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= Onboarding for BorderConnect: Be Ready to File ACI (Canada) and/or ACE (U.S.) =
= Onboarding for BorderConnect: Be Ready to File ACI (Canada) and/or ACE (U.S.) =


This guide prepares highway carriers and dispatch teams to complete the government registrations and setup steps required before using BorderConnect to create and transmit:
This guide walks highway carriers through every required step to become compliant and ready to submit electronic manifests using BorderConnect:
* '''ACI eManifest''' (Canada – CBSA)
* '''ACE Truck e-Manifest''' (United States – CBP)


The goal is to ensure your manifests can be submitted, accepted, and time-stamped early enough that drivers arrive at the border compliant and ready.
* '''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.


__TOC__
__TOC__
== Quick Overview: What Must Be Completed First ==
{| class="wikitable"
! 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) ==
== Crossing into Canada (CBSA ACI eManifest & CARM Client Portal) ==


CBSA’s highway ACI/eManifest guidance states that the Highway Cargo Document (and Combined Highway Document) may be submitted up to 30 days in advance, but must be received and validated at least '''one hour prior to 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>
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’s eManifest Portal User Guide also states that trade documents must be received and validated at least one hour prior to arrival at the FPOA.<ref>CBSA. "eManifest Portal User Guide." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/portal-portail/guide-eng.html</ref>


=== Step 1: Obtain a CBSA Carrier Code ===
=== Canada onboarding flow (process overview) ===


A CBSA carrier code is a four-character unique identifier required to transact business 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>
<pre>
Register Business in CARM
        ↓
Request CBSA Carrier Code
        ↓
Enroll in Carrier Program
        ↓
Authorize Brokers / Providers
        ↓
Submit ACI Manifests (1 hour rule)
</pre>


CBSA’s Highway Carrier Code Application guidance explains the process:
=== Step 1 — Obtain a CBSA Carrier Code ===
# Create an account in the CARM Client Portal (CCP)
# Complete the carrier code application in the CCP
# After receiving the carrier code, apply to transmit ACI and complete any required testing<ref>CBSA. "CBSA Guidelines – Highway Carrier Code Application Process." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/hccap-ddctr-eng.html</ref>


CBSA also notes that new carriers can request a carrier code when registering in the CARM Client Portal.<ref>CBSA. "Get started with CARM." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carm-gcra/start-passer-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>


=== Step 2: Set up your CARM Client Portal access ===
You request this through the '''CARM Client Portal'''.


The CARM Client Portal is CBSA’s official platform for business enrollment, user access, and program enrolment workflows.<ref>CARM Client Portal login. https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/</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>
CBSA provides onboarding documentation and user guides for portal processes.<ref>CBSA. "CARM Client Portal onboarding documentation." https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/onboarding-documentation</ref>


Within the portal you must:
# Create your CARM Client Portal account 
# Create and link your business profile  
# Enroll your business   
# Assign internal roles and permissions  
# Complete the Carrier Code application  
# Complete program enrolments required for carrier operations  
# Receive your assigned 4-character code  


CBSA publishes a specific user guide for enrolling in the Carrier program.<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>
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 3: Delegation of Authority (brokers and service providers) ===
=== Step 2 — Set up your CARM Client Portal access ===


If a customs broker or third-party service provider will act on your behalf, CBSA requires Delegation of Authority to be managed inside the CARM Client Portal.
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>


CBSA guidance includes:
You must:
* Delegation of Authority user guide (PDF)<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>
* Official walkthrough for delegating authority to a third party service provider<ref>CBSA. "How to set up a delegation of authority for a third party service provider in the CARM Client Portal." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/multimedia/carm-gcra/portal-portail-r1-4-eng.html</ref>


Practical onboarding checklist:
{| class="wikitable"
# Identify which brokers or service providers need access
! Task !! Why It Matters
# Review and approve pending requests in CCP 
|-
# Confirm permissions are correctly assigned 
| Create business profile || Links your company to CBSA programs
|-
| Assign internal roles || Controls approvals and access
|-
| Enroll in Carrier Program || Enables manifest filing
|}


=== Step 4: Meet the ACI highway timing requirement ===
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>


CBSA requires highway cargo and conveyance data to be received and validated at least one hour prior to arrival at the FPOA.<ref>CBSA. "Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest Highway: ECCRD – Highway Mode." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html</ref>
=== Step 3 — Delegation of Authority (brokers & service providers) ===


CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2 further explains that submissions with insufficient review time may trigger warnings and possible AMPS enforcement.<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>
If brokers or service providers will act on your behalf, you must approve them inside CARM.


Dispatch readiness tips:
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>
* Submit early enough to ensure acceptance before the one-hour window 
* Update submissions when ETAs change 
* Keep manifest and paperwork data consistent 


=== Step 5: Broker coordination (PARS shipments) ===
=== Step 4 — Meet the ACI one-hour timing rule ===


Many Canadian imports require broker clearance prior to release. During onboarding:
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>


* Confirm brokers have your correct CBSA carrier code 
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>
* Ensure shipment identifiers align between ACI filings and broker entries 
* Build timing into dispatch so clearance is completed before arrival 


=== Step 6: Driver readiness (Canada) ===
=== Step 5 — Broker clearance (PARS shipments) ===


Before dispatch:
Ensure:


* Confirm ACI acceptance 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>  
* Broker has your Carrier Code 
* Ensure paperwork matches manifest data  
* Shipment references match 
* Provide drivers with your internal trip or lead sheet references  
* 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 ====
 
{| 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) ==
== Crossing into the United States (CBP ACE Truck e-Manifest) ==


CBP requires carriers to submit the ACE Truck Manifest at least one hour prior to arrival into the United States.<ref>CBP. "ACE Truck Manifest User Guide (PDF)." https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf</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>
CBP maintains official guidance for the Truck e-Manifest program.<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) ===


=== Step 1: Understand the CBP one-hour prior submission rule ===
<pre>
Prepare Trip & Equipment Data
        ↓
Submit ACE Manifest
        ↓
Confirm Acceptance
        ↓
Driver Arrives with Trip Reference
</pre>


Carriers must submit and receive acceptance of the ACE Manifest no later than one hour prior to arrival at the U.S. border.<ref>CBP. "ACE Truck Manifest User Guide (PDF)." https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf</ref>
=== Step 1 — Follow the CBP one-hour rule ===


=== Step 2: Prepare consistent trip and equipment data ===
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>


Before using BorderConnect:
=== Step 2 — Standardize trip & equipment data ===


* Standardize tractor numbers 
Best practice setup:
* Standardize trailer numbers 
* Define trip/manifest reference formats 
* Confirm shipment reference workflows with brokers 


This reduces rejections and delays.
* Tractor numbers 
* Trailer numbers 
* Trip references 
* Shipment reference workflow 


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


For many U.S. commercial shipments:
Ensure broker filings match manifest data.


* Broker entry data must align with manifest submissions 
=== Step 4 — Driver & equipment requirements (United States) ===
* Shipment control numbers should be consistent across systems 


Confirm alignment during onboarding.
==== Driver ====


=== Step 4: Driver readiness (United States) ===
* Passport 
* CDL (as required)
* Shipment paperwork 
* Trip reference 


Before dispatch:
==== Equipment ====


* Confirm ACE Manifest acceptance prior to the one-hour cutoff<ref>CBP. "ACE Truck Manifest User Guide (PDF)." https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf</ref> 
{| class="wikitable"
* Ensure drivers have trip references and paperwork per your SOP 
! 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 ==
== BorderConnect Go-Live Readiness Checklist ==


=== Canada ===
=== Canada ===
✔ CBSA 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>   
✔ 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 Client Portal 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>   
✔ 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>   
✔ Delegation of Authority handled where required<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>  
✔ Broker authorization complete  
✔ Ability to meet ACI one-hour requirement<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 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 ===
=== United States ===
✔ Ability to meet CBP one-hour ACE Manifest requirement<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 data standards defined   
✔ Trip/equipment standards defined   


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