CBP's truck export eManifest test: the 24-hour and 2-hour deadlines, the seven advance data items, and how carriers apply

U.S. Customs and Border Protection published a correction in the Federal Register on Nov. 9 to its September notice on the Electronic Export Manifest for Truck Cargo Test. The correction fixes the email addresses printed in the notice for applications and comments. Carriers thinking about applying should use the addresses as corrected, not the ones in the original Sept. 23 text.

Here is how the test works, based on the original notice.

What the rules are today

Truck carriers are not currently required to file an export manifest with CBP. The exporter of record, called the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI), must file Electronic Export Information (EEI) in ACE. That filing generally has to be transmitted and accepted no later than one hour before the truck arrives at the border to leave the U.S., or eight hours before for cargo on the U.S. Munitions List.

The carrier may not load the cargo until it has the EEI filing citation or the exemption legends from the USPPI or its agent, and it must annotate the manifest, waybill or other export paperwork with that proof of filing.

What the test changes for participants

Carriers in the voluntary test agree to:

• send limited advance manifest data to ACE at least 24 hours before departure from the U.S., and
• send the complete export manifest no later than 2 hours before arrival at the final port of export.

CBP says the timing lets it link the exporter's EEI with the carrier's manifest and pick shipments for inspection before loading, although inspections can still happen any time before the truck leaves the country. Cargo flagged as potentially high risk gets a hold until more information is provided, an inspection is done, or CBP takes other action. Participants must act on hold messages and follow any Do Not Load instructions.

The seven advance data items (24 hours out)

1. Bill of lading number
2. Cargo quantity, at the lowest external packaging unit (a container with 10 pallets of 200 cartons is reported as 200 cartons)
3. Total cargo weight, in pounds or kilograms
4. Precise cargo description and weight, or the 6-digit HTS number if the shipper provides it. Terms like "FAK," "general cargo" and "said to contain" are not accepted
5. Shipper's complete name and address from the bill of lading
6. Consignee's complete name and address from the bill of lading
7. The AES exemption statement, where it applies

The full manifest adds 15 mandatory items, including driver name, address, date of birth, hazmat endorsement and license number with state and country of issue, the U.S. port of export, the SCAC, the VIN or plate number, and the bill of lading type. Conditional items include seal numbers, hazmat codes, trailer or container numbers and, for shipments to Mexico, the pedimento number.

Who can apply

• CBP is limiting the test to nine truck carriers, with no limits on size, location or commodity.
• Applicants must be able to file in ACE, either through the ACE Export Truck Manifest Trade Portal or by EDI. EDI filers must handle Cargo-ANSI X12 or Unified XML responses and pass certification testing.
• Applications go by email, with a statement of interest, qualifications and a contact name and phone number. CBP considers applications in the order received and accepts them until nine qualified parties have applied.
• Participants pay their own costs.