Shipment Types For ACE and ACI eManifest
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🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide |
Shipment Release Types
A comprehensive reference guide to customs clearance options for highway carriers entering Canada (ACI) and the United States (ACE).
Overview
A Shipment Type (also called a clearance type or release option) is the method by which goods transported by a highway carrier obtain customs permission to enter a country.
In most cases, it is the responsibility of the Importer or Customs Broker to select the correct shipment type. The carrier's role is to transmit the data exactly as instructed.
Golden Rule: Unless you are a self-carrying importer, never guess the shipment type. Always follow the instructions provided on the customs documents (Invoice/BOL) or by the broker.
🚀 Quick Start: Picking the Right Type
1. Country: Are you entering Canada (CBSA) or the USA (CBP)? 2. Clearance Location: Is the broker clearing it at the border (Pre-arrival), or is it moving inland to a warehouse (In-Bond)? 3. Commercial Status: Are the goods for sale/commercial use, or personal? 4. Special Programs: Is this a CSA, FAST, or Carnet load?
At a Glance: The "Big Two"
These two shipment types account for the vast majority of cross-border freight.
| Country | Standard Release (Border) | Inland Movement (In-Bond) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (CBSA) | PARS | In-Bond |
| USA (CBP) | PAPS | QP In-Bond or ACE In-Bond |
🇨🇦 Canada (CBSA) ACI Shipment Types
Commercial Release Options
| Shipment Type | Description / Usage |
|---|---|
| PARS | Default Type. Pre-arrival Review System. Allows the broker to clear goods before the truck arrives. |
| In-Bond | Allows goods to move inland to a warehouse or another CBSA office under customs control (not released at the border). |
| CSA | For authorized "Trusted Traders" (Carrier, Driver, and Importer must all be CSA authorized). |
| A49 Automotive | Production parts for Chrysler, Ford, and GM moving under the A49 process. |
| ATA Carnet | Temporary import of goods (e.g., trade show samples, professional equipment). |
| Temporary Admission (TAP) | Temporary imports under Form E29B (non-commercial) or BSF 865 (commercial). |
| Goods Astray | U.S. goods entered into Canada by mistake, being returned to the U.S. |
| Paper RMD | Interim paper documentation to obtain release (rarely used now with mandatory eManifest). |
| Paper B3 | Paper accounting for commercial goods. |
| Orders In Council | Goods covered under a specific government decree/exemption. |
| Master Provisional | Used when the final value for duty cannot be established at the time of import. |
| Automotive Line Release | New production vehicles (Ford/GM/Chrysler) destined for dealerships. |
| Value Included | "Shortage" shipments where duties were paid on a previous load. |
| Military Goods | Goods moving for the Dept. of National Defence by a commercial carrier. |
| Consolidated Freight | Multiple shipments grouped under a single CCN (often by a freight forwarder). |
Cargo Exemptions (Canada)
These are reported differently than standard shipments, often as specific cargo types or exemptions.
| Exemption | Description |
|---|---|
| IIT (Empty Racks/Containers) | Reusable shipping containers, racks, or pallets moving internationally. |
| In-Transit | Goods moving Point-to-Point through Canada (e.g., US to US). |
| Flying Truck | Air freight that is completing its journey by truck. |
| Courier LVS | Low Value Shipments moved by authorized courier companies. |
| Postal Shipment | International mail moving to Canada Post. |
| Emergency Repairs | Repairs done to a Canadian vehicle while outside Canada. |
| Empty | Conveyance entering with no cargo. |
🇺🇸 United States (CBP) ACE Shipment Types
Commercial Release Options
| Shipment Type | Description / Usage |
|---|---|
| PAPS | Default Type. Pre-Arrival Processing System. The standard for commercial clearance. |
| QP In-Bond | Electronic In-Bond filed by a broker/bureau. Allows movement inland without border release. |
| ACE In-Bond | In-Bond filed directly by the carrier via the ACE Portal or manifest software. |
| Section 321 | Note: De minimis duty-free treatment. Suspended for covered shipments effective Aug 29, 2025. |
| IIT | Empty racks, containers, or pallets used for shipping. |
| ATA Carnet | Temporary imports (samples, equipment) using a Carnet document. |
| BRASS | Legacy system for FAST drivers. Largely phased out. |
| Personal Shipment | Non-commercial goods (e.g., household moves) transported by a carrier. |
| Free of Duty | Merchandise not exceeding $2500 USD in value (where eligible). |
| Returned American Products | U.S. goods returning without having been advanced in value abroad. |
| Goods Astray | Undeliverable goods returning to the U.S. or goods entered by mistake. |
| DoD Shipment | Military cargo moved by commercial carrier. |
| International Mail | Mail moving to the USPS. |
| Intangibles | Specific items like business records or data. |
| Empty | Conveyance entering with no cargo. |
💡 Tips for Carriers
- Don't Guess: If the paperwork doesn't specify "In-Bond" or "PAPS", call the broker.
- One Manifest: All shipments on the truck (PAPS, In-Bond, and Section 321) must be on the same manifest.
- Empty? Even if you have no cargo, you often still need an "Empty" manifest (Trip only) to cross smoothly.