ACE Manifest Software User Guide (CBP)
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🔖 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
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.
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🔖 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
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.
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🔖 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:
- Creating and submitting a new ACE Manifest
- Correcting rejected ACE Manifests
- Updating or correcting an accepted ACE Manifest
- Updating a manifest after arrival
- ACE Manifest Status Guide
- Creating In-Bonds in ACE
- Managing ACE In-Bond sequences
- Creating split shipments
- Manifesting different shipment types
- Uploading shipments via CSV
- U.S. In-Bond Manager Guide
- Creating and managing insurance policies
ACE Manifest Tutorial Videos
References
- ↑ https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2007-01-19/pdf/FR-2007-01-19.pdf
- ↑ 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
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-123/subpart-J/section-123.92
- ↑ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/31d9392
- ↑ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/27bace9
- ↑ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/3e4f415