Filing an ACE eManifest with US Customs is mandatory for every carrier hauling freight into the US, and the transmission must reach CBP at least 1 hour before arrival. This step-by-step guide walks through how to file an ACE eManifest in 2026 — conveyance, crew, shipments, fees, and the common rejections that get trucks turned back at the border.
What Is the ACE eManifest?
ACE is the electronic system that CBP uses to process all commercial imports entering the United States. When a truck crosses from Canada into the US, the carrier must transmit shipment, conveyance, and crew data to CBP through the ACE portal before arriving at the border.
The eManifest is essentially a digital declaration that tells CBP:
- Who is driving the truck
- What vehicle and trailer are being used
- What cargo is on board
- Where it is coming from and where it is going
- Which broker is handling customs clearance
Without a properly filed ACE eManifest, your truck will not be cleared to enter the United States.
Who Needs to File an ACE eManifest?
Any carrier transporting commercial goods into the US by highway is required to file. This includes:
- Canadian carriers hauling loads southbound into the US
- US carriers returning with goods picked up in Canada
- Owner-operators crossing with commercial freight
- Freight brokers and 3PLs who arrange cross-border shipments on behalf of carriers
Even if your truck is crossing empty but has previously carried commercial cargo, you may still need to file depending on the circumstances.
Step-by-Step: How to File Your ACE eManifest
Step 1: Obtain Your ACE Portal Account
Before you can file anything, your carrier must be registered in the ACE portal. You will need your SCAC code (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) and your CBP-assigned carrier code. Registration is done through the CBP website and can take several business days.
Step 2: Gather Required Data
Every ACE eManifest requires three core components:
- Conveyance data -- truck and trailer details including license plate numbers, VIN, and country of registration
- Crew data -- driver name, date of birth, citizenship, travel document number (FAST card, passport, or CDL with FAST enrollment)
- Shipment data -- shipper name and address, consignee name and address, commodity description, weight, piece count, and the customs broker's entry number or PAPS barcode
Step 3: Transmit the eManifest
You must transmit the completed eManifest to CBP at least one hour before the truck arrives at the US port of entry. CBP recommends filing even earlier to allow time for corrections if something is rejected.
Step 4: Receive Your CBP Response
After transmission, CBP will send back a status response. The statuses you may see include:
- Accepted -- your manifest has been received and is valid
- On Hold -- CBP needs more information or is reviewing the shipment
- Rejected -- there is an error that must be corrected before the truck can cross
Step 5: Arrive at the Border
Once your eManifest shows an accepted status, the driver can proceed to the port of entry. The driver presents their identification, and CBP matches it against the filed manifest electronically.
Common ACE eManifest Filing Mistakes
Even experienced carriers make errors that cause unnecessary delays. The most frequent mistakes include:
- Mismatched driver information -- the name or document number on the manifest does not match what the driver presents at the booth
- Wrong trailer or license plate numbers -- especially common when trailers are swapped at the last minute
- Late filing -- submitting less than one hour before arrival, which can result in the truck being turned away
- Missing or incorrect PAPS numbers -- the barcode provided by the customs broker must be accurate and already transmitted to CBP
- Incomplete commodity descriptions -- vague descriptions like "general merchandise" will trigger holds or rejections
BorderPro Early Access
BorderPro early access can help carriers prepare and validate eManifest data. Production CBP/CBSA transmission and live agency-status access remain pending certification. Join early access.