube might collect personal data. Privacy Policy How to create a Goods Astray in BorderConnect.	Load video YouTube YouTube might collect personal data. Privacy Policy How to create and submit IITs in BorderConnect.
Load video YouTube YouTube might collect personal data. Privacy Policy How to create a Personal Shipment in BorderConnect.	Load video YouTube YouTube might collect personal data. Privacy Policy How to create a Section 321 in BorderConnect.

References

[FR-ACE-2007-1] ttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2007-01-19/pdf/FR-2007-01-19.pdf

[CBP-emanifest-trucks-guide-2] 2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 ^2.3 ^2.4 https://www.sandersbrokerage.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ACE-Truck-Manifest-User-Guide.pdf

[ECFR-12392-3] 3.0 ^3.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-123/subpart-J/section-123.92

[CSMS-TMM-Phase2-4] ttps://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/31d9392

[CSMS-QR-Optional-5] ttps://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/27bace9

[LFO-QR-Req-6] ttps://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/3e4f415

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[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 [[Image:Ace-manifest-logo.png|thumb|360px|right]]
-The '''Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)''' is U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) primary trade processing system and includes truck e-Manifest capabilities used to electronically transmit inbound truck cargo/manifest information prior to arrival at a U.S. land border crossing.<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>
-CBP’s advance electronic truck cargo/manifest requirements are implemented under 19 CFR §123.92, which requires CBP to receive cargo information no later than the required advance timeframes (generally '''1 hour''' prior to arrival, or '''30 minutes''' for qualifying FAST movements).<ref name="ECFR-12392">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-123/subpart-J/section-123.92</ref>
+'''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'''.<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>
-[https://www.borderconnect.com BorderConnect's] [https://www.borderconnect.com/borderconnect/ace-e-manifest/index.htm ACE eManifest software] offers a web-based solution to comply with CBP’s truck e-Manifest requirements, complete with [https://www.borderconnect.com/contact 24/7 technical support.]
+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 before arrival at the border.<ref name="ECFR-12392">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-123/subpart-J/section-123.92</ref>
+[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].
+----
+== ACE Truck e-Manifest at a Glance ==
+{| class="wikitable"
+! Requirement !! Standard Movements !! FAST Movements
+|-
+| Advance transmission deadline || ≥ '''1 hour''' prior to arrival || ≥ '''30 minutes''' prior to arrival
+|-
+| Regulatory authority || colspan="2" | 19 CFR §123.92
+|-
+| Transmission methods || colspan="2" | ACE Portal or approved EDI / service provider
+|-
+| Driver document || colspan="2" | Manifest cover sheet (lead sheet)
+|}
+----
 == ACE Manifest Requirements ==
-=== Advance Notice (1 hour / FAST 30 minutes) ===
+=== Advance notice timeframes ===
-Under 19 CFR §123.92, CBP must receive the required electronic cargo information via a CBP-approved system '''no later than 1 hour prior to arrival''' at the first U.S. port of arrival (or '''30 minutes''' for FAST-qualifying movements, as applicable).<ref name="ECFR-12392" />
+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. For qualifying FAST movements, the minimum advance notice is '''30 minutes prior to arrival'''.<ref name="ECFR-12392" />
+These requirements apply regardless of whether the manifest is transmitted directly through the ACE Secure Data Portal or via an approved software/service provider.<ref name="CBP-emanifest-trucks-guide" />
+=== 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
+<ref name="CBP-emanifest-trucks-guide" />
+----
+== Filing ACE Truck e-Manifests ==
+=== Transmission methods ===
+CBP supports two primary methods for filing truck e-Manifests:<ref name="CBP-emanifest-trucks-guide" />
+* '''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.
-CBP’s truck e-Manifest capability was implemented to allow carriers to submit electronic truck manifests prior to arrival, improving efficiency while supporting border security and risk assessment.<ref name="CBP-emanifest-trucks-guide" />
+=== Manifest cover sheet (driver paperwork) ===
+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.<ref name="CBP-emanifest-trucks-guide" />
-=== How ACE truck e-Manifests are filed (Portal or EDI/Service Provider) ===
+This document helps CBP officers link the driver and conveyance at the port of entry to the electronically filed manifest.
-CBP supports filing truck e-Manifests through the ACE Secure Data Portal or via EDI messaging using tested software / service providers.<ref name="CBP-emanifest-trucks-guide" />
-=== Driver paperwork / cover sheet (what is presented at the border) ===
+{{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}}
-After a manifest is successfully transmitted, carriers can print a '''manifest cover sheet''' from the manifest screen (often referred to as a lead sheet). This cover sheet is intended to help link the driver/conveyance to the electronically-filed manifest in CBP systems.<ref name="CBP-emanifest-trucks-guide" />
-''Note:'' Port procedures and the specific documents requested by officers can vary by location and scenario. Carriers should ensure the driver has the appropriate paperwork for the shipment type and any applicable programs (e.g., FAST, in-bond, etc.).
+----
 == ACE Truck Manifest Modernization (TMM) ==
-On January 30, 2022, CBP began the multi-release deployment of '''ACE Truck Manifest Modernization (TMM) – Phase 2''', focused on enhancing the CBP user interface (UI) for primary and secondary truck manifest processing. CBP advised that validations previously relaxed in the legacy truck manifest application were enforced in TMM and could generate errors for some trade users. CBP also published a deployment schedule and announced retirement of the legacy truck manifest application (R4).<ref name="CSMS-TMM-Phase2">https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/31d9392</ref>
+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 at primary and secondary inspection.<ref name="CSMS-TMM-Phase2">https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/31d9392</ref>
+CBP advised the trade that:
+* Certain validations relaxed in the legacy truck manifest system would be '''strictly enforced''' in TMM
+* Some carriers and service providers could encounter new errors if data was incomplete or invalid
+* The legacy truck manifest application (R4) would be retired as part of the modernization effort
+----
+== QR Code Requirements for ACE Manifest Cover Sheets ==
-== QR Code ACE Manifest Cover Sheet Requirements ==
+[[Image:Qr-barcode-ace-leadsheet.png|thumb|right|300px|QR Code driver cover sheet as generated in BorderConnect]]
-[[Image:Qr-barcode-ace-leadsheet.png|thumb|right|300px|QR Code Driver Leadsheet as seen in BorderConnect]]
+=== Optional QR codes (introduced 2020) ===
+CBP announced that beginning '''February 29, 2020''', truck manifest cover sheets could optionally include a '''Quick Response (QR) code'''. 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>
-=== Optional QR codes (introduced in 2020) ===
+=== Laredo Field Office mandatory QR requirement ===
-CBP announced that it would begin supporting an '''optional''' Quick Response (QR) Code in the ACE Truck Portal starting February 29, 2020. CBP stated that the QR code is printed on the Truck Manifest Cover Sheet and highlighted benefits such as better identification of electronically-filed manifest information, fewer driver actions, and improved match probability.<ref name="CSMS-QR-Optional">https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/27bace9</ref>
+CBP’s Laredo Field Office issued a trade notice requiring QR codes on truck manifest cover sheets effective '''August 11, 2024''', for the '''eight ports of entry''' within the Laredo Field Office.<ref name="LFO-QR-Req">https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/3e4f415</ref>
-=== Laredo Field Office mandatory QR requirement (effective Aug 11, 2024) ===
+CBP cited improvements in:
-CBP’s Laredo Field Office issued a trade notice that, effective '''August 11, 2024''', a QR code is required on manifests/cover sheets in the truck environment at the '''8 ports of entry within the Laredo Field Office'''. CBP cited efficiency, speed, accuracy, and identification benefits as reasons for the requirement.<ref name="LFO-QR-Req">https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/3e4f415</ref>
+* Processing speed
+* Accuracy
+* Officer efficiency
+* Manifest identification
-== Getting Started ==
+Carriers operating through Laredo-area ports must ensure that QR-enabled cover sheets are provided to drivers.
-The first step is to 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:
+----
-*[[Creating_and_Maintaining_Driver_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Driver profiles]]
-*[[Creating_and_Maintaining_Passenger_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Passenger profiles]]
-*[[Creating_and_Maintaining_Truck_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Truck profiles]]
-*[[Creating_and_Maintaining_Trailer_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Trailer profiles]]
-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!
+== Getting Started with ACE in BorderConnect ==
+=== Step 1: Create driver, truck, and trailer profiles ===
+Before creating ACE manifests, carriers should create profiles for drivers, trucks, and trailers. These profiles automatically populate mandatory manifest fields and significantly reduce data entry errors.
+* [[Creating_and_Maintaining_Driver_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Driver profiles]]
+* [[Creating_and_Maintaining_Passenger_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Passenger profiles]]
+* [[Creating_and_Maintaining_Truck_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Truck profiles]]
+* [[Creating_and_Maintaining_Trailer_Profiles_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|Trailer profiles]]
+{{note|If you also use BorderConnect ACI eManifest software, these profiles are shared between ACE and ACI.|info}}
+=== Step 2: Create and submit ACE manifests ===
+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.
+----
 == ACE Manifest Instructions ==
-Please refer to the individual sections for complete instructions on the following:
+Refer to the following articles for step-by-step guidance:
 * [[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]]
-* [[Updating_or_Correcting_an_Accepted_ACE_Manifest_(ACE_Manifest)|Updating or correcting an accepted manifest]]
+* [[Updating_or_Correcting_an_Accepted_ACE_Manifest_(ACE_Manifest)|Updating or correcting an accepted ACE Manifest]]
-* [[Updating_or_Correcting_an_Arrived_ACE_Manifest_(ACE_Manifest)|Updating a manifest when the driver has already arrived at the border]]
+* [[Updating_or_Correcting_an_Arrived_ACE_Manifest_(ACE_Manifest)|Updating a manifest after arrival]]
 * [[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]]
+* [[ACE_In_Bond_Sequences_(ACE_Manifest_/_U.S._In-Bond_Manager)|Managing ACE In-Bond sequences]]
-* [[Creating_a_Split_Shipment_(ACE_Manifest)|How to create a split shipment in ACE]]
+* [[Creating_a_Split_Shipment_(ACE_Manifest)|Creating split shipments]]
-* [[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]]
+* [[US_In_Bond_Manager_Guide_(CBP)|U.S. In-Bond Manager Guide]]
-* [[Creating_and_Managing_Insurance_Policies_(ACE Manifest)|Creating and Managing Insurance Policies]]
+* [[Creating_and_Managing_Insurance_Policies_(ACE Manifest)|Creating and managing insurance policies]]
+----
 == ACE Manifest Tutorial Videos ==
-{|
+{| class="wikitable"
+|-
 |{{#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.}}
-|}
+|-
-{|
 |{{#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 ==
 <references />
 [[Category:ACE Manifest Guide]]