While it is not mandatory for a freight forwarder to possess a bonded carrier code, it is strongly advised to do so. Non-bonded freight forwarders face certain restrictions in terms of eHBL filing and goods transportation. For instance, a non-bonded 8000 code is unable to file a “consolidated” eHBL, and a non-bonded 8000 CCN can only transport goods to the warehouse or sublocation code of the higher-level carrier.