What happened
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced a voluntary Automated Commercial Environment Electronic Export Manifest for Truck Cargo Test. The agency is recruiting only nine carriers, with no restriction on company size, location or commodity type, but applicants must be able to transmit the required data electronically through ACE. CBP expects the test to run for about two years while it evaluates whether the process should be extended, expanded or modified.
What drivers should do
Selected carriers will submit specific limited export-manifest data at least 24 hours before the truck departs the United States. After that initial filing, the complete export manifest must be submitted no later than two hours before the truck arrives at the final port of export. CBP says earlier electronic information could improve risk assessment, target inspections before cargo is loaded and reduce some border delays and post-loading examinations. Participation is optional and does not create a new filing mandate for every truck carrier today.
Why this matters to our community
A carrier considering the test should first confirm that its dispatch, customs broker or software provider can create and correct ACE truck export-manifest transmissions. Map who owns every data field, filing deadline and update, including tractor and trailer identifiers, carrier information, port, shipment description and contact details. Run a written pre-departure checklist, keep the ACE acceptance or error message with the trip file, and have an escalation contact for rejected or changed loads. Compare expected savings with software, broker, training and support costs before applying. CBP asks interested carriers to email CBPTruckExportManifest@cbp.dhs.gov with qualifications, a contact name and telephone number, using the subject “Electronic Export Manifest for Truck Cargo Test Application”; applications remain open until the nine places are filled. Useful English terms include electronic export manifest, ACE, port of export, departure, data transmission, acceptance message, rejection and amendment.