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Carrier Code (CBSA): Difference between revisions

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{{note|This article is part of the [[Customs_Glossary_Guide|Customs Glossary Guide]]|info}}
{{note|This article is part of the [[Customs_Glossary_Guide|Customs Glossary Guide]]|info}}


[[Image:Cargo-control-number-example.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A PARS barcode label with the first four characters being the highway carrier code.]]A '''Highway Carrier Code''' is a unique identifier assigned by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to highway carriers engaged in transporting goods between Canada and other countries. This code plays a crucial role in facilitating cross-border trade and enables the CBSA to track and manage shipments transported by highway carriers. This article defines what a Highway Carrier Code is with the Canada Border Services Agency and explores the scenarios in which it is used when shipping goods to Canada.
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== What is a Highway Carrier Code with Canada Border Services Agency? ==
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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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The Highway Carrier Code is a four-character alphanumeric identifier assigned by the Canada Border Services Agency to highway carriers (truckers) involved in the movement of goods across the Canadian border. It serves as a means of identification and clearance for carriers involved in cross-border trade. The code is used to link the carrier's information, including their compliance history, with specific shipments, streamlining the customs clearance process and ensuring efficient border security measures.
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== Scenarios in Which a Highway Carrier Code is Used for Shipping to Canada: ==
<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>


Commercial Cross-Border Shipments:
<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>


Scenario: A trucking company in the United States transports goods to Canada.
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Usage of Highway Carrier Code: The trucking company applies for a Highway Carrier Code from the CBSA before engaging in cross-border shipments. The assigned code is used in customs declarations and manifests to identify the carrier responsible for the shipment.
<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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Import and Export Declarations:
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Scenario: A carrier transports goods from Canada to the United States for export.
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Bonded vs. Non-Bonded Codes</h2>
Usage of Highway Carrier Code: The carrier uses their Highway Carrier Code on the export declaration submitted to the CBSA. The code ensures that the carrier's compliance history and eligibility for customs clearance are verified, promoting smooth cross-border movements.


FAST Program Participation:
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<p>When applying, carriers must choose between two types of codes, which determine their operational privileges.</p>


Scenario: A carrier participates in the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program, which expedites border crossings for low-risk shipments.
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Usage of Highway Carrier Code: The carrier's Highway Carrier Code is linked to their FAST program membership, allowing for expedited processing and reduced inspection times at designated FAST lanes.
<tr>
<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>
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* 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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Customs Compliance and Security Measures:
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">How to Apply (The CARM Process)</h2>


Scenario: A trucking company transports hazardous materials into Canada.
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Usage of Highway Carrier Code: The carrier's Highway Carrier Code is referenced in customs declarations and manifests for hazardous materials shipments. The CBSA uses this information to apply the necessary security measures and ensure compliance with regulations.
<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>


Temporary Imports and Exports:
<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>


Scenario: A carrier transports equipment temporarily exported from Canada for repair or maintenance.
<h3>Step 2: Register in the CARM Client Portal</h3>
Usage of Highway Carrier Code: The carrier's Highway Carrier Code is used in the customs declaration for the temporary export. When the equipment is re-imported, the code is referenced to facilitate smooth customs clearance.
<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>


== Conclusion: ==
<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>


The Highway Carrier Code is a crucial element in shipping goods to Canada, allowing the Canada Border Services Agency to efficiently track and manage the movement of goods across the Canadian border by highway carriers. By using their assigned code in customs declarations and compliance programs, carriers can ensure seamless and secure cross-border trade. The Highway Carrier Code fosters smoother logistics operations, enhances border security measures, and supports efficient customs clearance processes for highway carriers engaged in shipping to Canada.
<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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== How to Get a Highway Carrier Code ==
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Common Usage Scenarios</h2>


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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* <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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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_(Customs_Glossary_Guide)|Cargo Control Number]] being used to identify freight.
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Usage in BorderConnect</h2>


== Usage in BorderConnect ==
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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]]
[[Category:Customs Glossary Guide]]
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