For any Canadian trucker, the first solo run across the border is a stressful milestone. The driving isn’t the hard part—it is the paperwork. Missing a single digital entry can result in you being parked for hours or slapped with a fine that wipes out your week’s pay. In 2026, the systems are fully digital and automated. Here is the ultimate guide to understanding ACE and ACI eManifests.
The Golden Rule: 1 Hour Notice
Whether you go North or South, the rule is the same: Customs must receive your electronic manifest at least one hour before your truck arrives at the booth.
- The Risk: If you arrive 59 minutes after submission, the officer can turn you around.
Going South (To the USA): You need ACE
ACE stands for “Automated Commercial Environment”. It is the system used by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- What you need: A PAPS number (Pre-Arrival Processing System). This is a barcode sticker you put on your invoice.
- The Process: Your dispatcher (or you) enters the shipper, receiver, and load details into the ACE portal along with the PAPS number.
- The Fine: Crossing without an ACE manifest on file is a serious offense. Fines can start at $5,000 USD for a first offense (failure to manifest). Yes, you read that right. Five thousand dollars.
Going North (To Canada): You need ACI
ACI stands for “Advance Commercial Information”. This is the system used by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
- What you need: A PARS number (Pre-Arrival Review System).
- The Process: Similar to the US, but the cargo control number (PARS) links your load to the customs broker.
- The Fine: The CBSA uses the AMPS penalty system. Failure to submit an ACI eManifest correctly can result in penalties ranging from $2,000 CAD to $8,000 CAD, depending on your carrier’s compliance history and the severity of the violation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
- Wrong Port of Entry: If your manifest says you are crossing at Windsor/Detroit, but you take the Sarnia/Port Huron bridge, you are not in the system. You must update the manifest before you arrive.
- “Empty” isn’t easy: Even if you are driving bobtail or with an empty trailer, you must still file an eManifest (listing the truck and trailer as instruments of international traffic). Driving to the booth and saying “I’m empty” without a manifest is an instant violation.
- The “Transaction Number” Trap: Always ensure your customs broker has cleared the load before you hit the border. The eManifest is just the notification; the broker’s entry is the permission.
Summary
Treat the eManifest like your brakes or tires: check it twice before you roll. The fines in 2026 are simply too high to risk “winging it”.
Source: CBP (USA) / CBSA (Canada) / TruckstopCanada Editorial Team
Photo: Continental
Disclaimer: Border regulations can change instantly. Always follow the instructions of the customs officer on duty.