Jump to content
🚛
Streamline your cross-border operation. From ACE & ACI eManifests to PARS tracking and U.S. In-Bond filing, BorderConnect is the fastest way to cross.
Start Free Trial

Declaring an Empty ACI eManifest (ACI eManifest): Difference between revisions

From BorderConnect Wiki
← Older edit
No edit summary
No edit summary
 
(3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{note|This article is part of the [[ACI_eManifest_Software_User_Guide_(CBSA)|BorderConnect ACI eManifest Guide]] and the [[Shipment_Types_For_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest|Shipment Release Types Guide]]|info}}
{{note|This article is part of the [[ACI_eManifest_Software_User_Guide_(CBSA)|BorderConnect ACI eManifest Guide]] and the [[Shipment_Types_For_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest|Shipment Release Types Guide]]|info}}
<div class="bc-wrap">


{{#ev:youtube|X5yKveetLuE|960|center|How to create an empty ACI eManifest in BorderConnect.}}
<div class="bc-article-hero">
<h1>Declaring an Empty ACI eManifest</h1>
<p>A guide to creating and submitting "Empty Conveyance" reports to CBSA.</p>
<div class="bc-article-meta">
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-truck-loading"></i> Type: Tutorial</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="far fa-clock"></i> Time: 5 Minutes</span>
</div>
</div>


Although CBSA has originally announced that an [https://www.borderconnect.com/aci-e-manifest/index.htm ACI eManifest] must be processed for empty trucks, and trailers - in September of 2019 CBSA has updated their policy to recommend and encourage highway carriers to submit an ACI eManifest for empty conveyances. With the exception of bob-tailed trucks. Filing an empty truck manifest is still recommended if possible.<ref>CBSA Customs Notice 15-030 https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn15-030-eng.html</ref><ref>https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html</ref>
<div class="bc-card">


== To process an ACI eManifest in BorderConnect with an empty conveyance, follow these steps. ==
<div class="bc-float-video">
  <div class="bc-video-trigger" data-video-id="X5yKveetLuE">
    <div class="bc-play-icon"><i class="fas fa-play-circle"></i></div>
  </div>
</div>


=== Step 1 ===
<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
<p>An <strong>Empty ACI eManifest</strong> is a manifest that contains <strong>Conveyance (Trip) data</strong> but <strong>no Cargo (Shipment) data</strong>.</p>


* Navigate to 'Start New ACI eManifest' under the ACI eManifest menu option.
<p>Although CBSA guidance indicates that empty conveyances require transmission, highway carriers who arrive at the First Port of Arrival (FPOA) with empty conveyances and have not transmitted ACI data generally do not receive AMPS penalties for failing to transmit, until further notice.<ref name="d3-4-2-empty">Memorandum D3-4-2: Highway pre-arrival and reporting requirements (Empty conveyances): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html</ref></p>


[[Image:Startnewaci1.jpg|800px]]
<div class="bc-did-you-know" style="margin-top: 20px;">
<strong>Why File Anyway?</strong> Even though exemptions exist, most carriers still file Empty ACI eManifests to ensure faster processing at the booth and to create a clear digital record of the crossing.
</div>


=== Step 2 ===
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
</div>


* Once you have entered your ACI eManifest conveyance data, navigate to the top left and click 'Save'. This will bring you to your ACI eManifest details page.
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">How to Create an Empty Manifest</h2>


[[Image:Emptyacisavebutton1.png|800px]]
<div class="bc-card">
<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">1</span> Start New Manifest</h3>
<p>Navigate to <strong>ACI eManifests</strong> and select <strong>Start New ACI eManifest</strong>.</p>
[[Image:Startnewaci1.jpg|thumb|center|800px|Start New ACI Menu]]
</div>


=== Step 3 ===
<div class="bc-card" style="margin-top: 20px;">
<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">2</span> Enter Trip Details</h3>
<p>Enter the standard trip information (Trip Number, Port of Entry, ETA, Driver, Truck, Trailer).</p>


* Once you confirm the data entered for the ACI eManifest, click 'Sync with CBSA'. This will transmit your empty ACI eManifest to CBSA, and let CBSA know that no shipments will be transmitted along with the ACI eManifest.
<div class="bc-warning" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Crucial Step:</strong> Do <strong>NOT</strong> create any shipments. An empty manifest consists of the Trip information only.
</div>


[[Image:Sync-required-aci.png|800px]]
<div class="bc-subtle" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Action:</strong> Click <strong>Save</strong> at the top of the page.
</div>
[[Image:Emptyacisavebutton1.png|thumb|center|800px|Saving the Trip]]
</div>


=== Wait For Acceptance ===
<div class="bc-card" style="margin-top: 20px;">
<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">3</span> Sync with CBSA</h3>
<p>Once saved, you will be on the <strong>ACI eManifest Details</strong> page. Since there are no shipments to add, you are ready to transmit.</p>


* Once CBSA accepts your empty conveyance ACI eManifest, and the status of your eManifest turns to three blue bars, your driver will be cleared to cross.
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* Click <strong>Sync with CBSA</strong>.
* This tells CBSA that a conveyance is arriving with <strong>zero</strong> shipments.
</div>
[[Image:Sync-required-aci.png|thumb|center|800px|Sync Button]]
</div>


[[Image:Aciacceptedonfile.png]]
<div class="bc-card" style="margin-top: 20px;">
<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">4</span> Verify Acceptance</h3>
<p>Wait for the status to change to <strong>On File with CBSA</strong>.</p>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* <strong>Paperwork:</strong> The driver must present a standard ACI Lead Sheet with the <strong>Trip Number (CRN)</strong> barcode.
</div>
[[Image:Aciacceptedonfile.png|thumb|center|400px|Accepted Status]]
</div>


== Declaring an empty conveyance as a CSA Approved carrier ==
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">CSA Approved Carriers</h2>


[[Image:Csaleadsheetempty.jpg‎|thumb|right|200px|CSA Empty Truck Conveyance]]For drivers who do not have a FAST or CDRP card, employed by a company that is CSA Approved, you must follow the fore mentioned 3 steps, and provide an ACI eManifest lead sheet to the officer.
<div class="bc-card">
If a company is CSA approved and the driver has a valid FAST or CDRP card meeting existing requirements for CSA release, but traveling with an empty conveyance. A CSA lead sheet must be provided declaring the wording 'Empty Truck'.<ref>https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d23/d23-2-1-eng.html</ref>
<div class="bc-2col">
 
<div>[[Image:Csaleadsheetempty.jpg‎|thumb|right|CSA Empty Lead Sheet]]
<h3>CSA Empty Workflow</h3>
<p>For carriers participating in the <strong>Customs Self-Assessment (CSA)</strong> program:</p>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* <strong>Paperwork:</strong> Drivers must present the required CSA barcodes (CSA Lead Sheet).
* <strong>Validation:</strong> The driver's registration is validated via FAST or CDRP credentials.<ref name="d23-2-1">Memorandum D23-2-1: Customs Self-Assessment Program for Carriers: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d23/d23-2-1-eng.html</ref>
* <strong>Timing:</strong> If transmitting ACI data, it must be received and validated at least <strong>one hour prior</strong> to arrival (unless an exemption applies).<ref name="eccrd-1hr">CBSA ECCRD – ACI/eManifest Highway: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html</ref>
</div>
</div>
 
</div>
</div>
 
{{AppPromo}}


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />


[[Category:ACI eManifest Guide]]
</div> [[Category:ACI eManifest Guide]] [[Category:Shipment Type Guide]]
[[Category:Shipment Type Guide]]

Latest revision as of 16:59, 9 February 2026

🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect ACI eManifest Guide and the Shipment Release Types Guide

Declaring an Empty ACI eManifest

A guide to creating and submitting "Empty Conveyance" reports to CBSA.

Type: Tutorial Time: 5 Minutes

Overview

An Empty ACI eManifest is a manifest that contains Conveyance (Trip) data but no Cargo (Shipment) data.

Although CBSA guidance indicates that empty conveyances require transmission, highway carriers who arrive at the First Port of Arrival (FPOA) with empty conveyances and have not transmitted ACI data generally do not receive AMPS penalties for failing to transmit, until further notice.[1]

Why File Anyway? Even though exemptions exist, most carriers still file Empty ACI eManifests to ensure faster processing at the booth and to create a clear digital record of the crossing.

How to Create an Empty Manifest

1 Start New Manifest

Navigate to ACI eManifests and select Start New ACI eManifest.

Start New ACI Menu

2 Enter Trip Details

Enter the standard trip information (Trip Number, Port of Entry, ETA, Driver, Truck, Trailer).

Crucial Step: Do NOT create any shipments. An empty manifest consists of the Trip information only.

Action: Click Save at the top of the page.

Saving the Trip

3 Sync with CBSA

Once saved, you will be on the ACI eManifest Details page. Since there are no shipments to add, you are ready to transmit.

  • Click Sync with CBSA.
  • This tells CBSA that a conveyance is arriving with zero shipments.
Sync Button

4 Verify Acceptance

Wait for the status to change to On File with CBSA.

  • Paperwork: The driver must present a standard ACI Lead Sheet with the Trip Number (CRN) barcode.
Accepted Status

CSA Approved Carriers

CSA Empty Lead Sheet

CSA Empty Workflow

For carriers participating in the Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) program:

  • Paperwork: Drivers must present the required CSA barcodes (CSA Lead Sheet).
  • Validation: The driver's registration is validated via FAST or CDRP credentials.[2]
  • Timing: If transmitting ACI data, it must be received and validated at least one hour prior to arrival (unless an exemption applies).[3]
📱

eManifesting in your pocket. Process ACE & ACI eManifests, track shipments in real-time, and upload documents instantly—anytime, anywhere.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

References

  1. ↑ Memorandum D3-4-2: Highway pre-arrival and reporting requirements (Empty conveyances): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-4-2-eng.html
  2. ↑ Memorandum D23-2-1: Customs Self-Assessment Program for Carriers: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d23/d23-2-1-eng.html
  3. ↑ CBSA ECCRD – ACI/eManifest Highway: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html
Retrieved from "https://wiki.borderconnect.com/index.php?title=Declaring_an_Empty_ACI_eManifest_(ACI_eManifest)&oldid=3162"