CBP to Test Electronic Export Manifests for Mexico and Canada Truck Shipments

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a new pilot program to test electronic export manifests for truck shipments. The program is scheduled to launch on October 23, will run for two years, and will be implemented with nine freight transportation companies that will test electronic export manifests for cargo transported from the United States to Mexico and Canada.

Since trucking companies are currently not required to submit manifests for cargo exported from the United States, even though federal regulations require advance export information to be provided to CBP for truck shipments leaving the country, the project aims to evaluate whether freight carriers can be required to submit manifest information electronically before the merchandise is loaded, according to CBP.

The agency stated that this process will also reduce costs for partner government agencies and the trade community while improving the facilitation of export shipments throughout the supply chain. The pilot program will also allow CBP to identify high-risk shipments in order to ensure cargo security and safety, including compliance with export controls.

CBP Pilot Program: Electronic Export Manifests for Trucks to Streamline Trade Processes

The CBP pilot program is part of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), a modernization initiative designed to streamline trade processes and enhance cargo security. ACE is being developed as a centralized digital system for processing U.S. imports and exports. During the testing period, participating carriers must be able to submit data electronically through ACE.

CBP has not imposed restrictions on carriers based on their location, the products they handle, or the size of their company. However, all participating carriers will be required to submit limited export manifest information at least 24 hours before the cargo leaves the United States. The complete manifest must be available no later than two hours before the shipment arrives at its primary export port, according to the pilot program.

This timeframe would allow CBP to link the export information submitted by the “U.S. Principal Party in Interest.” Once the cargo has been cleared, CBP will generate and transmit a release message authorizing the shipment.

“Any truck cargo identified as potentially high-risk will be held until the additional shipment-related information required to clarify vague, inaccurate, or insufficient data is submitted, a physical inspection is conducted, or other appropriate measures are taken, as specified by CBP,” the agency stated.

Benefits for Cross-Border Ground Freight Transportation

Approximately $4 billion in cross-border freight shipments are transported daily across the U.S. land borders with Canada and Mexico, making these routes economically vital to North American supply chains. The pilot program therefore aims to benefit this freight network by streamlining export processes at border ports while improving security for all parties.

Under this initiative, participating carriers could benefit from fewer post-loading inspections, reduced border delays, greater accuracy in export data, enhanced cargo security, and better preparation for any future electronic filing requirements.

In addition, the pilot will give carriers an opportunity to contribute to the development of an electronic export manifest system and support the more efficient movement of cargo across the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico, CBP stated.