CBP Seeks Input on Commercial Arrival/Departure Data Collection Extension

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is asking for public feedback on extending its rules about reporting when trucks, ships, and planes arrive or leave the country. Truckers must use the ACE system to share their trip details at least 60 minutes before reaching the border, helping keep trade safe and organized. This rule is important because many trucks cross U.S. borders each year, and missing these steps can lead to big fines or being turned away. These rules also help CBP spot dangerous or fake shipments earlier, keeping communities safer. Anyone can share their comments about these rules during the designated comment period.

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What are the CBP's Notice of Arrival and Departure requirements for commercial cross-border trucking operations?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires commercial truck operators to submit electronic manifests via the ACE portal at least 60 minutes before arriving at U.S. land borders. This advance data collection ensures compliance with customs, immigration, and security laws, supporting efficient and secure cross-border trade.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection is requesting public input on extending its information collection requirements for Notices of Arrival and Departure covering commercial vessels, vehicles, and aircraft engaged in international operations. According to industry reports, this proposal seeks to renew approval for a multi-year period, inviting stakeholders to provide feedback on burden estimates, data accuracy, and opportunities for automation.

These advance notification requirements stem from regulations codified in 19 CFR Part 4 for vessels, 8 CFR Part 251 for general aviation, and related statutes including 46 U.S.C. 60105. CBP relies on this data to enforce immigration, customs, and navigation laws at ports of entry throughout the United States. The agency, which was established in 2003 through the merger of customs, immigration, and border security functions, now employs a significant workforce handling substantial volumes of travelers and trade annually.

Direct Impact on Cross-Border Trucking Operations

International freight operators, particularly truckers engaged in cross-border commerce under the USMCA trade agreement, face specific compliance obligations under these notice requirements. Commercial vehicle operators must submit electronic manifests through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system at least 60 minutes before arriving at land borders. The average response time is estimated at just one minute per vehicle submission, though non-compliance carries significant consequences including civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation or potential denial of entry.

CBP processes a substantial number of truck crossings at U.S. land borders annually, underscoring the critical importance of the ACE portal for pre-arrival data submission. Electronic filing has become a standard part of CBP's broader modernization efforts to streamline border operations. The agency's Remote Video Inspection pilot program for cargo integrates with Notice of Arrival data and has shown promising results in reducing physical inspections, directly benefiting trucking efficiency.

"This information collection enables CBP to enforce immigration, customs, and navigation laws at ports of entry while maintaining the security and efficiency of America's borders."

Enforcement Context and Border Security

The timing of this information collection extension coincides with heightened border enforcement activity. CBP has reported significant seizures and arrests at U.S. borders, including major interdictions of fentanyl and counterfeit goods. These enforcement actions demonstrate how advance notice requirements support CBP's broader mission to identify high-risk shipments before they enter U.S. commerce. The data collected through Notices of Arrival and Departure feeds into risk assessment algorithms that help officers focus inspection resources on the most suspicious cargo and conveyances.

Transportation Mode	Average Response Time	Annual Responses	Mandatory Filing System
Commercial Vehicles	1 minute	Substantial volume	ACE Portal (60 min advance)
Vessels	2 minutes	Significant portion	19 CFR Part 4
Aircraft	2 minutes	Significant portion	8 CFR Part 251

For trucking companies and owner-operators involved in international freight, maintaining compliance with these advance notification requirements is non-negotiable. The ACE system serves as the primary platform for submitting required data, and CBP has emphasized that electronic filing represents the only acceptable method for meeting these obligations. Previous extensions of similar information collections have incorporated feedback from trucking associations that led to burden reductions through improved system integrations with carrier management systems.

Modernization and Digital Transformation

CBP's digital modernization efforts extend beyond basic electronic filing. The agency's transition to enhanced systems and improved data analytics capabilities reflects ongoing evolution since its founding. These technological improvements aim to reduce processing times while maintaining security standards. The current information collection extension proposal maintains focus on balancing efficiency gains against security requirements.

"The integration of advance notice data with risk assessment tools enables CBP to facilitate legitimate trade while intercepting illicit shipments before they reach U.S. communities."

Stakeholders wishing to comment on the proposed extension can submit feedback through the Federal Register docket system. Comments should address the accuracy of burden estimates, ways to enhance data quality, methods to minimize reporting burdens, and opportunities for further automation. The comment period provides industry participants with an opportunity to shape how these requirements evolve.

The Notice of Arrival and Departure requirements represent a foundational element of CBP's border security infrastructure, tracing their origins to legacy U.S. Customs Service practices dating back to 1789. As international trade volumes continue growing and supply chain complexity increases, these advance notification systems provide CBP with essential visibility into cross-border movements. For the trucking industry specifically, compliance with these requirements through the ACE portal has become a standard operating procedure, integrated into daily dispatch and logistics planning processes across North America.