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Declaring an Empty ACI eManifest (ACI eManifest)

From BorderConnect Wiki

🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect ACI eManifest Guide and the Shipment Release Types Guide

Declaring an Empty ACI eManifest

A guide to creating and submitting "Empty Conveyance" reports to CBSA.

Type: Tutorial Time: 5 Minutes

Overview

An Empty ACI eManifest is a manifest that contains Conveyance (Trip) data but no Cargo (Shipment) data.

Although CBSA guidance indicates that empty conveyances require transmission, highway carriers who arrive at the First Port of Arrival (FPOA) with empty conveyances and have not transmitted ACI data generally do not receive AMPS penalties for failing to transmit, until further notice.[1]

Why File Anyway? Even though exemptions exist, most carriers still file Empty ACI eManifests to ensure faster processing at the booth and to create a clear digital record of the crossing.

How to Create an Empty Manifest

1 Start New Manifest

Navigate to ACI eManifests and select Start New ACI eManifest.

Start New ACI Menu

2 Enter Trip Details

Enter the standard trip information (Trip Number, Port of Entry, ETA, Driver, Truck, Trailer).

Crucial Step: Do NOT create any shipments. An empty manifest consists of the Trip information only.

Action: Click Save at the top of the page.

Saving the Trip

3 Sync with CBSA

Once saved, you will be on the ACI eManifest Details page. Since there are no shipments to add, you are ready to transmit.

  • Click Sync with CBSA.
  • This tells CBSA that a conveyance is arriving with zero shipments.
Sync Button

4 Verify Acceptance

Wait for the status to change to On File with CBSA.

  • Paperwork: The driver must present a standard ACI Lead Sheet with the Trip Number (CRN) barcode.
Accepted Status

CSA Approved Carriers

CSA Empty Lead Sheet

CSA Empty Workflow

For carriers participating in the Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) program:

  • Paperwork: Drivers must present the required CSA barcodes (CSA Lead Sheet).
  • Validation: The driver's registration is validated via FAST or CDRP credentials.[2]
  • Timing: If transmitting ACI data, it must be received and validated at least one hour prior to arrival (unless an exemption applies).[3]
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References

  1. ↑ Memorandum D3-4-2: Highway pre-arrival and reporting requirements (Empty conveyances): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html
  2. ↑ Memorandum D23-2-1: Customs Self-Assessment Program for Carriers: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d23/d23-2-1-eng.html
  3. ↑ CBSA ECCRD – ACI/eManifest Highway: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html
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