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BorderConnect Onboarding and Readiness Guide: Difference between revisions

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{{#seo:
|title=Carrier Onboarding & Cross-Border Readiness Guide {{!}} BorderConnect Support Wiki
|title_mode=replace
|keywords=cross border trucking requirements, get a SCAC code, NMFTA SCAC, CBSA carrier code application, CARM portal carrier code, order PARS labels, order PAPS labels, eManifest software setup, BorderConnect onboarding
|description=A complete roadmap for new highway carriers. Learn how to obtain your CBSA Carrier Code, apply for an NMFTA SCAC code, order PARS/PAPS labels, and set up eManifest software.
}}
{{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}}
{{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}}
<div class="bc-wrap">
<div class="bc-article-hero">
<h1>Getting Started: Cross-Border Prerequisites</h1>
<p>A complete roadmap for highway carriers to obtain carrier codes, SCACs, and barcode labels before registering for eManifest software.</p>
<div class="bc-article-meta">
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-flag-checkered"></i> Type: Onboarding</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="far fa-clock"></i> Time: 15 Minutes</span>
</div>
</div>


This guide walks highway carriers through every required step to become compliant and ready to submit electronic manifests using BorderConnect:
<div class="bc-card">


* '''ACI eManifest''' — for shipments entering Canada (CBSA)
<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
* '''ACE Truck e-Manifest''' — for shipments entering the United States (CBP)
<p>Before you can begin transmitting electronic manifests to border agencies, you must first establish your company's identity with both the Canadian and U.S. governments and acquire the physical barcode labels required by customs brokers.</p>


The end goal is simple: your manifests are accepted early, your drivers arrive prepared, and border delays are avoided.
<p>This guide walks new highway carriers through every prerequisite step to become legally compliant and ready to implement BorderConnect software.</p>


{{Promo
[[File:Borderconnect-onboarding-steps.jpg|800px|center|BorderConnect prerequisites & onboarding.]]
| icon = 🚛
| text = '''Simplify your cross-border operations.''' File ACE and ACI eManifests in seconds with BorderConnect's industry-leading software.
| link = https://www.borderconnect.com
| button = Start Free Trial
}}


__TOC__
<div class="bc-did-you-know" style="margin-top: 25px;">
<h3>Two Systems, Two Identifiers</h3>
<strong>Entering Canada (CBSA):</strong> Requires a 4-character <strong>Carrier Code</strong> and <strong>PARS</strong> barcode labels.<br>
<strong>Entering the U.S. (CBP):</strong> Requires a 4-letter <strong>SCAC</strong> and <strong>PAPS</strong> barcode labels.
</div>


== Quick Overview: What Must Be Completed First ==
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
</div>


{| class="wikitable"
<div class="bc-card" style="margin-top: 30px;">
<h3>🚀 Quick Readiness Checklist</h3>
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin-bottom:0;"
! Country !! Government System !! What You Must Have Ready
! Country !! Government System !! What You Must Have Ready
|-
|-
| Canada || CBSA + CARM Portal || Carrier Code, Portal access, ACI authorization
| <strong>Canada</strong> || CBSA ACI eManifest || Carrier Code, CARM Portal access, PARS Barcode Labels
|-
| 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).<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
| <strong>United States</strong> || CBP ACE Manifest || SCAC Code, PAPS Barcode Labels
|}
|}
<p style="margin-top: 15px;">Once these government and physical requirements are met, you can register for your software.</p>
</div>


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>
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Phase 1: Canadian Requirements (CBSA)</h2>


=== Step 3 — Delegation of Authority (brokers & service providers) ===
<div class="bc-card">
<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">1</span> Obtain a CBSA Carrier Code</h3>
<p>A <strong>Carrier Code</strong> is a four-character unique identifier required by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for all highway carriers crossing into Canada. You must request this code directly through the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) portal.</p>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* <strong>Log in</strong> to the [https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/ CARM Client Portal].
* <strong>Register</strong> your business and complete the Carrier Code application.
* <strong>Receive</strong> your assigned 4-character code (e.g., 8000).
</div>
<div class="bc-subtle">
<strong>Note:</strong> If you already have an existing carrier code, simply ensure it is linked to your new CARM business account.
</div>
</div>


If brokers or service providers will act on your behalf, you must approve them inside CARM.
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Phase 2: U.S. Requirements (CBP)</h2>


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>
<div class="bc-card">
<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">2</span> Obtain a SCAC Code</h3>
<p>To cross commercially into the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strictly requires all carriers to possess a <strong>Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC)</strong>. This is a unique two-to-four-letter code used to identify transportation companies.</p>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* The SCAC is assigned and maintained by the <strong>National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA)</strong>.
* Apply for your SCAC online directly through the NMFTA portal.
* Note that SCAC codes must be renewed annually to remain active and valid in CBP systems.
</div>
</div>


=== Step 4 — Meet the ACI one-hour timing rule ===
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Phase 3: Ordering Cross-Border Barcodes (PARS & PAPS)</h2>


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>
<div class="bc-card">
<p>Electronic manifests alone are not enough to cross the border. You must physically affix sequential barcode labels to your commercial invoices and Bills of Lading (BOL). These scannable barcodes are what the customs broker uses to file the entry, and what the border officer scans to release the truck.</p>


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>
<div class="bc-2col" style="margin-top: 20px;">
<div>
<h4>🇨🇦 Entering Canada: PARS Labels</h4>
<p>The <strong>Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS)</strong> is the default clearance method for commercial goods entering Canada. The PARS barcode label consists of your 4-character CBSA Carrier Code followed by a unique, sequential shipment number.</p>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* <strong>Workflow:</strong> You affix this label to the commercial invoice and send it to the Canadian customs broker so they can set up the shipment with the CBSA in advance.
</div>
</div>


=== Step 5 — Broker clearance (PARS shipments) ===
<div>
<h4>🇺🇸 Entering USA: PAPS Labels</h4>
<p>The <strong>Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS)</strong> is the default shipment type for commercial goods entering the United States. The PAPS barcode label begins with your 4-letter SCAC code, followed by a unique sequential number.</p>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* <strong>Workflow:</strong> You affix this label to the paperwork and send it to the U.S. customs broker so they can file an entry referencing that exact PAPS number before you arrive.
</div>
</div>
</div>


Ensure:
<div class="bc-did-you-know" style="margin-top: 25px;">
<h3>Where to Order Compliant Labels</h3>


* Broker has your Carrier Code 
<p>To ensure your barcodes scan correctly at the primary inspection booth and comply with all CBSA and CBP specifications, you must order them from a certified printer.</p>
* Shipment references match 
<p><strong>[https://www.borderprint.com BorderPrint]</strong> specializes in cross-border print essentials. You can easily order CBSA-approved PARS labels and CBP-approved PAPS labels (available in sheets, rolls, or even digital formats for rush orders) and have them shipped next-day directly to your dispatch office.</p>
* Clearance is certified before arrival 
</div>
</div>


ACI alone does not release freight.
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Phase 4: Ready for BorderConnect</h2>


=== Step 6 — Driver & equipment requirements (Canada) ===
<div class="bc-card">
<p>Once you have successfully obtained your CBSA Carrier Code, your NMFTA SCAC code, and have ordered your physical PARS and PAPS barcode labels from BorderPrint, you have completed all mandatory government and physical prerequisites.</p>


==== Driver ====
<p>You are now fully prepared to set up your eManifest software, enter your company credentials, and begin transmitting electronic trips directly to the border agencies to clear your freight.</p>


* Passport or approved travel document 
<div style="margin-top: 25px; padding: 15px; background-color: #f8fbff; border-left: 4px solid #0056b3; border-radius: 4px;">
* Shipment paperwork 
<strong>Next Step:</strong> Proceed to the [[How_To_Register_With_BorderConnect|Registering With BorderConnect]] guide to set up your account and start your free trial.
* Trip reference 
</div>
* Arrival only after ACI acceptance and clearance confirmed 
</div>


==== Equipment ====
{{AppPromo}}
 
{| 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 ==
<references/>
<references/>
</div> [[Category:BorderConnect Software User Guide]] [[Category:Customs Compliance Guide]]
Retrieved from "https://wiki.borderconnect.com/index.php?title=BorderConnect_Onboarding_and_Readiness_Guide"