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BorderConnect Onboarding and Readiness Guide: Difference between revisions

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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>
 
=== Canada onboarding flow (visual process) ===
 
<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 1: Obtain a CBSA Carrier Code ===
---


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>
=== Step 2 — Set up your CARM Client Portal access ===


CBSA’s Highway Carrier Code Application guidance explains the process:
The '''CARM Client Portal''' is CBSA’s official system for:
# 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>
* Business enrollment 
* User permissions 
* Program registrations 
* Delegation of Authority 


=== Step 2: Set up your CARM Client Portal access ===
Portal & guides:<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>


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> 
You must:
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:
{| class="wikitable"
# Create and link your business profile
! Task !! Why It Matters
# Assign internal roles and permissions 
|-
# Complete program enrolments required for carrier operations 
| Create business profile || Links your company to CBSA programs
|-
| Assign internal roles || Controls approvals & access
|-
| Enroll in Carrier Program || Enables manifest filing
|}


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>
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>


=== Step 3: Delegation of Authority (brokers and service providers) ===
---


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.
=== Step 3 — Delegation of Authority (brokers & service providers) ===


CBSA guidance includes:
If brokers or service providers will act on your behalf, you must approve them inside CARM.
* 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>


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


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>
Best practice:


CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2 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>
* Approve broker access early 
* Confirm permissions are correct 


=== Step 5: Broker coordination (PARS shipments) ===
---


Many Canadian imports require broker clearance prior to release. Confirm that:
=== Step 4 — Meet the ACI one-hour timing rule ===
* Brokers have your correct CBSA carrier code 
* Shipment identifiers align between ACI filings and broker entries 
* Clearance timing supports arrival schedules 


=== Step 6: Driver and equipment requirements (Canada) ===
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>


==== Driver requirements ====
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>


Before a driver crosses commercially into Canada, ensure:
---


* Valid passport or approved travel document 
=== Step 5 — Broker clearance (PARS shipments) ===
* Shipment paperwork (BOL, invoice references, PARS numbers where applicable)
* Internal trip or manifest reference 


Drivers should:
Ensure:
* Know the port of entry 
* Arrive only after ACI acceptance and broker clearance are confirmed 


==== Equipment requirements ====
* Broker has your Carrier Code 
* Shipment references match 
* Clearance is certified before arrival 


ACI eManifest requires accurate conveyance data including:
ACI alone does not release freight.


* Tractor (power unit) number 
---
* Trailer number(s) 
* Mode of transport (highway) 
* Port of entry 


Best practices:
=== Step 6 — Driver & equipment requirements (Canada) ===


* Use consistent numbering formats  
==== Driver ====
* Match physical equipment markings exactly  
 
* Update manifests if equipment changes  
* Passport/travel document 
* Shipment paperwork  
* Trip reference  
* Arrival only after ACI + 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.
|}


---
---
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== 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>


=== Step 1: Understand the CBP one-hour prior submission rule ===
=== U.S. onboarding flow (visual process) ===


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>
<pre>
Prepare Trip & Equipment Data
        ↓
Submit ACE Manifest
        ↓
Confirm Acceptance
        ↓
Driver Arrives with Trip Reference
</pre>


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


Before using BorderConnect:
=== Step 1 — Follow the CBP one-hour rule ===


* Standardize tractor numbers 
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>
* Standardize trailer numbers 
* Define trip/manifest reference formats 
* Confirm shipment reference workflows with brokers 


=== Step 3: Broker coordination (entries / PAPS workflows) ===
Late submissions may result in delays or rejection.


Ensure broker entry data aligns with manifest submissions to avoid delays or rejection.
---
 
=== Step 2 — Standardize trip & equipment data ===
 
Best practice setup:
 
* Tractor numbers 
* Trailer numbers 
* Trip references 
* Shipment reference workflow 


=== Step 4: Driver and equipment requirements (United States) ===
This prevents border issues.


==== Driver requirements ====
---


Before a driver crosses commercially into the United States, ensure:
=== Step 3 — Broker coordination (entries/PAPS) ===


* Valid passport or approved travel document 
Ensure broker filings match manifest data.
* Commercial driver’s license (CDL) as required 
* Shipment paperwork (BOL, invoice references, PAPS numbers) 
* Internal trip or manifest reference 


Drivers should:
---
* Know their tractor and trailer numbers 
* Arrive only after ACE acceptance is confirmed 


==== Equipment requirements ====
=== Step 4 — Driver & equipment requirements (United States) ===


ACE Manifests require accurate conveyance data including:
==== Driver ====


* Tractor number  
* Passport  
* Trailer number(s)   
* CDL (as required)   
* Trip/manifest reference  
* Shipment paperwork  
* Port of arrival  
* Trip reference  


Best practices:
==== Equipment ====


* Keep identifiers consistent 
{| class="wikitable"
* Match physical equipment markings 
! Required Data !! Example
* Update trips immediately if equipment changes 
|-
| Tractor number || Unit 4521
|-
| Trailer number || Trailer 8873
|-
| Trip reference || TRIP-2026-015
|-
| Port of arrival || Detroit, Buffalo, Blaine
|}


---
---
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=== 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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