CTA urges carriers to join FAST

OTTAWA (March 12, 2003) — The Canadian Trucking Alliance is advising members to join a voluntary U.S.-Canada initiative designed to speed border clearance and boost security in the supply chain.

The program, called FAST (Free and Secure Trade), is administered by customs and immigration departments in Canada and the United States. Freight carriers, drivers, and shippers that agree to comply with its stringent security requirements are supposed to receive expedited clearance for commercial shipments crossing the border both north and south, including use of a dedicated traffic lane.

“Both Canadian and U.S. officials seem to accept the concept that commercial drivers should only have to undergo one security check, and they recognize that the FAST infrastructure is already in place,” the CTA said last week. “While there are concerns that different agencies may ultimately decide to implement different systems, registration under FAST can’t hurt, and may in fact assist with registration under other systems once they are developed and in place. Moreover, CTA continues to press for FAST to serve as the platform to all relevant security purposes.”

FAST is in place at six border sites: Blaine, Wash./Pacific Highway, B.C.; Port Huron, Mich./Sarnia, Ont.; Detroit/Windsor; Buffalo/Fort Erie, Ont; Lewiston/Queenston, Ont; and Champlain, N.Y./Lacolle, Que.

FAST processing in the U.S. is based on the advanced transmission of shipment data prior to the driver/truck arriving at the border and in Canada is based upon Customs Self Assessment (CSA) certification. FAST lane processing criteria includes: FAST-approved carrier; goods transported must be from a U.S. C-TPAT and/or Canada’s PIP approved importer; advance information supplied by the importer or carrier; and the driver must be in possession of a valid FAST Commercial Driver Card.

The CTA said the Canadian Federation of Independent Business is urging its members to use reputable transportation companies, including asking them whether they are enrolled in FAST.