Creating and Submitting a New ACI eManifest (ACI eManifest)
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🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect ACI eManifest Guide |
Creating a New ACI eManifest
A step-by-step guide to creating, submitting, and verifying CBSA eManifests using BorderConnect.
Overview
This guide provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for creating and submitting an ACI eManifest to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
It covers the entire workflow required for highway carriers—from entering Trip and Shipment details to transmitting data and verifying acceptance—ensuring your fleet meets the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program requirements efficiently.
Prerequisites: Ensure your Carrier Code is registered with CBSA and enabled in your BorderConnect account before starting.
Workflow Summary
- Step 1: Create the Trip (Border info, Truck, Driver).
- Step 2: Create the Shipment (Shipper, Consignee, Commodity).
- Step 3: Transmit to CBSA.
- Step 4: Verify Acceptance.
Step 1: Start a New Manifest
1 Select Menu Option
From the top menu, hover over ACI eManifests and select Start New ACI eManifest.
Step 2: Enter Trip Details
2 Trip Information
Enter the required trip-level information. This covers how the goods are crossing the border.
- Trip Number: Your unique carrier reference (CRN).
- Port of Entry: Where the truck will cross.
- ETA: Estimated arrival date and time.
- Assets: Select your Driver, Truck, and Trailer profiles.
Action: When finished, click Save and Start New ACI Shipment.
Step 3: Enter Shipment Details
3 Shipment Information
Now describe the freight being transported. This section generates the Cargo Control Number (CCN).
- Shipment Type: usually PARS.
- Cargo Control Number: Auto-generated based on your carrier code + unique number.
Tip: Click the Show link at the bottom of the shipment legend to reveal advanced options like "Consolidated Freight" or "Special Instructions".
4 Add Shipper
Assign the party sending the goods.
- Use Quick Assign Shipper to search stored profiles.
- Or click Add New Shipper to create one.
5 Add Consignee
Assign the party receiving the goods in Canada.
- Use Quick Assign Consignee to search stored profiles.
- Or click Add New Consignee to create one.
6 Delivery Destination (Conditional)
A "Delivery Destination" is only required if the goods are going somewhere other than the Consignee's address (e.g., a warehouse or terminal).
| Scenario | Action Required? |
|---|---|
| Delivery is to Consignee's physical address | No action needed. |
| Delivery is to a different address / Warehouse | Yes. Add a Delivery Destination. |
| Consignee address is a PO Box | Yes. Physical delivery address required. |
How to Add: Click Save on the shipment page, then click Add 3rd Party.
Step 4: Add Commodity
7 Commodity Details
Click Save and Add Commodity to describe the goods.
- Description: Clear description of the freight.
- Quantity/Packaging: e.g., 10 Pallets, 500 Cartons.
- Weight: Gross weight of the goods.
Recommendation: Provide a single general description that covers all goods rather than splitting into many small lines, unless hazardous materials are involved.
Transmission & Verification
8 Transmit to CBSA
Return to the ACI eManifest Details page. Review your data, then click Sync with CBSA.
9 Verify Acceptance
Wait 2-4 minutes, then refresh the page.
- Status: Should change to On File with CBSA.
- Responses: Look for blue "Accepted" messages in the history.
10 Verify PARS
If you linked a PARS entry, check for the broker transaction.
- Status: Look for On File with Transaction Numbers.
- Transaction #: The broker's entry number will appear on the manifest.
⚠️ Compliance Reminder
To comply with ACI eManifest requirements, both the ACI eManifest and the Broker's Entry (PARS) must be on file with CBSA for at least one hour before the driver arrives at the border.