Drivers may need to get FAST for BRASS; carriers need Alpha Code upon Trade Act start

TORONTO, (May 17, 2004) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at the Port of Buffalo have given the Ontario Trucking Association a ‘heads up” notice that drivers may be required to register in the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) driver program in order to haul BRASS loads across the border.

BRASS (Border Release Advanced Screening and Selectivity) is the traditional line release clearance program and is used for a significant percentage of cross-border shipments. However, this is likely to change as a result of the implementation of the Trade Act’s requirement that carriers and shippers electronically pre-notify CBP of cargo information one hour in advance of arrival at the U.S. border. Data on FAST- approved freight can be sent 30 minutes before.

Under the proposal, only drivers, not carriers will need to be FAST-approved to continue moving BRASS cargo.

However, the Ontario Trucking Association is stressing that the suggestion is a result of recent discussion at a CBP meeting, and “is not the law yet” and perhaps “may not be the law” by the time the rule’s final notice is published in the Federal Register in the next two months.

Once the federal register is issued by CBP, U.S. Ports of Entry bordering Ontario and B.C. are expected to implement the Trade Act 90 days after the Notice is issued. Other U.S. Ports of Entry can be expected to implement the Trade Act at later dates. It is unclear at whether there will be a phased-in approach to enforcement after the 90-day period or whether full enforcement will be in effect immediately, the OTA says.

Approximately half of the shipments moving through the major Ontario-U.S. ports of entry have been identified as BRASS shipments. The OTA is concerned about the impact of this proposed change on the driver community and the ability of the FAST processing and enrollment centres to handle an increased demand on their services.

In the meantime, the OTA is “strongly encouraging” carriers moving BRASS loads to consider having their drivers begin the application and enrollment process to participate in the FAST driver program, and encourage their customers to change their customs practices from BRASS to the Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS).

Moreover, OTA has learned that once the Trade Act is implemented, all carriers entering the U.S. will be required to have their own unique Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC).

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code is a unique two-to-four-letter code used by authorities to identify transportation companies. It is expected the Trade Act will be implemented at U.S. Ports of Entry starting in late summer. Carriers can obtain a SCAC Code from the National Motor Freight Traffic Association by calling 703/838-1810.