New processing rules at Peace Bridge

TORONTO, (Dec. 10, 2003) — The Ontario Trucking Association is reporting that the Peace Bridge Authority at the Fort Erie/Buffalo border will be stopping each truck at a booth prior to entering the Commercial Vehicle Processing Centre (CVPC). This new procedure, which will begin on Dec. 15, is a result of the Food and Drug Administration’s new pre-notification requirement, which officially takes effect later this week.

When the driver stops at the booth he will be asked a series of questions to determine the load type and the line release program the carrier utilizes. The purpose is to identify the number of carriers who may experience delays at the border because of recent changes to the line-release program known as BRASS in light of the new FDA rules.

Drivers working for carriers utilizing PAPS will be directed to the U.S. border while those hauling food under BRASS will be stopped, questioned, and have the load checked before being redirected to the CVPC.