🔖 This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide

CBSA Highway Carrier Code

The mandatory 4-character identifier required for all commercial transportation into Canada.

Type: Customs Identifier Region: Canada (CBSA)

Overview

To transact business with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), highway carriers require a Highway Carrier Code, regardless of how often they cross the Canadian border with commercial goods. A carrier code is a unique four-character identifier assigned by the CBSA to track and identify a specific carrier entity.

This code is the foundation of cross-border trade into Canada. It is strictly required to file an ACI eManifest and to generate the PARS barcode labels used by customs brokers to clear shipments.

Who is Eligible?

Only one carrier code is issued to each legal entity (corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship). For the purpose of assessing eligibility, a "carrier" is a person involved in international commercial transportation who operates a conveyance used to transport specified goods to or from Canada. To "operate a conveyance" means to have legal custody and control of the vehicle as:

An owner or Owner-Operator.
A lessee under a lease or agreement of hire.
A charterer under an agreement of hire.
A purchaser under a conditional sale or hire purchase agreement.
A mortgagor.

Freight Forwarder Codes: The CBSA also issues unique four-character codes to eligible freight forwarders. A freight forwarder is an agent who arranges for the transportation of goods and may provide services like consolidation, de-stuffing, customs brokerage, and warehousing. Like carriers, only one forwarder code is issued per legal entity.

Bonded vs. Non-Bonded Carrier Codes

When applying for a Highway Carrier Code, the first step is to determine your operational needs:

Non-Bonded Carrier Code	Bonded Carrier Code
First Port of Arrival: Freight must be cleared by a customs broker directly at the border crossing. If the paperwork is not ready, the truck cannot cross.	Inland Movement: Bonded carriers can transport uncleared shipments past the border to an inland Sufferance Warehouse for later clearance or inspection.
Requires only the standard digital application via the CARM Client Portal.	Requires a financial security deposit (Customs Bond) filed digitally within the CARM Client Portal.

How to Apply for a Carrier Code via CARM

As of October 2024, the CBSA has retired the manual paper application process (Form BSF 329-7 via email/mail) for new carrier codes. All new highway carriers must apply digitally through the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) Client Portal (CCP).

Step 1: Obtain a Business Number (BN9)

Before you can access the CARM portal, your business must have a 9-digit Business Number (BN9) issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Resident (Canadian) Carriers: Can obtain a BN9 through the CRA or automatically during the CARM registration process.
Non-Resident (U.S.) Carriers: Must contact the CRA directly to register for a BN9 prior to logging into CARM. This can be done via the CRA's non-resident web form or phone line.

Step 2: Register in the CARM Client Portal (CCP)

Once you have your BN9, you must create a user profile in the CARM Client Portal and link your business to it. This establishes your administrative control over the company's interactions with the CBSA.

Step 3: Apply for Transporter Enrolment

Inside the CARM Client Portal, navigate to the "Transporter Enrolment" section. Here, you will officially request your Highway Carrier Code by supplying your company details, vehicle fleet information, and ownership documentation directly into the system.

Step 4: Post Financial Security (Bonded Carriers Only)

If you are applying to be a Bonded Carrier, you no longer mail physical original bonds to Ottawa. Instead:

You must work with an approved surety provider *outside* of CARM to obtain a non-cash bond (D120).
Once secured, you will input your financial security information into the CARM Client Portal during your bonded carrier registration. The system will electronically link the bond to your new carrier code.

Already have a legacy Carrier Code? If you already have a valid CBSA carrier code, you do not need to re-apply. However, you are still legally required to onboard into the CARM Client Portal and link your existing carrier code to your new CARM account to manage your profile and any future bond renewals.

Next Steps After Approval

Receiving your four-character code is just the first step. You must immediately operationalize the code to comply with CBSA mandates.

⚠️ AMPS Penalty Warning: The CBSA requires you to use your new carrier code to cross into Canada within 30 days of issuance. Failure to use the code actively may result in the code being deactivated or potential AMPS (Administrative Monetary Penalty System) penalties.

1. Order PARS Barcode Labels

Your carrier code acts as the prefix for your Cargo Control Numbers (PARS numbers). You must order pre-printed barcode labels to affix to your commercial invoices for the customs broker.
Action: Order compliant labels from BorderPrint.

2. Register for ACI eManifest

Highway carriers are legally required to submit electronic manifests to the CBSA at least one hour before arriving at the border. You cannot do this without an approved carrier code.
Action: Register with a certified service provider like BorderConnect ACI eManifest to submit your border data securely.

Official Resources & Forms

CARM Portal Login: CARM Client Portal (CCP)
CRA BN9 Registration (Non-Residents): Non-Resident Business Number Registration
CBSA Guidelines: Bonded & Non-Bonded Highway Carrier Guides
eManifest Software: Register for BorderConnect ACI eManifest
Customs Documents: Order PARS Barcode Labels Online