CBP will begin a two-year ACE electronic export-manifest test for up to nine truck carriers, using an initial 24-hour data filing and a complete manifest before arrival at the final U.S. port of export.
CBP published the test notice on September 23
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced an Automated Commercial Environment Electronic Export Manifest for Truck Cargo Test in the Federal Register on September 23, 2026. The general notice describes a voluntary, limited test of truck export-manifest filing; it is not a final rule requiring every carrier exporting by truck to begin electronic manifest submission.
The test begins October 23 and is planned for about two years
CBP says the test will start October 23, 2026 and run for approximately two years, subject to an announced extension, modification or early termination. Activation will occur case by case for accepted participants and may initially be limited to one or a small number of ports while operational, training and technical issues are resolved.
Participation is capped at nine truck carriers
The agency is accepting applications until it has applications from nine parties that satisfy all participant requirements. CBP says there are no restrictions based on organization size, location or commodity type, but a carrier must have the technical ability to submit data electronically through ACE. Selection will consider the order in which applications arrive.
Participants choose the ACE portal or EDI
An accepted carrier may submit through the ACE Export Truck Manifest Trade Portal or electronic data interchange. An EDI participant must be able to receive response messages through Cargo-ANSI X12 or Unified XML and complete certification testing with its client representative. Applying does not itself authorize full participation; CBP will notify carriers after selection and successful testing.
Seven initial elements are due at least 24 hours before departure
Test participants agree to send an initial set of seven data elements at least 24 hours before the truck departs the United States. The list covers the bill of lading number, cargo quantity, total weight, precise cargo description, shipper name and address, consignee name and address and the Automated Export System exemption statement when applicable.
The complete manifest follows before the final port of export
Participants then complement the advance data with the complete electronic export manifest no later than two hours before arrival at the final U.S. port of export. The full mandatory set includes driver information, port data, SCAC, vehicle identification, manifest and bill numbers, departure estimate, loaded status and detailed cargo information. Conditional fields apply when relevant.
Generic cargo descriptions are not acceptable in the test
The notice calls for a precise cargo description and says generic descriptions such as freight of all kinds, general cargo and said to contain are not acceptable. Quantity is reported at the lowest external packaging unit rather than simply as a container or pallet count. Carriers need an accurate upstream data handoff from shippers and forwarders to meet those terms.
Driver and equipment data are part of the full filing
Mandatory driver data include name, address, date of birth, hazardous-material endorsement information, driver-license number and the state and country of issuance. Vehicle identification is reported through a VIN or license plate number and state of issuance. Conditional fields include crew information, trailing-equipment number, seal number and hazardous-material details when they apply.
CBP hold and Do Not Load messages require procedures
Participants agree to maintain operational security protocols for CBP hold messages, respond promptly with complete and accurate information and comply with Do Not Load instructions. Cargo identified as potentially high risk can remain on hold until CBP receives clarifying information, performs an inspection or takes other appropriate action. A release message is sent when cargo is cleared for loading.
Existing export obligations remain in place
CBP explains that current regulations do not generally require a truck carrier to submit an export manifest, but existing Electronic Export Information, proof-of-filing or exemption-citation and other export-law duties continue to apply. Participation in the test does not alter obligations under other statutes and regulations or remove penalties for violations of existing export requirements.
The notice does not impose a new nationwide driver deadline
The 24-hour and two-hour filing windows are conditions accepted by the limited test participants. They are not a new October 23 compliance mandate for every cross-border truck driver or motor carrier. Drivers should follow the carrier's verified operating procedure, carry or access required shipment information and never interpret a news summary as permission to bypass customs, safety, licensing or hazardous-material requirements.
CBP will use the results before broader rulemaking
The agency says the test will evaluate data elements, timing and procedures needed to identify and mitigate risk with the least practicable impact on trade. After sufficient analysis, CBP intends to initiate rulemaking for electronic export manifest submission before truck cargo is loaded for international shipments. A future rulemaking would be a separate public action; the September notice does not itself complete it.
Carriers should map data ownership before applying
A prospective participant should identify who controls bill, shipper, consignee, cargo, driver, vehicle, seal and port data; confirm when each field becomes reliable; select portal or EDI; plan corrections and message monitoring; train dispatch and border staff; and preserve the accepted technical guidance. Test costs remain the participant's responsibility, according to the notice.
Primary-source note
This report is based on CBP Federal Register document 2026-19414, published September 23, 2026. CDL Truck Pro has kept the voluntary nine-carrier test separate from existing export requirements and from any future mandatory rule, and has not inferred participating carriers, ports or a nationwide implementation date that CBP has not announced.
Continue with CDL Truck Pro
Official sources
Federal Register: Electronic Export Manifest for Truck Cargo Test, September 23, 202619 CFR 192.14: Electronic information for truck cargo required in advance of departureCBP: Automated Commercial EnvironmentCDL Truck Pro provides educational information. Confirm licensing, safety, tax, and regulatory requirements through current official sources and qualified professionals.