Jump to content
🚛
Streamline your cross-border operation. From ACE & ACI eManifests to PARS tracking and U.S. In-Bond filing, BorderConnect is the fastest way to cross.
Start Free Trial

What Is An ACE Manifest And How Do I Register For It To Send ACE Manifests To CBP (DIY Customs Consulting)

From BorderConnect Wiki

🔖 This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide

ACE Manifest Requirements & Registration

The definitive guide to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), mandatory CBP filing times, and how to register for eManifest software.

Type: eManifest Compliance Region: United States (CBP)

Overview

Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) logo

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is the primary system through which the U.S. trade community reports imports and exports. Mandated by the Trade Act of 2002, the "e-Manifest: Trucks" capability requires highway carriers to submit electronic truck manifests to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prior to a commercial vehicle's arrival at a United States land border crossing.

By providing CBP officers with electronic pre-arrival information, they are equipped with accurate commercial trip and shipment data before the driver even reaches the primary inspection booth. This facilitates faster processing for legitimate trade while strengthening border security.

⚠️ Compliance Warning: Under CBP regulations, failing to process an ACE Manifest—or arriving at the border before the mandatory timeframe has elapsed—will result in refused entry into the U.S. and severe monetary penalties (AMPS) issued to the carrier at the time of arrival.

Filing Timeframes & Required Data

Highway carriers can submit an ACE eManifest up to 30 days in advance of their border crossing. However, there are strict minimum timeframes that must be met before the truck reaches the First Port of Entry:

  • Standard Shipments: The ACE Manifest must be accepted by CBP at least 1 hour prior to arrival at the border.
  • FAST Shipments: If the carrier, driver, and importer are all Free and Secure Trade (FAST) approved, the manifest must be accepted by CBP at least 30 minutes prior to arrival.

Information Required on an ACE Manifest

When filing an ACE Manifest via EDI or a portal, the carrier must transmit two main data sets:

  • Trip Information: A unique trip number (generated by the carrier), the intended U.S. Port of Entry, estimated date and time of arrival, specific truck/tractor details (license plates, VIN), trailer information, driver passport/FAST card information, passenger details, and any Instruments of International Traffic (IIT) or seal numbers.
  • Shipment Information: The specific shipment entry type (e.g., PAPS, In-Bond, Personal), the Shipment Control Number (SCN), detailed Shipper and Consignee names/addresses, a precise description of the goods, quantity, packaging type, gross weight, and hazardous materials details if applicable.

How to Register for ACE Manifest Software


While carriers can technically use the government's basic ACE Secure Data Portal, the vast majority of commercial highway carriers utilize CBP-approved third-party service providers (like BorderConnect) to transmit their EDI data, as it offers direct integration, error checking, and faster processing.

Step 1: Obtain a SCAC

Before you can register for any ACE Manifest software, your highway carrier must first have an active Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) registered with the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). CBP uses this 4-letter code to identify your company in their system.

Step 2: Sign Up with a Service Provider

Once you have an active SCAC, you can register with an ACE Manifest service provider. During the registration process for BorderConnect ACE Manifest, you will need to provide:

  • Company Information: Your legal company name, your 4-letter SCAC code, your Canadian Carrier Code (if you also haul into Canada), and your head office address and email.
  • User Credentials: The name of the primary administrator, title, phone number, and a secure password.

Step 3: Verification & Immediate Use

Finalizing the registration simply requires validating your email address. Because BorderConnect communicates directly with CBP's EDI system, if your SCAC is valid and recognized by CBP, you can begin processing and transmitting ACE Manifests to the border immediately—no waiting periods required.

Paper Backups: Although the process is electronic, CBP recommends that drivers carry a printed ACE Manifest Lead Sheet or an Inward Cargo Manifest (CBP Form 7533) as a backup in case of system outages at the port of entry.

Official Resources & Software Links

📱

eManifesting in your pocket. Process ACE & ACI eManifests, track shipments in real-time, and upload documents instantly—anytime, anywhere.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

Retrieved from "https://wiki.borderconnect.com/index.php?title=What_Is_An_ACE_Manifest_And_How_Do_I_Register_For_It_To_Send_ACE_Manifests_To_CBP_(DIY_Customs_Consulting)&oldid=3278"