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=== Driver requirements (Canada) ===
{{note|This article is part of the [[BorderConnect_Software_User_Guide|BorderConnect Software User Guide]] and the [[Customs_Compliance_Guide_(CBP_and_CBSA)|Customs Compliance Guide]]|info}}


Before a driver can cross commercially into Canada, ensure:
= Onboarding for BorderConnect: Be Ready to File ACI (Canada) and/or ACE (U.S.) =


* Valid passport or approved travel document
This guide walks highway carriers through every required step to become compliant and ready to submit electronic manifests using BorderConnect:
* Any company credentials required by your operation
* Shipment paperwork (BOL, invoice references, PARS numbers where applicable)
* Internal trip or manifest reference (lead sheet, trip number, or BorderConnect confirmation)


Operational best practices:
* '''ACI eManifest''' — for shipments entering Canada (CBSA)
* Drivers should know the Port of Entry they are arriving at
* '''ACE Truck e-Manifest''' — for shipments entering the United States (CBP)
* Drivers should understand who to contact if clearance is not on file
* Drivers should arrive only after ACI acceptance and broker clearance are confirmed


=== Equipment requirements (Canada) ===
The end goal is simple: your manifests are accepted early, your drivers arrive prepared, and border delays are avoided.


CBSA ACI/eManifest submissions require accurate conveyance data, including:
__TOC__


* Tractor (power unit) number
== Quick Overview: What Must Be Completed First ==
* Trailer number(s)
* Mode of transport (highway)
* Port of entry


Best practices for equipment data:
{| class="wikitable"
! Country !! Government System !! What You Must Have Ready
|-
| Canada || CBSA + CARM Portal || Carrier Code, Portal access, ACI authorization
|-
| United States || CBP ACE || Ability to transmit accepted truck manifests
|}


* Use consistent tractor and trailer numbering formats
Once these are complete, you can begin using BorderConnect live.
* Avoid special characters not used in company standards
* Confirm numbers match physical equipment markings exactly
* Update manifests immediately if equipment changes after submission


Incorrect or missing equipment identifiers can cause inspection delays or manifest rejections.
== Crossing into Canada (CBSA ACI eManifest & CARM Client Portal) ==
 
CBSA requires all highway commercial cargo data to be transmitted electronically and accepted at least one hour before arrival at the First Port of Arrival (FPOA).<ref>CBSA. "Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest Highway: Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD) – Highway Mode." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html</ref><ref>CBSA. "eManifest Portal User Guide." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/portal-portail/guide-eng.html</ref>
 
=== Canada onboarding flow (process overview) ===
 
<pre>
Register Business in CARM
        ↓
Request CBSA Carrier Code
        ↓
Enroll in Carrier Program
        ↓
Authorize Brokers / Providers
        ↓
Submit ACI Manifests (1 hour rule)
</pre>
 
=== Step 1 — Obtain a CBSA Carrier Code ===
 
A '''Carrier Code''' is a four-character identifier required to transact with CBSA (highway, marine, air, rail).<ref>CBSA. "Commercial carrier and freight forwarder identification and eligibility." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/menu-eng.html</ref>
 
You request this through the '''CARM Client Portal'''.
 
Process overview:<ref>CBSA. "CBSA Guidelines – Highway Carrier Code Application Process." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/hccap-ddctr-eng.html</ref>
 
# Create your CARM Client Portal account 
# Enroll your business 
# Complete the Carrier Code application 
# Receive your assigned 4-character code 
 
CBSA also confirms new carriers can request their code directly during CARM registration.<ref>CBSA. "Get started with CARM." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carm-gcra/start-passer-eng.html</ref>
 
=== Step 2 — Set up your CARM Client Portal access ===
 
The '''CARM Client Portal''' is CBSA’s official system for business enrollment, user access, program registrations, and Delegation of Authority workflows.<ref>CARM Client Portal login. https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/</ref><ref>CBSA. "CARM Client Portal onboarding documentation." https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/onboarding-documentation</ref>
 
You must:
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Task !! Why It Matters
|-
| Create business profile || Links your company to CBSA programs
|-
| Assign internal roles || Controls approvals and access
|-
| Enroll in Carrier Program || Enables manifest filing
|}
 
Official enrolment guide:<ref>CBSA. "User Guide – Enrol in the Carrier program." https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/assets/pdfs/onboarding/en/User%20Guide%20-%20Enrol%20in%20the%20Carrier%20program.pdf</ref>
 
=== Step 3 — Delegation of Authority (brokers & service providers) ===
 
If brokers or service providers will act on your behalf, you must approve them inside CARM.
 
CBSA instructions:<ref>CBSA. "User Guide – Delegation of Authority in the CARM Client Portal." https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/assets/pdfs/onboarding/en/User%20Guide%20-%20Delegation%20of%20Authority%20in%20the%20CARM%20Client%20Portal.pdf</ref><ref>CBSA. "How to set up a delegation of authority for a third party service provider." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/multimedia/carm-gcra/portal-portail-r1-4-eng.html</ref>
 
=== Step 4 — Meet the ACI one-hour timing rule ===
 
ACI data must be accepted at least one hour before arrival.<ref>CBSA. "Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest Highway: ECCRD – Highway Mode." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html</ref>
 
CBSA warns late filings may trigger AMPS penalties.<ref>CBSA. "Memorandum D3-4-2: Highway pre-arrival and reporting requirements." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html</ref>
 
=== Step 5 — Broker clearance (PARS shipments) ===
 
Ensure:
 
* Broker has your Carrier Code 
* Shipment references match 
* Clearance is certified before arrival 
 
ACI alone does not release freight.
 
=== Step 6 — Driver & equipment requirements (Canada) ===
 
==== Driver ====
 
* Passport or approved travel document 
* Shipment paperwork 
* Trip reference 
* Arrival only after ACI acceptance and clearance confirmed 
 
==== Equipment ====
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Required Data !! Example
|-
| Tractor number || Unit 4521
|-
| Trailer number || Trailer 8873
|-
| Mode || Highway
|-
| Port of entry || Windsor, Fort Erie, etc.
|}
 
== Crossing into the United States (CBP ACE Truck e-Manifest) ==
 
CBP requires ACE Truck Manifests to be submitted and accepted one hour before arrival.<ref>CBP. "ACE Truck Manifest User Guide (PDF)." https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf</ref><ref>CBP. "e-Manifest: Trucks User Guide." https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/e-manifest-trucks-user-guide</ref>
 
=== U.S. onboarding flow (process overview) ===
 
<pre>
Prepare Trip & Equipment Data
        ↓
Submit ACE Manifest
        ↓
Confirm Acceptance
        ↓
Driver Arrives with Trip Reference
</pre>
 
=== Step 1 — Follow the CBP one-hour rule ===
 
ACE data must be transmitted and accepted before arrival.<ref>CBP. "ACE Truck Manifest User Guide (PDF)." https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf</ref>
 
=== Step 2 — Standardize trip & equipment data ===
 
Best practice setup:
 
* Tractor numbers 
* Trailer numbers 
* Trip references 
* Shipment reference workflow 
 
=== Step 3 — Broker coordination (entries/PAPS) ===
 
Ensure broker filings match manifest data.
 
=== Step 4 — Driver & equipment requirements (United States) ===
 
==== Driver ====
 
* Passport 
* CDL (as required) 
* Shipment paperwork 
* Trip reference 
 
==== Equipment ====
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Required Data !! Example
|-
| Tractor number || Unit 4521
|-
| Trailer number || Trailer 8873
|-
| Trip reference || TRIP-2026-015
|-
| Port of arrival || Detroit, Buffalo, Blaine
|}
 
== BorderConnect Go-Live Readiness Checklist ==
 
=== Canada ===
✔ Carrier Code issued<ref>CBSA. "CBSA Guidelines – Highway Carrier Code Application Process." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/hccap-ddctr-eng.html</ref> 
✔ CARM enrolment complete<ref>CBSA. "User Guide – Enrol in the Carrier program." https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/assets/pdfs/onboarding/en/User%20Guide%20-%20Enrol%20in%20the%20Carrier%20program.pdf</ref> 
✔ Broker authorization complete 
✔ ACI one-hour compliance workflow ready<ref>CBSA. "Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest Highway: ECCRD – Highway Mode." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html</ref>
 
=== United States ===
✔ ACE submission workflow ready<ref>CBP. "ACE Truck Manifest User Guide (PDF)." https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf</ref> 
✔ Trip/equipment standards defined 
 
== Next Steps in BorderConnect ==
 
* [[Creating_and_Submitting_a_New_ACI_eManifest_(ACI_eManifest)|Create your first ACI eManifest]]
* [[Creating_and_Submitting_a_New_ACE_Manifest_(ACE_Manifest)|Create your first ACE Manifest]]
* [[EManifest_Processing_Guide_(ACE_and_ACI_eManifest)|eManifest Processing Guide]]
 
== References ==
<references/>

Latest revision as of 13:41, 27 January 2026

🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect Software User Guide and the Customs Compliance Guide

Onboarding for BorderConnect: Be Ready to File ACI (Canada) and/or ACE (U.S.)

This guide walks highway carriers through every required step to become compliant and ready to submit electronic manifests using BorderConnect:

  • ACI eManifest — for shipments entering Canada (CBSA)
  • ACE Truck e-Manifest — for shipments entering the United States (CBP)

The end goal is simple: your manifests are accepted early, your drivers arrive prepared, and border delays are avoided.

Quick Overview: What Must Be Completed First

Country Government System What You Must Have Ready
Canada CBSA + CARM Portal Carrier Code, Portal access, ACI authorization
United States CBP ACE Ability to transmit accepted truck manifests

Once these are complete, you can begin using BorderConnect live.

Crossing into Canada (CBSA ACI eManifest & CARM Client Portal)

CBSA requires all highway commercial cargo data to be transmitted electronically and accepted at least one hour before arrival at the First Port of Arrival (FPOA).[1][2]

Canada onboarding flow (process overview)

Register Business in CARM
        ↓
Request CBSA Carrier Code
        ↓
Enroll in Carrier Program
        ↓
Authorize Brokers / Providers
        ↓
Submit ACI Manifests (1 hour rule)

Step 1 — Obtain a CBSA Carrier Code

A Carrier Code is a four-character identifier required to transact with CBSA (highway, marine, air, rail).[3]

You request this through the CARM Client Portal.

Process overview:[4]

  1. Create your CARM Client Portal account
  2. Enroll your business
  3. Complete the Carrier Code application
  4. Receive your assigned 4-character code

CBSA also confirms new carriers can request their code directly during CARM registration.[5]

Step 2 — Set up your CARM Client Portal access

The CARM Client Portal is CBSA’s official system for business enrollment, user access, program registrations, and Delegation of Authority workflows.[6][7]

You must:

Task Why It Matters
Create business profile Links your company to CBSA programs
Assign internal roles Controls approvals and access
Enroll in Carrier Program Enables manifest filing

Official enrolment guide:[8]

Step 3 — Delegation of Authority (brokers & service providers)

If brokers or service providers will act on your behalf, you must approve them inside CARM.

CBSA instructions:[9][10]

Step 4 — Meet the ACI one-hour timing rule

ACI data must be accepted at least one hour before arrival.[11]

CBSA warns late filings may trigger AMPS penalties.[12]

Step 5 — Broker clearance (PARS shipments)

Ensure:

  • Broker has your Carrier Code
  • Shipment references match
  • Clearance is certified before arrival

ACI alone does not release freight.

Step 6 — Driver & equipment requirements (Canada)

Driver

  • Passport or approved travel document
  • Shipment paperwork
  • Trip reference
  • Arrival only after ACI acceptance and clearance confirmed

Equipment

Required Data Example
Tractor number Unit 4521
Trailer number Trailer 8873
Mode Highway
Port of entry Windsor, Fort Erie, etc.

Crossing into the United States (CBP ACE Truck e-Manifest)

CBP requires ACE Truck Manifests to be submitted and accepted one hour before arrival.[13][14]

U.S. onboarding flow (process overview)

Prepare Trip & Equipment Data
        ↓
Submit ACE Manifest
        ↓
Confirm Acceptance
        ↓
Driver Arrives with Trip Reference

Step 1 — Follow the CBP one-hour rule

ACE data must be transmitted and accepted before arrival.[15]

Step 2 — Standardize trip & equipment data

Best practice setup:

  • Tractor numbers
  • Trailer numbers
  • Trip references
  • Shipment reference workflow

Step 3 — Broker coordination (entries/PAPS)

Ensure broker filings match manifest data.

Step 4 — Driver & equipment requirements (United States)

Driver

  • Passport
  • CDL (as required)
  • Shipment paperwork
  • Trip reference

Equipment

Required Data Example
Tractor number Unit 4521
Trailer number Trailer 8873
Trip reference TRIP-2026-015
Port of arrival Detroit, Buffalo, Blaine

BorderConnect Go-Live Readiness Checklist

Canada

✔ Carrier Code issued[16] ✔ CARM enrolment complete[17] ✔ Broker authorization complete ✔ ACI one-hour compliance workflow ready[18]

United States

✔ ACE submission workflow ready[19] ✔ Trip/equipment standards defined

Next Steps in BorderConnect

References

  1. ↑ CBSA. "Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest Highway: Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD) – Highway Mode." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html
  2. ↑ CBSA. "eManifest Portal User Guide." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/portal-portail/guide-eng.html
  3. ↑ CBSA. "Commercial carrier and freight forwarder identification and eligibility." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/menu-eng.html
  4. ↑ CBSA. "CBSA Guidelines – Highway Carrier Code Application Process." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/hccap-ddctr-eng.html
  5. ↑ CBSA. "Get started with CARM." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carm-gcra/start-passer-eng.html
  6. ↑ CARM Client Portal login. https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/
  7. ↑ CBSA. "CARM Client Portal onboarding documentation." https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/onboarding-documentation
  8. ↑ CBSA. "User Guide – Enrol in the Carrier program." https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/assets/pdfs/onboarding/en/User%20Guide%20-%20Enrol%20in%20the%20Carrier%20program.pdf
  9. ↑ CBSA. "User Guide – Delegation of Authority in the CARM Client Portal." https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/assets/pdfs/onboarding/en/User%20Guide%20-%20Delegation%20of%20Authority%20in%20the%20CARM%20Client%20Portal.pdf
  10. ↑ CBSA. "How to set up a delegation of authority for a third party service provider." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/multimedia/carm-gcra/portal-portail-r1-4-eng.html
  11. ↑ CBSA. "Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest Highway: ECCRD – Highway Mode." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html
  12. ↑ CBSA. "Memorandum D3-4-2: Highway pre-arrival and reporting requirements." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html
  13. ↑ CBP. "ACE Truck Manifest User Guide (PDF)." https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf
  14. ↑ CBP. "e-Manifest: Trucks User Guide." https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/e-manifest-trucks-user-guide
  15. ↑ CBP. "ACE Truck Manifest User Guide (PDF)." https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf
  16. ↑ CBSA. "CBSA Guidelines – Highway Carrier Code Application Process." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/hccap-ddctr-eng.html
  17. ↑ CBSA. "User Guide – Enrol in the Carrier program." https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/assets/pdfs/onboarding/en/User%20Guide%20-%20Enrol%20in%20the%20Carrier%20program.pdf
  18. ↑ CBSA. "Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest Highway: ECCRD – Highway Mode." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html
  19. ↑ CBP. "ACE Truck Manifest User Guide (PDF)." https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf
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