Jump to content

BorderConnect Onboarding and Readiness Guide: Difference between revisions

From BorderConnect Wiki
← Older edit
No edit summary
No edit summary
 
Line 8: Line 8:
* '''ACE Truck e-Manifest''' — for shipments entering the United States (CBP)
* '''ACE Truck e-Manifest''' — for shipments entering the United States (CBP)


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


__TOC__
__TOC__
Line 25: Line 23:


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


== Crossing into Canada (CBSA ACI eManifest & CARM Client Portal) ==
== 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>
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 (visual process) ===
=== Canada onboarding flow (process overview) ===


<pre>
<pre>
Line 45: Line 41:
Submit ACI Manifests (1 hour rule)
Submit ACI Manifests (1 hour rule)
</pre>
</pre>
---


=== Step 1 — Obtain a CBSA Carrier Code ===
=== Step 1 — Obtain a CBSA Carrier Code ===
Line 52: Line 46:
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>
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'''.
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>
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>
Line 62: Line 56:


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>
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 ===
=== Step 2 — Set up your CARM Client Portal access ===


The '''CARM Client Portal''' is CBSA’s official system for:
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>
 
* Business enrollment
* User permissions 
* Program registrations
* Delegation of Authority
 
Portal & guides:<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:
You must:
Line 83: Line 68:
| Create business profile || Links your company to CBSA programs
| Create business profile || Links your company to CBSA programs
|-
|-
| Assign internal roles || Controls approvals & access
| Assign internal roles || Controls approvals and access
|-
|-
| Enroll in Carrier Program || Enables manifest filing
| Enroll in Carrier Program || Enables manifest filing
Line 89: Line 74:


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>
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) ===
=== Step 3 — Delegation of Authority (brokers & service providers) ===
Line 97: Line 80:


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>
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>
Best practice:
* Approve broker access early 
* Confirm permissions are correct 
---


=== Step 4 — Meet the ACI one-hour timing rule ===
=== 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>
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>
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) ===
=== Step 5 — Broker clearance (PARS shipments) ===
Line 122: Line 96:


ACI alone does not release freight.
ACI alone does not release freight.
---


=== Step 6 — Driver & equipment requirements (Canada) ===
=== Step 6 — Driver & equipment requirements (Canada) ===
Line 129: Line 101:
==== Driver ====
==== Driver ====


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


==== Equipment ====
==== Equipment ====
Line 147: Line 119:
| Port of entry || Windsor, Fort Erie, etc.
| Port of entry || Windsor, Fort Erie, etc.
|}
|}
---


== Crossing into the United States (CBP ACE Truck e-Manifest) ==
== 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>
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 (visual process) ===
=== U.S. onboarding flow (process overview) ===


<pre>
<pre>
Line 165: Line 135:
Driver Arrives with Trip Reference
Driver Arrives with Trip Reference
</pre>
</pre>
---


=== Step 1 — Follow the CBP one-hour rule ===
=== 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>
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>
Late submissions may result in delays or rejection.
---


=== Step 2 — Standardize trip & equipment data ===
=== Step 2 — Standardize trip & equipment data ===
Line 184: Line 148:
* Trip references   
* Trip references   
* Shipment reference workflow   
* Shipment reference workflow   
This prevents border issues.
---


=== Step 3 — Broker coordination (entries/PAPS) ===
=== Step 3 — Broker coordination (entries/PAPS) ===


Ensure broker filings match manifest data.
Ensure broker filings match manifest data.
---


=== Step 4 — Driver & equipment requirements (United States) ===
=== Step 4 — Driver & equipment requirements (United States) ===
Line 217: Line 175:
| Port of arrival || Detroit, Buffalo, Blaine
| Port of arrival || Detroit, Buffalo, Blaine
|}
|}
---


== BorderConnect Go-Live Readiness Checklist ==
== BorderConnect Go-Live Readiness Checklist ==
Line 231: Line 187:
✔ 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>   
✔ 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   
✔ Trip/equipment standards defined   
---


== Next Steps in BorderConnect ==
== Next Steps in BorderConnect ==

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
Retrieved from "https://wiki.borderconnect.com/index.php?title=BorderConnect_Onboarding_and_Readiness_Guide&oldid=2442"