Postal Shipment (CBSA Cargo Exemption)
Last updated 27 July 2026
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| This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide |
A Postal Shipment is a Canadian Shipment Type and ACI eManifest cargo exemption/exception for mail moving in the postal stream, such as mail moving from a foreign postal service to Canada Post.[1]
The exemption is for postal mail, not ordinary commercial freight. International mail items are presented by Canada Post to the Canada Border Services Agency for processing, where CBSA determines whether the goods may enter Canada and whether duties or taxes apply.[2][3]
Video Tutorial
Reporting Postal Shipments in ACI eManifest
CBSA's ACI/eManifest highway documentation separates exempt mail movements from mixed loads that contain mail and other commercial cargo.[4][5]
| Situation | How it is reported |
|---|---|
| Full load of mail only | The load may qualify as a highway cargo and conveyance exemption. No ACI Shipment is created for the postal mail. If the carrier chooses to transmit a manifest anyway, it can be sent as a trip/conveyance-only manifest with no ACI Shipments attached.[1] |
| Mixed load with mail and other shipments | The carrier transmits the ACI Trip/conveyance and reports the postal mail using the Postal cargo exception code. Other shipments, such as PARS, are added to the manifest normally.[1] |
Reporting the Postal Exception in BorderConnect
To report postal mail on a mixed load in BorderConnect:[1]
- Create or open the ACI Trip.
- Identify the truck, trailer, or container where the mail is loaded.
- Set the Postal exception code on that equipment.
- Add any non-postal ACI Shipments that are also on the load.
- Transmit the manifest to CBSA.
The carrier does not create a separate ACI Shipment for the postal mail. The postal mail is identified through the exception code on the equipment where the mail is loaded.[1]
Timing and Border Arrival
If the carrier transmits an ACI Trip for a postal exemption or mixed load, the manifest must follow the normal highway pre-arrival timeframes. CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2 explains the reporting and control requirements for cargo arriving in Canada in the service of highway carriers.[6]
For mixed loads, the carrier should also ensure that any PARS broker release information is on file before the driver arrives at the border. CBSA states that carriers are responsible for ensuring all information provided to CBSA, including ACI/eManifest information, is true, accurate, and complete.[6]
| Use the Postal exemption only for mail moving in the postal stream. Commercial freight or courier shipments that are not moving as postal mail must be reported under the appropriate ACI shipment type or cargo exception. |