Automotive Line Release (CBSA Shipment Type)

This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

Carrier hauling new cars

An Automotive Line Release is a Canadian Shipment Type for goods to clear through CBSA and ACI eManifest. It allows for the release of new production vehicles arriving via highway and destined to Chrysler Canada Ltd, Ford Motor Company of Canada Limited and General Motors of Canada Limited authorized dealerships. Goods other than new production vehicles for Ford, General Motors or Chrysler, as well as automotive production parts will not qualify as an Automotive Line Release, and would most likely clear as an A49 Automotive Release, a PARS, or a CSA shipment (for a CSA approved carrier).

To use the Automotive Line Release release option, the carrier must be an authorized transporter of new vehicles from Ford, General Motors or Chrysler, and must also obtain a line release authorization number from the company.

Declaring an Automotive Line Release in ACI eManifest

Automotive Line Release shipments are required to be reported on an ACI eManifest. To report an Automotive Line Release shipment the carrier will need to create an ACI Shipment and select the shipment type "Automotive Line Release" when processing an ACI eManifest.

Although an Automotive Line Release shipment is different from an A49 Automotive Release and a PARS shipment, the carrier will still need to provide a unique Cargo Control Number, as well as all other information normally required for an ACI Shipment include shipper, consignee, and commodity information.

At the border, the driver must present a barcoded Conveyance Reference Number or Cargo Control Number. The driver must also present a completed A8A for the shipment. The A8A will need to have the cargo control number clearly indicated in the Cargo Control No field, and the line release authorization number will need to be clearly indicated in the Acquittal No field on the A8A.