🔖 This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide

How to Become a Canadian Highway Carrier

A step-by-step guide for U.S. trucking companies and owner-operators to register for cross-border operations.

Type: Compliance Guide Region: Canada (CBSA)

Overview

To cross into Canada commercially as a U.S.-based trucking company or owner-operator, you must operate under your own valid authority. This process involves registering with multiple government bodies to ensure safety, tracking, and customs compliance.

The process can be broken down into four distinct phases:

Phase 1: Federal & Provincial Authority (Safety & Operating Rights).
Phase 2: CBSA Carrier Code (Customs Identification).
Phase 3: ACI eManifest (Electronic Reporting).
Phase 4: Documents & Decals (Driver Readiness).

Step 1: Operating Authority

U.S. Federal Authority

Before applying to Canada, you must be a registered commercial vehicle operator in your home jurisdiction. This means having an active US DOT Number and/or Motor Carrier (MC) Number.

Provincial Safety Certificates

Unlike the U.S. where one DOT number covers most states, Canada requires registration with specific provinces. If you plan to pick up or deliver goods in the following provinces, you must register for their specific safety certificates:

Province	Requirement
Ontario	CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration): Required for trucks with a gross weight over 4,500 kg (9,920 lbs). Apply for CVOR Here
Quebec	NIR (Register of Owners and Operators of Heavy Vehicles): Required for vehicles with a GVWR of 4,500 kg or more. Apply for Quebec NIR Here
British Columbia	NSC (National Safety Code) Certificate: Required for commercial vehicles licensed with a GVW of more than 5,000 kg. Apply for BC NSC Here

Note: You may also need to register for the IRP (International Registration Plan) for license plates and IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) for fuel taxes if you travel between jurisdictions.

Step 2: CBSA Carrier Code

Once you have your provincial authority, you must apply for a Canadian Carrier Code. This is a 4-character unique identifier issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that identifies your company at the border.

Important Update: As of May 2024, all new carrier code applications must be submitted through the CARM Client Portal (CCP). Paper applications are being phased out.

Option A: Non-Bonded Carrier Code

Best for carriers who only want to cross at the border and have goods released immediately. You cannot move goods inland for clearance.

Option B: Bonded Carrier Code

Best for carriers who need flexibility. Requires posting financial security ($5,000–$25,000) with the CBSA. Allows you to:

Move goods "In-Bond" to an inland sufferance warehouse.
Transit through Canada (e.g., USA -> Canada -> USA).
Participate in trusted trader programs like CSA or FAST.

Register for a Carrier Code via CARM

Step 3: ACI eManifest Registration

All commercial highway carriers entering Canada are mandatory participants in the ACI eManifest program. You must transmit electronic cargo and conveyance data to the CBSA at least 1 hour prior to arrival at the border.

To do this, you must register with an ACI Service Provider (like BorderConnect) or use the CBSA Portal.

Sign Up: Register for BorderConnect ACI to file manifests easily.
Process: You will need to complete the "ACI Application Form" and submit it to the CBSA Technical Commercial Client Unit (TCCU) to authorize BorderConnect to transmit on your behalf.

Step 4: Documents & Decals

The final step is equipping your driver with the physical documents required to cross.

PARS Labels

Every commercial load released at the border requires a PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System) number. This is your 4-digit Carrier Code followed by a unique shipment number (e.g., 8080-12345). Drivers must carry barcoded PARS labels to stick on their invoices/Bills of Lading.

Lead Sheets

While not strictly mandatory if you have PARS labels, an ACI eManifest Lead Sheet is highly recommended. It provides the officer with a barcode of the Trip Number (CRN) and a summary of the shipment, speeding up processing.

Order PARS Labels & Lead Sheets Here

Summary Checklist

Done	Action Item
	US Authority: Active DOT/MC Number.
	Provincial Authority: CVOR (ON), NIR (QC), or NSC (BC) obtained.
	Carrier Code: Applied via CARM Portal (Bonded or Non-Bonded).
	ACI Registration: Account set up with BorderConnect.
	Stickers: PARS labels ordered and in the truck.