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The short answer

A highway carrier bringing commercial goods into Canada reports under a four-character CBSA carrier code. It sends its cargo and conveyance data through eManifest (Advance Commercial Information), which CBSA must receive and validate at least one hour before the truck reaches the first port of arrival. The cargo control number, which starts with the carrier code, links that report to the customs broker's release request.

This page is part of the U.S.–Canada freight shipping guide.

How the reporting works

The carrier code is a unique four-character identifier CBSA issues to a carrier or freight forwarder. It is the prefix of the carrier's cargo control numbers and conveyance reference numbers.

The cargo control number (CCN) is the carrier code plus the carrier's own shipment reference. It identifies this shipment, from this carrier, to CBSA.

eManifest / ACI is the carrier's electronic advance report. The cargo document covers the shipment (shipper, consignee, goods, first port, destination); the conveyance document covers the truck, trailer and driver. The carrier sends them by EDI or through the eManifest Portal.

PARS, the Pre-Arrival Review System, is the broker's side: the customs broker sends a release request against the CCN before arrival so CBSA can review it. When the truck arrives and the carrier's report and the broker's release request match, the goods can be released.

Bonded or non-bonded carrier

A non-bonded highway carrier must have all its shipments released at the first port of arrival. A bonded carrier, which posts financial security with CBSA, can move in-bond goods beyond the first port, for example to an inland CBSA office, and between points in Canada. Which one hauls the load changes where release has to happen.

How this differs from CARM

CARM is the importer's accounting account. eManifest is the carrier's report. A shipment can have a perfect CARM setup and still stop on a carrier-reporting error, or have perfect carrier data while the release request is missing. See CARM explained.

What the shipper needs

You do not run the carrier's eManifest, but you do control the facts it reports: the consignee, the description, the piece count and weight, and the port. Make sure they match the invoice.

What changes the plan

  • The port changes. The first port of arrival is in the carrier's report and the broker's file; a change means updates on both sides.
  • The release has to happen inland. That needs a bonded carrier or a single-trip bond.
  • The load is amended. Changed cargo data must be revalidated before arrival.

Common failure points

  • The carrier's CCN and the broker's release request do not match ("failed PARS").
  • The data is sent late or rejected and not corrected.
  • The description on the manifest disagrees with the invoice.
  • A non-bonded carrier arrives with no release on file.

Before dispatch

  • Carrier has a valid CBSA carrier code
  • Bonded or non-bonded status known
  • Canadian importer identified
  • Customs broker assigned
  • Port of first arrival confirmed
  • Carrier's CCN sent to the broker
  • Broker's release request filed against it
  • Manifest description matches the freight and invoice

Common questions

Does the shipper file eManifest?

No. The carrier, or a service provider acting for it, does. The shipper supplies accurate facts.

Is eManifest the customs entry?

No. The customs broker files the release request and accounting for the importer. eManifest is the carrier's report.

What happens if the one-hour deadline is missed?

The carrier is not compliant with CBSA's pre-arrival requirement and can face delay and penalties. Confirm specifics with the carrier.

Planning a load into Canada?

Send the lane, freight and crossing, and we will match the carrier and border plan to the customs side.

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Official sources

Last verified: 27 September 2026 against the official sources listed.