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Carrier Code (CBSA): Difference between revisions

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{{note|This article is part of the [[Customs_Compliance_Guide_(CBP_and_CBSA)|Customs Compliance Guide]]|info}}
{{note|This article is part of the [[Customs_Glossary_Guide|Customs Glossary Guide]]|info}}


[[Image:CBSABadge.jpg|150px|right|thumb|right|Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Seal]]{{#ev:youtube|BMHMseLWV2c|360|right|How to create a Canadian Carrier Code code in BorderConnect.}}A '''Highway Carrier Code''' is a unique 4 character code used by [[Canada Border Services Agency - General Information|CBSA]] to identify a carrier. A carrier code is a requirement for entry into Canada for any companies that operate a commercial vehicle involved in the transport of commercial goods to or from Canada. Companies not considered eligible will not be issued a carrier code.
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There are two main types of carrier code: non-bonded and bonded. Carriers set up with a non-bonded carrier code must have freight coming into Canada released at the border (first port of arrival), whereas bonded carriers have the privilege of moving unreleased goods [[In Bond (CBSA Shipment Type)|In Bond]] to a bonded warehouse to await release there, or to move goods in transit through Canada, i.e. using Canada as a shortcut.<ref>CBSA Commercial Carriers Outline https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/a8b-eng.html</ref> To apply for a bonded carrier code the carrier must post security with CBSA.
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<h1>Highway Carrier Code (CBSA)</h1>
<p>The unique 4-character identifier required for all commercial trucking companies crossing into Canada.</p>
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<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-id-card"></i> Type: Carrier Identification</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-flag-canada"></i> Region: Canada (CBSA)</span>
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Carrier codes are issued and maintained by CBSA. Carriers can apply for a carrier code by filling out the application which can be found on CBSA's [https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/bsf329-7-eng.html website].
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For carriers crossing the border into Canada, the carrier code is required to be the beginning of the conveyance reference number (trip number) of their [[ACI eManifest Software User Guide (CBSA)|ACI eManifest]], as well as the beginning of any [[Cargo Control Number (Canadian Shipments)|Cargo Control Number]] being used to identify freight.
<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
[[Image:Cargo-control-number-example.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A PARS barcode label. The first 4 characters (e.g., 8080) represent the carrier code.]]
<p>A <strong>Highway Carrier Code</strong> is a unique four-character code issued by the <strong>Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)</strong> to identify a carrier. It is mandatory for any company transporting commercial goods into Canada, regardless of how often they cross.</p>


[[Category:Customs Compliance Guide]]
<p>This code acts as the foundation for all cross-border reporting. It is used to generate the <strong>Cargo Control Number (CCN)</strong> for PARS labels and the <strong>Conveyance Reference Number (CRN)</strong> for ACI eManifests.</p>
 
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<strong>One Code Rule:</strong> Only <strong>one</strong> carrier code is issued to each legal entity per mode of transport. You cannot have multiple codes for the same company unless you have separate legal divisions.
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Bonded vs. Non-Bonded Codes</h2>
 
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<p>When applying, carriers must choose between two types of codes, which determine their operational privileges.</p>
 
<table class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;">
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<th style="width: 25%;">Type</th>
<th>Description</th>
<th>Privileges</th>
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<td><strong>Non-Bonded</strong></td>
<td>The standard code for most carriers. Goods must be released at the <strong>First Port of Arrival (FPOA)</strong>.</td>
<td>
* Cross commercial goods into Canada.<br>
* Must clear customs immediately at the border.
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<td><strong>Bonded</strong></td>
<td>Requires posting financial security (minimum $5,000) with the CBSA. Codes typically start with <strong>2, 3, or 4</strong>.</td>
<td>
* Move goods <strong>In-Bond</strong> to an inland warehouse.<br>
* Move goods <strong>In-Transit</strong> through Canada (e.g., USA -> Canada -> USA).<br>
* Apply for trusted trader programs like <strong>[[FAST_(Free_and_Secure_Trade)_Information|FAST]]</strong>.
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">How to Apply (The CARM Process)</h2>
 
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<p>As of May 2024, the CBSA has modernized the application process. Paper forms (BSF329-7) are being phased out in favor of the <strong>CARM Client Portal (CCP)</strong>.</p>
 
<h3>Step 1: Register for a Business Number</h3>
<p>You must have a valid 9-digit <strong>Business Number (BN)</strong> from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Foreign (U.S.) companies can obtain this as part of the registration process.</p>
 
<h3>Step 2: Register in the CARM Client Portal</h3>
<p>Log in to the [https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/homepage CARM Client Portal] using a GCKey or Sign-In Partner.
<br><em>Select "Register my Business" > "Carrier" to begin the application.</em></p>
 
<h3>Step 3: Post Security (If Bonded)</h3>
<p>If applying for a <strong>Bonded</strong> code, you must work with a surety company to post a D120 Customs Bond. This bond is now filed electronically via the API or portal.</p>
 
<p><em>Note: Once approved, your carrier code is active immediately for use in ACI eManifest and PARS label printing.</em></p>
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Common Usage Scenarios</h2>
 
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* <strong>Commercial Cross-Border Shipments:</strong> Every time a truck crosses with goods, the carrier code is the first 4 digits of the PARS number on the invoice.
* <strong>Export Declarations:</strong> When moving goods <em>out</em> of Canada, the code identifies the carrier on the export declaration (CERS).
* <strong>Trusted Trader Programs:</strong> Carriers applying for CSA (Customs Self Assessment) or FAST must link their bonded carrier code to their application.
* <strong>Single Trip Bond:</strong> A non-bonded carrier who needs to move a specific load in-bond can use their non-bonded code combined with a Single Trip Bond authorization.
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Usage in BorderConnect</h2>
 
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<p>In BorderConnect, your Highway Carrier Code is the central setting for your account.</p>
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* <strong>Company Setup:</strong> You enter your code in "Company Settings." This automatically prefixes all new <strong>[[ACI_Trip_Details_(ACI_eManifest)|ACI Trips]]</strong> (CRNs) and <strong>[[ACI_Shipment_Details_(ACI_eManifest)|Shipments]]</strong> (PARS) with your code.
* <strong>Barcode Generation:</strong> BorderConnect uses your stored code to generate printable PARS labels and Lead Sheets that meet CBSA barcode standards.
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Official Resources</h2>
 
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* <strong>CARM Client Portal:</strong> [https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/homepage Official Login & Registration]
* <strong>CBSA Guide:</strong> [https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/menu-eng.html Commercial Carrier Identification and Eligibility]
* <strong>Memorandum D1-7-1:</strong> [https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d1/d1-7-1-eng.html Posting Security for Transacting Bonded Operations]
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[[Category:Customs Glossary Guide]]
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