Military Goods (CBSA Shipment Type)
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๐ This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide |
Military Goods Shipment (Canada/CBSA)
A guide to reporting goods consigned to the Department of National Defence (DND) in ACI eManifest.
Overview
Military Goods Consigned to the Department of National Defence (DND) refers to shipments destined for the Canadian military that are transported by a commercial highway carrier.
There is a common misconception that military loads are exempt from reporting. While military vehicles are exempt, commercial trucks hauling military freight must report via ACI eManifest.[1]
The Exemption Rule: The exemption applies to the Conveyance, not the goods.
- Military Truck? Exempt from ACI.
- Commercial Truck? Must file ACI.
๐ When is ACI Required?
Use this table to determine if you need to file an eManifest.
| Transport Scenario | ACI/eManifest Required? |
|---|---|
| Military-Owned / Leased Vehicle A truck owned by the military driving the goods. |
No (Exemption Applies) |
| Commercial Highway Carrier A private trucking company hired to move the goods. |
Yes (Must File) |
| Mixed Load Commercial truck hauling DND goods + other freight. |
Yes (All shipments must be reported) |
Reporting in ACI eManifest
1 Start New Shipment
Inside your ACI eManifest, click Create New Shipment.
- Shipment Type: Select Military Goods.
- Cargo Control Number: Assign a unique CCN (Carrier Code + Number).

2 Enter Details
- Shipper: The originating party or supplier.
- Consignee: Department of National Defence (or specific base/depot).
- Commodity: Clear description of the equipment/goods.
- Transmit: Save and click Sync with CBSA.
At the Border
What the Driver Needs
- ACI Lead Sheet: A lead sheet with a machine-readable barcode (CCN or CRN).
- Supporting Docs: Any specific military waybills or documentation provided by DND or the shipper.
1-Hour Rule: Just like standard commercial loads, the ACI eManifest must be on file and accepted for at least 1 hour prior to arrival.[2]
๐ Summary at a Glance
| Topic | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Consignee | Department of National Defence (DND) |
| Commercial Carrier | ACI Required |
| Military Vehicle | ACI Exception may apply |
| Deadline | 1 Hour Prior to Arrival |
References
- โ CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2 โ Highway pre-arrival and reporting requirements. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html
- โ CBSA โ Highway mode: Transmit electronic commercial data. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/aci-manif-ipec/hcc-ctr-eng.html