CBP Electronic Export Manifest for Trucks: New Test Starts Oct. 23

What happened

A CBP electronic export manifest test for trucks is coming. CBP, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, posted the plan in the Federal Register on Sept. 23, 2026. The Trucker reported it on Sept. 24.

A manifest is the list of what is on your truck: what the cargo is, how much, how heavy, who sent it and who gets it. For exports by truck, CBP wants that list sent electronically, ahead of time.

Here are the basics:

• The test is voluntary. It starts Oct. 23, 2026 and runs about two years.
• Only nine truck carriers will be chosen.
• Carriers must be able to send data to CBP through ACE, the Automated Commercial Environment (CBP's online trade system).
• At least 24 hours before the truck leaves the U.S., the carrier sends seven pieces of data: bill of lading number, quantity, total weight, cargo description with a 6-digit HTS code (the product code used in trade), shipper name and address, consignee name and address, and an AES exemption statement if one applies.
• No later than two hours before the truck reaches the final port of export, the carrier files the full export manifest.

Today, truck carriers do not file export manifests. The exporter, called the USPPI (U.S. principal party in interest), files the export information in ACE.

To apply, carriers email cbptruckexportmanifest@cbp.dhs.gov with the subject line "Electronic Export Manifest for Truck Cargo Test Application." The email must explain your interest and qualifications and include a contact name and phone number. CBP takes applications until it has nine qualified carriers.

What it means for owner-operators

The test itself is small. But CBP says what comes next: after the test, it plans to start writing a rule that would require electronic export manifest data before cargo is loaded onto the truck, for all truck exports. That would cover loads going to Mexico and to Canada.

If you haul southbound freight through Laredo, Pharr, Eagle Pass or El Paso, this could change your paperwork down the road. Carriers that already work with electronic systems and clean shipper data will have an easier time. Carriers that depend on paper may need new tools or a partner who can file for them.

Nothing changes for most carriers today. A rule would have to be proposed first, with time for public comments.

What to do next

• If you run cross-border exports, ask your customs broker and shippers how they send export data today.
• Keep bills of lading complete: weight, quantity, description, shipper and consignee.
• If your company already files electronically with CBP and wants to help shape the rule, you can apply for the test by email.
• Watch the Federal Register for a proposed rule after the test.
• Keep your own authority clean first. Our filing guide lists the filings every carrier needs.

Questions about your USDOT, MC or cross-border paperwork? Call TCZ Permits at 956-526-6727. Filings can come at no cost when you factor with us.