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{{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">


This guide walks highway carriers through every required step to become compliant and ready to submit electronic manifests using BorderConnect:
<div class="bc-article-hero">
<h1>Getting Started with BorderConnect</h1>
<p>A complete roadmap for highway carriers to become compliant, authorize BorderConnect, and successfully cross the border.</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: 20 Minutes</span>
</div>
</div>


* '''ACI eManifest''' — for shipments entering Canada (CBSA)
<div class="bc-card">
* '''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.
<div class="bc-float-video">
  <div class="bc-video-trigger" data-video-id="xUcctQ5pA68">
    <div class="bc-play-icon"><i class="fas fa-play-circle"></i></div>
  </div>
</div>


__TOC__
<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
<p>This guide walks highway carriers through every required step to become compliant and ready to submit electronic manifests using BorderConnect.</p>


== Quick Overview: What Must Be Completed First ==
<p>The end goal is simple: your manifests are accepted early, your drivers arrive prepared, and border delays are avoided.</p>


{| class="wikitable"
<div class="bc-did-you-know" style="margin-top: 25px;">
! Country !! Government System !! What You Must Have Ready
<h3>Two Systems, One Goal</h3>
|-
<strong>ACI eManifest</strong> is for shipments entering Canada (CBSA).<br>
| Canada || CBSA + CARM Portal || Carrier Code, Portal access, ACI authorization
<strong>ACE Truck eManifest</strong> is for shipments entering the United States (CBP).
|-
</div>
| United States || CBP ACE || Ability to transmit accepted truck manifests
|}


Once these are complete, you can begin using BorderConnect live.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
</div>


== Crossing into Canada (CBSA ACI eManifest & CARM Client Portal) ==
<div class="bc-card" style="margin-top: 30px;">
 
<h3>🚀 Quick Readiness Checklist</h3>
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>
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin-bottom:0;"
 
! Country !! Government System !! What You Must Have Ready
=== 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
|}
 
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 & service providers) ===
 
If brokers or service providers will act on your behalf, you must approve them inside CARM.
 
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>
 
=== Step 4 — Meet the ACI one-hour timing rule ===
 
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>
 
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>
 
=== Step 5 — Broker clearance (PARS shipments) ===
 
Ensure:
 
* Broker has your Carrier Code 
* Shipment references match 
* 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
| <strong>Canada</strong> || CBSA + CARM Portal || Carrier Code, CARM Portal access, ACI authorization
|-
|-
| Trailer number || Trailer 8873
| <strong>United States</strong> || CBP ACE || SCAC Code, ACE Portal account (optional but recommended)
|-
| Mode || Highway
|-
| Port of entry || Windsor, Fort Erie, etc.
|}
|}
<p style="margin-top: 15px;">Once these government requirements are met, you can begin using BorderConnect live.</p>
</div>


== Crossing into the United States (CBP ACE Truck e-Manifest) ==
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Crossing into Canada (CBSA & ACI)</h2>
 
<p>CBSA requires all highway commercial cargo data to be transmitted electronically and accepted <strong>at least one hour before arrival</strong> at the First Port of Arrival (FPOA).<ref>CBSA. "Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest Highway." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html</ref></p>
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>
<div class="bc-card">
<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">1</span> Obtain a Carrier Code</h3>
<p>A <strong>Carrier Code</strong> is a four-character identifier required to transact with CBSA. You request this through the <strong>CARM Client Portal</strong>.</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 a carrier code, ensure it is linked to your CARM business account.
</div>
</div>


=== Step 2 — Standardize trip & equipment data ===
<div class="bc-card" style="margin-top: 20px;">
<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">2</span> Authorize BorderConnect (Delegation of Authority)</h3>
<p>For BorderConnect to transmit data on your behalf, you must grant access inside the CARM Client Portal.</p>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* In the CARM Portal, navigate to <strong>Manage pending employees / third party requests</strong>.
* Approve the transaction request from <strong>BorderConnect</strong> (or your service provider).
* Assign the role of <strong>Business Management</strong> or <strong>Program Management</strong> to ensure full filing capabilities.
</div>
</div>


Best practice setup:
<div class="bc-card" style="margin-top: 20px;">
<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">3</span> Meet the One-Hour Rule</h3>
<p>ACI data (Manifest + Shipments) must be on file and accepted for one hour before the driver arrives.</p>
<div class="bc-warning">
<strong>Avoid Penalties:</strong> Failure to meet the one-hour window may result in AMPS penalties or refused entry.<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>
</div>


* Tractor numbers 
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Crossing into the United States (CBP & ACE)</h2>
* Trailer numbers 
<p>CBP requires ACE Truck Manifests to be submitted and accepted <strong>one hour before arrival</strong> at the border.<ref>CBP. "ACE Truck Manifest User Guide." https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/e-manifest-trucks-user-guide</ref></p>
* Trip references 
* Shipment reference workflow 


=== Step 3 — Broker coordination (entries/PAPS) ===
<div class="bc-card">
<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">1</span> Standardize Your Data</h3>
<p>To ensure smooth processing in ACE, your trip and equipment data must match exactly what the driver presents.</p>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* <strong>Tractor/Trailer:</strong> Use accurate unit numbers and license plates.
* <strong>Trip Reference:</strong> Create a unique trip number for every crossing (e.g., <code>SCAC + Date + Unit</code>).
* <strong>Shipper/Consignee:</strong> Ensure names and addresses match the Bill of Lading exactly.
</div>
</div>


Ensure broker filings match manifest data.
<div class="bc-card" style="margin-top: 20px;">
<h3><span class="bc-step-circle">2</span> Coordinate with Broker (PAPS)</h3>
<p>ACE is a dual-filing system. You file the <strong>Manifest</strong>, and the customs broker files the <strong>Entry</strong>.</p>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* Provide the broker with your <strong>SCAC</strong> and <strong>PAPS Number</strong>.
* Wait for the broker to file their entry.
* In BorderConnect, look for the status <strong>"Complete Manifest and Entry Numbers on File"</strong> before sending the driver.
</div>
</div>


=== Step 4 — Driver & equipment requirements (United States) ===
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Setting Up BorderConnect</h2>
<p>Before creating your first manifest, configure your account to save time later.</p>


==== Driver ====
<div class="bc-2col">
<div class="bc-card">
<h3>1. Register Carrier Codes</h3>
Enter your codes so BorderConnect knows who is filing.
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* Go to <strong>Account ➤ Company Settings</strong>.
* Enter your <strong>Canadian Carrier Code</strong> (4 digits).
* Enter your <strong>US SCAC Code</strong> (4 letters).
* Click <strong>Save</strong>.
</div>
</div>


* Passport
<div class="bc-card">
* CDL (as required) 
<h3>2. Create Profiles</h3>
* Shipment paperwork 
Pre-load your assets to make manifesting instant.<ref>BorderConnect. "BorderConnect Software User Guide." https://wiki.borderconnect.com/index.php/BorderConnect_Software_User_Guide</ref>
* Trip reference 
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* <strong>Drivers:</strong> Enter name, CDL, and FAST/Passport info.
* <strong>Trucks:</strong> Enter Unit #, VIN, and Plate.
* <strong>Trailers:</strong> Enter Unit # and Plate.
</div>
</div>
</div>


==== Equipment ====
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Driver Documentation</h2>


{| class="wikitable"
<div class="bc-card">
! Required Data !! Example
<h3>What the Driver Needs</h3>
|-
<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 40px;">
| Tractor number || Unit 4521
|-
| Trailer number || Trailer 8873
|-
| Trip reference || TRIP-2026-015
|-
| Port of arrival || Detroit, Buffalo, Blaine
|}


== BorderConnect Go-Live Readiness Checklist ==
<div style="flex: 1; min-width: 300px;">
<h4>🇺🇸 Entering USA (ACE)</h4>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* <strong>ACE Cover Sheet:</strong> Optional but recommended. Can act as proof of filing.
* <strong>PAPS Stickers:</strong> Placed on the invoice/BOL.
* <strong>Passport/Visa:</strong> Valid WHTI-compliant document.
</div>
</div>


=== Canada ===
<div style="flex: 1; min-width: 300px;">
✔ 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>
<h4>🇨🇦 Entering Canada (ACI)</h4>
✔ 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>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
✔ Broker authorization complete 
* <strong>ACI Lead Sheet:</strong> <strong>Mandatory</strong>. Must contain a barcode of the CRN (Trip Number) or CCN (Cargo Control Number).
✔ 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>
* <strong>PARS Stickers:</strong> Placed on the invoice/BOL for broker clearance.
</div>
</div>


=== United States ===
</div>
✔ 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>
</div>
✔ Trip/equipment standards defined 


== Next Steps in BorderConnect ==
<div class="bc-card" style="margin-top: 30px;">
<h3>Next Steps in BorderConnect</h3>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* [[Creating_and_Submitting_a_New_ACI_eManifest_(ACI_eManifest)|Create your first ACI eManifest (Canada)]]
* [[Creating_and_Submitting_a_New_ACE_Manifest_(ACE_Manifest)|Create your first ACE Manifest (USA)]]
* [[Generating_ACE_and_ACI_eManifest_Lead_Sheets_(CBP_and_CBSA)|How to print Driver Lead Sheets]]
* [[BorderConnect_Software_User_Guide|BorderConnect Software User Guide]]
</div>
</div>


* [[Creating_and_Submitting_a_New_ACI_eManifest_(ACI_eManifest)|Create your first ACI eManifest]]
{{AppPromo}}
* [[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]]

Revision as of 17:39, 4 February 2026

🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect Software User Guide and the Customs Compliance Guide

Getting Started with BorderConnect

A complete roadmap for highway carriers to become compliant, authorize BorderConnect, and successfully cross the border.

Type: Onboarding Time: 20 Minutes

Overview

This guide walks highway carriers through every required step to become compliant and ready to submit electronic manifests using BorderConnect.

The end goal is simple: your manifests are accepted early, your drivers arrive prepared, and border delays are avoided.

Two Systems, One Goal

ACI eManifest is for shipments entering Canada (CBSA).
ACE Truck eManifest is for shipments entering the United States (CBP).

🚀 Quick Readiness Checklist

Country Government System What You Must Have Ready
Canada CBSA + CARM Portal Carrier Code, CARM Portal access, ACI authorization
United States CBP ACE SCAC Code, ACE Portal account (optional but recommended)

Once these government requirements are met, you can begin using BorderConnect live.

Crossing into Canada (CBSA & ACI)

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).[1]

1 Obtain a Carrier Code

A Carrier Code is a four-character identifier required to transact with CBSA. You request this through the CARM Client Portal.

  • Log in to the CARM Client Portal.
  • Register your business and complete the Carrier Code application.
  • Receive your assigned 4-character code (e.g., 8000).

Note: If you already have a carrier code, ensure it is linked to your CARM business account.

2 Authorize BorderConnect (Delegation of Authority)

For BorderConnect to transmit data on your behalf, you must grant access inside the CARM Client Portal.

  • In the CARM Portal, navigate to Manage pending employees / third party requests.
  • Approve the transaction request from BorderConnect (or your service provider).
  • Assign the role of Business Management or Program Management to ensure full filing capabilities.

3 Meet the One-Hour Rule

ACI data (Manifest + Shipments) must be on file and accepted for one hour before the driver arrives.

Avoid Penalties: Failure to meet the one-hour window may result in AMPS penalties or refused entry.[2]

Crossing into the United States (CBP & ACE)

CBP requires ACE Truck Manifests to be submitted and accepted one hour before arrival at the border.[3]

1 Standardize Your Data

To ensure smooth processing in ACE, your trip and equipment data must match exactly what the driver presents.

  • Tractor/Trailer: Use accurate unit numbers and license plates.
  • Trip Reference: Create a unique trip number for every crossing (e.g., SCAC + Date + Unit).
  • Shipper/Consignee: Ensure names and addresses match the Bill of Lading exactly.

2 Coordinate with Broker (PAPS)

ACE is a dual-filing system. You file the Manifest, and the customs broker files the Entry.

  • Provide the broker with your SCAC and PAPS Number.
  • Wait for the broker to file their entry.
  • In BorderConnect, look for the status "Complete Manifest and Entry Numbers on File" before sending the driver.

Setting Up BorderConnect

Before creating your first manifest, configure your account to save time later.

1. Register Carrier Codes

Enter your codes so BorderConnect knows who is filing.

  • Go to Account ➤ Company Settings.
  • Enter your Canadian Carrier Code (4 digits).
  • Enter your US SCAC Code (4 letters).
  • Click Save.

2. Create Profiles

Pre-load your assets to make manifesting instant.[4]

  • Drivers: Enter name, CDL, and FAST/Passport info.
  • Trucks: Enter Unit #, VIN, and Plate.
  • Trailers: Enter Unit # and Plate.

Driver Documentation

What the Driver Needs

🇺🇸 Entering USA (ACE)

  • ACE Cover Sheet: Optional but recommended. Can act as proof of filing.
  • PAPS Stickers: Placed on the invoice/BOL.
  • Passport/Visa: Valid WHTI-compliant document.

🇨🇦 Entering Canada (ACI)

  • ACI Lead Sheet: Mandatory. Must contain a barcode of the CRN (Trip Number) or CCN (Cargo Control Number).
  • PARS Stickers: Placed on the invoice/BOL for broker clearance.

Next Steps in BorderConnect

📱

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Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

References

  1. ↑ CBSA. "Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest Highway." https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html
  2. ↑ 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
  3. ↑ CBP. "ACE Truck Manifest User Guide." https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/e-manifest-trucks-user-guide
  4. ↑ BorderConnect. "BorderConnect Software User Guide." https://wiki.borderconnect.com/index.php/BorderConnect_Software_User_Guide
Retrieved from "https://wiki.borderconnect.com/index.php?title=BorderConnect_Onboarding_and_Readiness_Guide&oldid=2882"