Flying Truck (CBSA Cargo Exemption)
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🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide |
Flying Truck (CBSA Cargo Exemption)
A guide to reporting air cargo arriving by truck using the bonded air carrier's waybill.
Overview
A Flying Truck is a Canadian cargo exception used when goods originally intended to arrive by air instead arrive at the border on a highway conveyance.
Because this cargo has already been reported to CBSA under the air mode of ACI, it moves in-bond to a destination airport sufferance warehouse using the bonded air carrier's Air Waybill. The highway carrier simply reports the truck's arrival without filing a new cargo shipment.
Eligibility: This exception only applies if the air carrier is bonded. If the airline is non-bonded, the highway carrier must file standard ACI cargo data (e.g., PARS), and the shipment is no longer considered a "Flying Truck".
Documentation Requirements
The Air Waybill (AWB)

At the First Port of Arrival (FPOA), the driver must present the air carrier's paper documents.
- AWB Number: Must include the air carrier's Cargo Control Number.
- Destination: The paperwork must show a Canadian airport as the ultimate destination.
- Lead Sheet: The driver must also present a barcoded ACI Lead Sheet for the conveyance.
Reporting in ACI eManifest
Because a Flying Truck is a "Cargo Exception," the highway carrier does not create an ACI Shipment. Instead, you flag the truck or trailer itself.
1 Set the Exception Code
In BorderConnect, open your ACI eManifest Details page.
1. Locate the Truck or Trailer where the cargo is loaded. 2. Click Set Cargo Exemption (or use the drop-down menu). 3. Select Flying Truck as the exemption type. 4. Enter the quantity of flying truck shipments if prompted.

2 Transmit the "Trip-Only" Manifest
- If Flying Truck cargo is the only thing on the truck, transmit the manifest with 0 shipments.
- If you have a mixed load (e.g., Flying Truck + PARS), add the PARS shipment normally and then transmit.
- Click Sync with CBSA and wait for the "On File" status.
💡 Compliance Reminders
- 1-Hour Rule: The manifest must be accepted by CBSA at least 1 hour prior to arrival at the border.
- No Release Message: Unlike PARS, you will not receive a "Release" status for a Flying Truck exception; it will remain "On File" until arrival is reported by the officer.
- Destination: The goods must be delivered to a sufferance warehouse licensed to receive air cargo.
References