Truckers who cross the Canadian border into New York or Michigan will be required to file their manifests electronically beginning May 24.

The Automated Commercial Environment, known as ACE, requires all truckers and trucking companies, including owner-operators, to send cargo manifests to border officials electronically before crossing into the U.S., regardless of origin or destination.

Ports of entry in the two states join a growing list of locations where the electronic cargo manifests are to be mandatory for all trucks crossing the border.

The Department of Homeland Security is in the process of phasing in the mandatory program for all 99 land border crossings.

Arizona, Washington, and North Dakota have been using the new system since Jan. 25. Texas, California and New Mexico crossing points will implement mandatory ACE requirements by April 12.

The goal of the program, according to DHS Web site, is to allow customs agents to pre-screen cargo to enhance and speed up secure border trade.

Truckers and companies can hire an approved third-party vendor to set up their ACE accounts and send the electronic manifests on their behalf.