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What Is A Highway Carrier Code And How Do I Apply For One (DIY Customs Consulting)

Last updated 4 August 2026

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This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide

To transact business with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), highway carriers require a carrier code, regardless of how often they cross the Canadian border with commercial goods. A carrier code is a four-character unique identifier assigned by CBSA to identify a carrier, and CBSA issues one carrier code per mode per legal entity.[1]

A highway carrier code is required to file an ACI eManifest and to use PARS barcode labels so shipments can be cleared by a customs broker.

Video Tutorial

What is a Highway Carrier Code and How Do I Apply For One?

Who Qualifies as a Carrier?

For the purpose of assessing carrier code eligibility, a carrier is a person involved in international commercial transportation who operates a conveyance used to transport specified goods to or from Canada. To operate a conveyance means to have legal custody and control of the conveyance as:

  • An owner.
  • A lessee under a lease or agreement of hire.
  • A charterer under an agreement of hire.
  • A purchaser under a conditional sale or hire purchase agreement that reserves title to the vendor until the purchase price is paid or conditions are performed.
  • A mortgagor.

CBSA also issues unique four-character codes to eligible freight forwarders. Only one freight forwarder code is issued to each legal entity. A freight forwarder is an agent who arranges for transportation of goods and may provide services such as consolidation, deconsolidation, de-stuffing containers, customs brokerage, and warehousing.[1]

Bonded or Non-Bonded Carrier Code

When applying for a highway carrier code, the first step is to determine whether the carrier needs a bonded or non-bonded carrier code.

Non-Bonded Carrier Code
Used when the carrier only transports goods that will be released at the first Canadian port of arrival. CBSA states that a non-bonded carrier must release all shipments at the first point of arrival in Canada.[2]
Bonded Carrier Code
Used when the carrier needs to move unreleased goods inland, move goods in bond, or transit goods through Canada. Bonded highway carriers must provide customs bond security. CBSA guidance lists the highway bonded-carrier security amount as $5,000 per vehicle up to a maximum of $25,000.[1] CBSA also explains that bonded carriers may transport in-bond goods beyond the first point of arrival and must post financial security.[2]

Applying Through CARM

CBSA's current highway carrier code process directs new applicants to apply through the CARM Client Portal.[1] The basic process is:

  1. Create an account in the CARM Client Portal.
  2. Complete the highway carrier code application in the CARM Client Portal.
  3. After receiving the carrier code, apply to transmit Advance Commercial Information (ACI) to CBSA and complete the required testing or service-provider setup.[1]

Applicants should follow CBSA's current instructions for supporting information, ownership documents, fleet information, and financial security requirements. If applying as a bonded carrier, the carrier should work with its surety provider and CBSA guidance to make sure the bond information is complete and error-free.

CBSA states that highway carrier code applicants who want to use the eManifest Portal should indicate "YES" in the applicable field of the carrier code application in the CARM Client Portal, which automatically requests the shared secret needed to register for the eManifest Portal.[1]

After the Carrier Code Is Approved

After receiving a highway carrier code, the carrier can move on to the next operational steps.

Order PARS Barcode Labels
The carrier code is used as the prefix for Cargo Control Numbers and PARS numbers. Carriers can order the required PARS barcode labels from BorderPrint.
Register for ACI eManifest Filing
Highway carriers can register with an ACI eManifest service provider, such as BorderConnect, once they have an approved carrier code. ACI eManifest filing is required for commercial highway shipments entering Canada. CBSA states that once a carrier or freight forwarder code is received, the carrier must apply to transmit Advance Commercial Information to CBSA and undergo the testing process.[1]

BorderConnect Setup

After the carrier code is approved, BorderConnect ACI eManifest software can be used to create and transmit ACI eManifests to CBSA. The carrier will need to add its CBSA carrier code, company information, users, drivers, trucks, trailers, shippers, consignees, and commodity profiles before filing routine trips.

If the carrier uses BorderConnect instead of the CBSA eManifest Portal, BorderConnect will guide the carrier through the required authorization or testing setup so ACI data can be transmitted on the carrier's behalf. BorderConnect does not issue carrier codes; the code must be issued by CBSA through the application process.

Common Mistakes

  • Applying for a non-bonded code when the carrier needs to move in-bond or in-transit freight.
  • Forgetting to apply for ACI transmission access after the carrier code is issued.
  • Ordering PARS labels before confirming the official CBSA carrier code.
  • Reusing Cargo Control Numbers instead of assigning unique shipment numbers.
  • Confusing the carrier code with a provincial safety credential such as CVOR.
  • Assuming the carrier code alone allows the carrier to operate commercially without provincial transportation authority or insurance.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 CBSA - Highway carrier code application process
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 CBSA - How much security do I need?
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