Introduction to eManifest

eManifest is a trade processing system designed to enhance national border security and expedite lawful trade between the US and Canada. As of November 2012, all loaded and empty vehicles that cross the US-Canadian border must satisfy applicable US and Canadian customs border-crossing regulations. eManifest expedites border crossing by automating the processing of customs documentation.

eManifest consists of modules for:

  • ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) for expediting the entry of loaded or empty trucks into the US.

  • ACI (Advance Commercial Information) for expediting the entry of loaded or empty trucks into Canada.

Before a truck reaches a border crossing location, you submit an eManifest electronically to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This information describes shipper and consignee, freight, tractor, trailer, instruments of trade, drivers, passengers, and the border crossing location.

When the truck reaches the border crossing location, the border protection agency will already have reviewed and approved the information. This allows the truck’s passage to be cleared with minimal delay.

  1. eManifest is a licensed add-on that must be purchased separately. For details, contact Trimble Sales.

  2. eManifest is licensed and used independently of any other EDI licensing you may already have purchased. The eManifest license does not provide access to any EDI functionality other than what is described in this documentation.

  3. If you are currently licensed to use Trimble’s ACE add-on, your license will permit you to use the ACE features of eManifest. ACI features are licensed separately.

Prerequisites for using eManifest

Before you can use eManifest, confirm that your system meets these requirements.

  • eManifest will be used with a compatible dispatch system
    eManifest will be available for TMWSuite, Fuel Dispatch, and TMW Operations.

  • You have applied necessary licensing
    eManifest includes ACE and ACI modules, each of which is licensed separately.

    The license for Trimble’s earlier ACE add-on will enable you to use the ACE portion of eManifest. You must license ACI separately.

  • A properly configured system
    eManifest pulls most information directly from the profiles of companies, commodities, personnel, and assets, based on the Order or Move ID. Some entries in these profiles are specific to eManifest, so your database administrator or Trimble system administrator might need to update existing profiles and label options before you can use eManifest. Settings are described in General System Setup.

Using eManifest

A typical scenario for using eManifest consists of the following steps.

  1. In your dispatch system, you create and plan a trip that crosses the US-Canadian border.

  2. To make the trip ACE or ACI compliant, you include stops at the appropriate US and/or Canadian border crossing location. If the trip does not include these stops, eManifest might fail to load the trip, or it might report errors when you validate the trip.

  3. Using eManifest, you load the trip, create an eManifest, and pre-validate the information.

    • If the border crossing is into the US, you use the ACE portion of eManifest.

    • If the border crossing is into Canada, you use the ACI portion of eManifest.

    Note: If you send an eManifest that lacks information, the documentation can be rejected by the border agency, or delays can result when the truck attempts to cross the border.

  4. You transmit the eManifest(s) to the border protection agency.

  5. The border protection agency reviews the submitted eManifest and approves or rejects the eManifest. If the eManifest is rejected, you must modify and resubmit the information.

  6. At least one hour before the truck reaches the border crossing, you must have a completed and approved eManifest on file with CBP and/or CBSA.

  7. The truck arrives at the border crossing location specified in the eManifest and is inspected for compliance with the submitted information.

Using a Value-Added Network and X.12 Processor

Normally, you will use eManifest with a Value-Added Network (VAN) provider. The VAN performs these services:

  • Receives, processes, and transmits your eManifests to the appropriate border protection agency
    Depending on the border protection agency, you can transmit an eManifest as a complete document, or as a preliminary document with updates.

  • Returns messages transmitted by the border protection agency to your company
    Normally, these messages consist of receipt confirmations and acceptance/rejection notices regarding documents you have sent.

Trimble recommends the use of Kleinschmidt, Inc. (https://www.kleinschmidt.com) to provide VAN services.

TMW X.12 Processor

The TMW X.12 Processor utility provides communication between your company and your selected VAN service provider. The X.12 processor must be running when you use eManifest. A separate TMW X.12 Process Installation guide describes how to install and set up the X.12 Processor.

It is possible to use another VAN or no VAN at all. If your company chooses either alternative, you or your chosen VAN must assume responsibility for setting up the translation of eManifest data to the X.12 format required by the border protection agency.

Contacting US and Canadian border protection agencies

For more the latest information about ACE and ACI, visit these agency web sites: