Status Query Feature (CBSA Shipments)
Last updated 29 July 2026
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| This article is part of the BorderConnect PARS Software Guide |
This guide explains how to use BorderConnect's status query feature with BorderConnect's RNS-PARS software. A status query asks Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for the status of a particular shipment.
BorderConnect's PARS software uses CBSA's Release Notification System (RNS) to help carriers view accepted and released Canadian-bound shipments, and BorderConnect states that RNS shipment updates can also be linked automatically to ACI eManifests.[1] CBSA's RNS application identifies Status Query as one of the available RNS options, along with automatic release notification, arrival certification, and automatic status.[2]
Video Tutorial
BorderConnect PARS provides automatic status updates for shipments using your carrier code. A manual status query is useful when you need to:
- Check the status of another carrier's PARS. CBSA only sends automatic updates for PARS using your own carrier code, so you will not receive automatic updates when hauling freight under another carrier's PARS.
- Confirm that a PARS was cancelled or is no longer on file. CBSA sends updates when a PARS is accepted or released, but you will not receive a notice when a broker cancels a PARS or changes the cargo control number.
- Check the status of a PARS when you believe the status in BorderConnect may not be current, such as after CBSA downtime or when a broker website shows a PARS as accepted but BorderConnect does not.
Before Sending a Query
A status query should be sent using the full Cargo Control Number for the shipment. CBSA describes the cargo control number as a carrier-assigned reference identifier that uniquely identifies the transport document to CBSA, beginning with the CBSA-issued carrier code followed by the carrier's unique reference number.[3]
The number should match the PARS or cargo control number used by the customs broker. CBSA states that when release documents are being prepared, the cargo control number on the highway cargo document should match the equivalent release documents, and if the PARS number presented at the border includes the letters PARS, the electronically transmitted cargo control number must include them as well.[3]
Sending a Status Query
To start a new status query, select Send New Status Query from the PARS Shipments menu.
Enter the cargo control number you want to check. Enter the full number exactly as it appears on the PARS sticker or other document, with no spaces or extra special characters. Once the cargo control number is entered, click Send Status Query Request to CBSA.
This brings you to the Status Query Search Page, where you can see recent status queries and search for past status queries.
The status query you just sent will be listed as the first result and will show Status Query Request transmitted with no response. It generally takes about 10 to 15 minutes for CBSA to respond. You can leave the page and return later by selecting Status Query Search under the PARS Shipments menu.
Viewing the Response
After 10 to 15 minutes, check the search page to see the response for your status query. CBSA will respond with one of these statuses:
- Not on file
- Accepted
- Released
| Response | Meaning | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Not on file | CBSA does not currently show an accepted or released shipment for the cargo control number queried. | Confirm the cargo control number with the paperwork and broker. Check for missing carrier-code characters, omitted or added PARS text, typos, or changes made by the broker. |
| Accepted | CBSA has accepted the shipment information, but the shipment has not yet been released. | Confirm that the related ACI eManifest is also accepted and that the driver has the correct paperwork before proceeding to the border. |
| Released | CBSA has released the shipment. | The shipment can normally proceed according to the release instructions, subject to any other documents, permits, inspections, or directions from CBSA or the broker. |
For an accepted or released response, the shipment will also appear under Newest Shipments and/or Shipment Search, depending on the date. For users of BorderConnect ACI, an accepted or released response will also link up with the manifest.
For a not on file response, the shipment will be marked as purged if it was previously accepted.
Other Ways to Send a Status Query
- When sending a status query for a shipment that was previously accepted, click the View link for that shipment under Accepted Shipments, then use the Send Status Query button. This fills in the cargo control number for you on the send new status query page.
- When preparing an ACI eManifest for another carrier's PARS, you can send a status query from the ACI shipment you are preparing. A Send Status Query button is located on the ACI Shipment Details Page for any ACI shipment with a Carrier Code that is not part of your RNS (PARS Checking) profile.
Troubleshooting
If a broker website shows the PARS as accepted but the status query returns Not on file, first confirm that the exact cargo control number was used. CBSA's cargo control number guidance allows letters, numbers, and dashes, and states that the number must begin with the carrier code and match the release documents when release documents are being prepared.[3]
Common causes of a mismatch include an incorrect carrier code, a missing or extra PARS prefix, a typo in the unique shipment number, or the broker changing the cargo control number after the driver or carrier received the paperwork. If the number is confirmed and the response still appears incorrect, contact the broker or CBSA as appropriate before sending the driver to the border.
Related Pages
- BorderConnect PARS Software Guide
- PARS Shipments Basic Overview
- PARS Shipment Search Feature
- PARS
- Cargo Control Number
- Carrier Code
- ACI eManifest Software User Guide
- ACI Shipment Details Page
- Release Notification System (RNS)