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BorderConnect

BorderConnect Onboarding and Readiness Guide

Last updated 13 July 2026

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This article is part of the BorderConnect Software User Guide and the Customs Compliance Guide

Before a highway carrier can start filing ACE or ACI eManifests, the company needs the right government identifiers and shipment barcode labels. These identifiers tell CBP, CBSA, customs brokers, and BorderConnect who the carrier is and which shipment is being reported.

This guide explains what to set up before registering for BorderConnect, including a CBSA Carrier Code, an NMFTA-issued SCAC, and PARS and PAPS barcode labels.

Overview

Cross-border highway carriers usually deal with two customs systems:

Country Customs System Carrier Identifier Common Barcode Labels
Canada CBSA ACI eManifest CBSA Carrier Code PARS labels
United States CBP ACE Manifest SCAC PAPS labels

For Canada-bound freight, the carrier normally needs a CBSA-issued carrier code and PARS labels. For U.S.-bound freight, the carrier normally needs a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) and PAPS labels.

Once these items are ready, the carrier can set up BorderConnect and begin preparing electronic manifests.

Canadian Requirements

A CBSA Carrier Code is a unique four-character identifier used by the Canada Border Services Agency to identify carriers and freight forwarders. CBSA states that carriers and freight forwarders need a four-character unique identifier code to do business with the CBSA.[1]

CBSA defines a carrier as a person involved in international commercial transportation who reports cargo to the CBSA and/or operates a conveyance used to transport specified goods to or from Canada.[2] CBSA also states that it issues one carrier code per mode per legal entity.[2]

To apply, the carrier should:

  1. Create an account in the CARM Client Portal.
  2. Complete the carrier code application in the CARM Client Portal.
  3. Wait for CBSA to issue the carrier code.
  4. Apply to transmit Advance Commercial Information (ACI) to CBSA if required for the carrier's filing method.[2]

If the carrier already has a CBSA Carrier Code, it should confirm that the code is properly linked to its CARM business account before setting up eManifest software.

U.S. Requirements

A Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is the carrier identifier commonly used for U.S.-bound highway shipments and ACE Manifest filings. SCACs are issued and renewed through the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).[3]

NMFTA states that SCACs are issued and renewed annually, and carriers must renew on time to keep the code active.[3] NMFTA also notes that SCAC certificates are usually issued within 1-2 business days after successful validation of an application.[4]

To apply, the carrier should:

  1. Go to the official NMFTA SCAC application system.
  2. Provide the carrier's legal business name, address, contact information, and operating details.
  3. Complete any required identity verification.
  4. Download and save the SCAC certificate once the code is issued.
  5. Renew the SCAC each year before it expires.[4]

The carrier should keep the SCAC certificate available because customs brokers, software providers, and trading partners may request it during setup.

Barcode Labels

Electronic manifests do not replace the shipment barcode labels used by customs brokers and border officers. PARS and PAPS labels help connect the carrier's paperwork, broker entry, and eManifest shipment record.

Label Type Used For Usually Begins With Used With
PARS Shipments entering Canada CBSA Carrier Code ACI eManifest
PAPS Shipments entering the United States SCAC ACE Manifest

For Canada-bound shipments, a PARS label is usually placed on the commercial invoice or bill of lading and sent to the Canadian customs broker before arrival. The PARS number is typically used as the Cargo Control Number on the ACI eManifest.

For U.S.-bound shipments, a PAPS label is usually placed on the commercial invoice or bill of lading and sent to the U.S. customs broker before arrival. The PAPS number is typically used as the Shipment Control Number on the ACE Manifest.

Ordering Labels

Carriers can order cross-border barcode labels from BorderPrint. BorderPrint offers PARS labels, PAPS labels, barcode label rolls, barcode label sheets, and digital barcode options for carriers that need labels quickly.

Before ordering, confirm that the carrier's CBSA Carrier Code or SCAC has been issued and that the company name is correct. The barcode sequence should be unique so the same shipment number is not reused on different shipments.

Ready for BorderConnect

Once the carrier has a CBSA Carrier Code, SCAC, and barcode labels, it is ready to set up BorderConnect for ACE and ACI eManifest filing. During setup, the carrier can enter its company details, carrier identifiers, users, trucks, trailers, drivers, and other reusable profile information.

For Canada-bound shipments, the carrier can use BorderConnect ACI eManifest software to file ACI trips and shipments. For U.S.-bound shipments, the carrier can use BorderConnect ACE Manifest software to file ACE trips and shipments.

Next step: Continue to the Registering With BorderConnect guide to create an account and begin setting up your software.

See also

Official Resources

References

  1. ↑ Canada Border Services Agency, Get a CBSA-issued carrier code.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Canada Border Services Agency, CBSA Guidelines: Highway Carrier Code Application Process.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC): Apply, Renew, and Manage SCACs.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Apply for a SCAC.
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