Customs Glossary Guide

🔖 This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide and the Customs Glossary Guide

Customs Glossary Guide

A comprehensive glossary of customs terms, acronyms, and shipment types used in cross-border trade and BorderConnect software.

Type: Reference Guide Region: US & Canada

A

A49

An A49 Automotive Release shipment release type for goods entering Canada. Used in ACI for shipping production automotive parts to Chrysler, Ford and GM.

A8A

A8A In-Bond Cargo Control Documents are primarily used to clear auxiliary and special shipment types with CBSA including In-Bonds.

ACE

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is CBP’s trade processing system used to facilitate legitimate trade and strengthen border security; in highway mode it includes “e-Manifest: Trucks” for advance electronic manifesting.

ACE ID

A unique identifier used within CBP ACE/e-Manifest for entities such as a driver, truck, or trailer (as recorded on the ACE highway manifest).

ACE In-Bond

An ACE In-Bond created as part of an ACE eManifest declaration (as opposed to an in-bond created by a broker/ABI filer submitting the bond information).

ACI

Advance Commercial Information (ACI) / eManifest is a CBSA program that requires electronic pre-arrival information for commercial goods and conveyances arriving in Canada.

Air Freight

Freight that’s shipped at least partially by air.

Air Waybill

An Air Waybill (AWB) is a document that accompanies goods shipped by an international air carrier/courier. It serves as a receipt of goods and a contract of carriage.

AMPS

An Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) is CBSA’s civil penalty regime used to support compliance with customs legislation through monetary penalties.

API

An application programming interface (API) is a set of protocols/tools that allow software systems to exchange data. BorderConnect API provides a way to exchange eManifest-related data with other software.

Audit

A safety audit is a review of a motor carrier’s records by the DOT to verify safety management controls and compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).

Authority

Motor carrier authority is mandatory for trucking companies operating as for-hire carriers transporting passengers or regulated commodities while engaged in interstate commerce.

B

Bill of Lading

A Bill of Lading (BOL) is a document detailing an agreement between a shipper and carrier that usually includes commodity, weight, pick-up/delivery, and payment terms.

Bobtail

A tractor without a trailer attached.

Bonded Carrier

A bonded carrier has posted security with CBP/CBSA and is permitted to transport, under customs control, goods upon which duty/tax has not yet been paid.

Bonded Carrier IRS Number

Your IRS number is the number CBP has associated with your status as a bonded carrier. In BorderConnect you can manage stored IRS numbers under Manage Data → “ACE Bonded Carrier IRS Numbers”.

Bonded Warehouse

A bonded warehouse is a facility licensed by CBSA/CBP where unreleased goods may be stored, generally deferring duties/taxes until the goods are entered or exported.

BRASS

The Border Release Advanced Screening and Selectivity (BRASS) shipment type is a CBP truck release option intended to expedite release of certain highly compliant, high-volume freight. CBP has indicated new importer registrations are not being accepted (program being phased out).

C

C-TPAT

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is CBP’s voluntary supply chain security program for importers, carriers, and other trade partners.

Canada Customs Invoice (CCI)

A Canada Customs Invoice is a CBSA document containing data elements required for certain releases/accounting.

Cargo Control Number

A Cargo Control Number (CCN) is a unique number assigned to a shipment entering Canada that identifies the carrier and distinguishes shipments in CBSA systems.

Cargo Exemption

A cargo exemption in ACI is used to indicate exempt cargo such as LVS (Courier), Flying Truck, IIT, and Mail loaded on the truck/trailer(s). In these cases, a shipment may not be required, but the cargo exemption indicator must be set to indicate it is aboard.

Carnet

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that can facilitate temporary import/export of eligible goods.

Carrier

A registered company or owner operator licensed to transport goods via highway method.

Carrier Code

A Highway Carrier Code is a unique 4 character code used by CBSA to identify a carrier.

CBP

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the U.S. federal agency responsible for customs and border enforcement.

CBSA

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is the Canadian federal agency responsible for border enforcement and customs administration.

CDL

A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) authorizes an individual to operate certain commercial motor vehicles.

CDRP

The Commercial Driver Registration Program (CDRP) is a CBSA program to facilitate border processing for approved participants.

Certificate of Origin

A Certificate of Origin (CO) certifies where goods originate and may support preferential tariff treatment where applicable.

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates food and certain biological goods; shipments may be subject to CFIA-related requirements/inspection.

Change Trip

Transmits a change request for the manifest to CBSA (e.g., ETA, port, truck/trailer, or other trip data).

Change Shipment

Transmits a change request for the shipment(s) to CBSA (e.g., ETA, port, shipper/consignee, commodity, etc.).

Chassis

The framework of a commercial vehicle to which the engine/transmission, cab, fuel tanks, axles and cargo compartments are fixed.

Citizenship

Indicates where a driver or passenger is recognized under law as being a legal member of a sovereign state.

City of Acceptance

Used to indicate the city where the goods began a continuous journey to Canada (when different from the shipper’s address).

City of Loading

Used to indicate the city the goods were shipped from (should match shipper’s city on paperwork).

Commercial Invoice

A bill of sale or other acceptable documentation that provides key data elements (value, quantity, seller, etc.).

Commodity

Indicates the goods loaded on the truck or trailer.

Consignee

The entity who is financially responsible (the buyer) for receipt of a shipment; may differ from the receiver.

Consolidated Freight

Multiple shipments grouped by a consolidator/freight forwarder and shipped under one cargo document, often requiring later deconsolidation reporting.

Container

A standard-sized rectangular box used to transport freight by ship, rail and highway.

Conveyance Reference Number

Unique reference number (trip number) given by the carrier to a manifest in ACI.

Courier LVS

A Courier Low Value Shipment (LVS) is a CBSA courier program streamlining reporting/release/accounting for qualifying low value shipments.

CSA

Customs Self Assessment (CSA), is a Canadian Shipment Type for goods to clear through CBSA for approved importers/carriers.

CSA Importer

CSA Importers may use approved business systems to forward data and remit taxes/duties under CSA processes.

CSA Importer Business Number

Canada Revenue Agency Business Number of the CSA importer.

CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement)

CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) is the Canadian name for the modernized trilateral free trade agreement that replaced NAFTA on July 1, 2020, known in the United States as USMCA and in Mexico as T-MEC.

Customs

The government service responsible for administration of customs law, duty/tax collection, and enforcement of import/export rules.

Customs Broker

A customs broker acts on behalf of importers to prepare entries, calculate duties/taxes, and interface with CBP/CBSA and other government agencies.

CVOR

The Commercial Vehicle Operators Registration (CVOR) is Ontario’s registration system for operators of commercial motor vehicles.

D

Delivery Address

In ACI, the address to which goods are physically delivered if different from the consignee.

Department of Defense Shipment

A U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Shipment is a shipment of goods belonging or destined to the U.S. Department of Defense being transported by a commercial carrier.

Double Drop

Also known as doubles: one tractor and two trailers.

DTOPS

Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System issues transponders/decals for carriers crossing into the U.S.

E

EDI

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) allows electronic transmission of trade/manifest data.

eManifest

eManifest refers to North American electronic pre-arrival manifesting (ACE for U.S., ACI/eManifest for Canada).

ELD

Electronic Logging Device that records driving time and related data.

Emergency Repairs

Repairs resulting from an unforeseen contingency outside Canada that were necessary to enable safe return to Canada. See Emergency Repairs (CBSA Cargo Exemption).

Entry Number

A unique number referencing a commercial U.S. import entry (often associated with broker/ABI filings).

ETA

Estimated time of arrival.

F

FAST

The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a joint Canada–U.S. commercial clearance program designed to expedite low-risk, pre-approved shipments and drivers at participating ports/lanes.

FAST ID

A unique identifier associated with an approved FAST participant (driver), issued through the FAST program.

First Canadian Port of Entry

The First Canadian Port of Entry is the location where the driver will be entering Canada.

Flatbed

An open trailer used for freight that doesn’t require a dry van or reefer.

Flying Truck

A Flying Truck is a CBSA cargo exemption used when goods originally manifested in air mode arrive by highway.

FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a U.S. DOT agency regulating the trucking industry.

Free of Duty

A Free of Duty Shipment (CBP Form 7523) is a U.S. shipment type for certain duty-free merchandise (subject to conditions and value limits depending on circumstance).

Freight Forwarder

A Freight Forwarder coordinates shipments between shippers, carriers and consignees.

G

Goods Astray

A Goods Astray shipment type may be used for certain undeliverable/returned goods meeting CBP requirements.

H

Hazmat Code

A four digit number used to identify certain hazardous materials/dangerous goods classifications in U.S. contexts.

Highway Carrier Code

CBSA-assigned four-character identifier required for ACI/eManifest and for many commercial highway shipment processes into Canada.

HS Code

Harmonized System (HS) Code is the international product nomenclature developed/maintained under the World Customs Organization (WCO) framework.

I

IIT (United States)

In the U.S., Instruments of International Traffic (IIT) (e.g., 10.41a) is a U.S. shipment type for certain reusable articles used in international traffic.

IIT (Canada)

Instruments of International Trade (IIT), is a Canadian cargo exemption for reusable containers, skids, pallets, straps, etc. used in international commercial transportation of goods.

Importer CSA Business Number

Canada Revenue Agency number of a CSA importer (used when Shipment Type is CSA).

In-Bond (United States)

An In Bond is a U.S. shipment type allowing movement of goods under bond prior to final release.

In-Bond (Canada)

An In-Bond is a Canadian shipment type allowing inland movement of unreleased goods under CBSA control.

In-Transit

An In Transit Manifest controls the movement of goods transiting Canada or the U.S. en route between domestic points.

Insurance Policy

Required when submitting certain dangerous goods information; in BorderConnect users can add insurance policy data in the company profile.

Informal Entry

An informal entry is a simplified CBP entry process often used for certain low-value/personal or qualifying commercial importations. CBP regulations reference informal entry processing for shipments typically valued at $2,500 or less (with exceptions; CBP can require formal entry where necessary).

Intangibles

Intangibles is a U.S. shipment type for certain specific commodity categories referenced in CBP shipment type guidance.

Intermodal Transportation

Shipping that uses more than one mode (truck/rail/ship/air).

International Mail

International Mail is a U.S. shipment category for qualifying mail movements between postal operators.

L

LTL

Less-Than-Truckload: smaller shipments consolidated with other freight.

LVS

Low Value Shipment (LVS) is a courier-related low value program concept (Canada context includes Courier LVS).

M

MC Number

Interstate operating authority identifier assigned by FMCSA for certain for-hire carriers.

Motor Carrier

A private or for-hire business that hauls passengers and/or freight.

N

NAFTA

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a trilateral agreement signed by Canada, the United States, and Mexico (now replaced by CUSMA/USMCA/T-MEC).

NEXUS

NEXUS expedites border clearance for low-risk, pre-approved travelers.

NMFTA

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) assigns and maintains Standard Carrier Alpha Codes (SCAC), the 2–4 letter codes used to identify transportation companies in many commercial/government systems.

O

Orders In Council

An Orders in Council Shipment (OIC) is a Canadian shipment type for certain exemptions directed by Order in Council.

Owner Operator

A driver who owns their own truck; may operate under their own authority or leased to a carrier.

P

Pallet

A platform used to assemble goods into unit loads for handling/transport.

PAPS

Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) is a U.S. release type commonly used for commercial truck shipments requiring pre-arrival clearance linkage.

PARS

Pre-arrival Review System (PARS) is a Canadian release type enabling pre-arrival review of entries.

Personal Effects

Articles for a traveller’s personal use during the journey (excluding commercial goods).

Personal Goods

Personal Goods (Casual Goods) is a Canadian shipment type for non-commercial goods transported by a highway carrier.

Personal Shipment

A Personal Shipment (Household Goods/Unaccompanied Articles) is a U.S. shipment type for non-commercial household/personal goods.

PIP

Partners in Protection (PIP) is a CBSA program to enhance border and supply chain security.

Port Code

A unique four digit code associated to the corresponding first Canadian port of entry and/or the United States port of arrival.

Port of Entry

The location where goods/conveyance first enter a country for customs processing.

Postal Shipment

A Postal Shipment is a Canadian cargo exemption for mail moving via postal channels.

Proof of Delivery (POD)

Paperwork confirming delivery of a load.

Province of Loading

Province where goods were shipped from.

Q

QP In-Bond

A QP In-Bond is when a broker/approved filer submits the bond on behalf of the carrier; the carrier links it on the ACE manifest using the same shipment control number.

Quick Assign

BorderConnect feature to select previously entered data by typing partial values.

R

Reefer Trailer

Refrigerated trailer.

Release Office

CBSA office responsible for releasing the shipment (varies by shipment type).

Released

Status indicating goods have been authorized to enter the economy.

Returned American Products

Returned American Products are U.S. goods being returned under qualifying conditions.

RMD

Release on Minimum Documentation (Paper RMD) allows release of certain commercial goods already in Canada under specific scenarios.

RNS

Release Notification System (RNS) provides release status updates for shipments to Canada.

S

SCAC

A Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a 2–4 letter code used to identify transportation companies; NMFTA is the primary issuing authority for SCACs in North America.

Seal Number

A metal or plastic lock for cargo trailers and trucks to secure cargo from tampering.

Section 321

Section 321 (19 U.S.C. 1321) is the U.S. “de minimis” framework historically allowing certain low-value shipments (up to $800) to enter duty- and tax-free under qualifying conditions. Duty-free de minimis availability can be suspended by U.S. policy actions/tariff orders, so filers should confirm current CBP guidance before using Section 321-related processes.

Shipment Control Number

A Shipment Control Number (SCN) is a unique number assigned to a U.S.-bound shipment in ACE highway manifesting.

Shipment Type

A Shipment Type (clearance/release option) is the method by which goods obtain permission to enter the country.

Shipper

Party shown on shipping documents as responsible for shipping/origin.

Skid

Another term for a pallet.

Surety

A party (often a bank/insurer) that accepts responsibility for financial consequences of non-fulfillment of obligations.

Surety Bond

A guarantee to assume responsibility for a debt/obligation if a party defaults.

Status Query

BorderConnect feature that requests status updates for a shipment with CBSA (RNS context).

Straight Truck

Vehicle with cargo body mounted to chassis (not a tractor-trailer).

Sub Location

A Sublocation is a CBSA-approved warehouse code where a cargo report is acquitted and goods are authorized to deliver (commonly required for Canadian In-Bond).

Sufferance Warehouse

Sufferance warehouses are CBSA-licensed facilities for short-term storage/examination of unreleased imported goods.

T

Tanker

Closed bulk trailer.

Team Driver

Two drivers operating one commercial vehicle.

Temporary Importation

Goods imported under authorization for a limited period and specified use.

Terminal

Company office location used for account organization/timezone context in BorderConnect.

Tractor Trailer

Tractor and semitrailer combination.

Transaction Number

A unique number referencing a Canadian commercial shipment from a customs broker (varies by process/program).

Travel Document

Documents required to cross (e.g., CDL plus WHTI-approved document or FAST where applicable).

Trip Number

Unique number used by customs to identify an eManifest trip (SCAC/carrier code + unique characters).

U

UN Code

Four digit dangerous goods identifier (U.N. number).

USDOT

U.S. DOT number identifying a motor carrier for safety monitoring/enforcement.

V

VIN

Vehicle identification number. In BorderConnect it should be entered in full for ACE eManifest; partial VINs may not be accepted in certain contexts.

W

WACM

Warehouse Arrival Certification Message (WACM) is transmitted to CBSA when unreleased shipments arrive at a sufferance warehouse (arrivals are reported per CCN).

Waybill

A document issued by a carrier listing shipment details/instructions.

WHTI

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires travelers to present a passport or other approved secure document when entering the U.S. by land/water.

References