U.S. pilot project aims to streamline cross-border flows

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 18, 2000) — The U.S. Dept. of Transportation will participate in a pilot project that will electronically track key information about goods, trucks, and drivers moving across the U.S.-Canada border.

The pilot program, to be staged next year at federal border crossing points in Buffalo, will be the first deployment of The International Trade Data System. It will begin in 2001 and participation will be voluntary for shippers and motor carriers.

When fully developed over the next five to six years, ITDS will provide the primary inspector with “one look” at the truck and driver’s compliance with key federal requirements before it enters the U.S. The system will allow advanced filing by traders and motor carriers so federal agencies can pre-clear cargo, conveyance, and crew before they arrive at a border crossing. The trade community will submit one data set to the government for all international trade transactions to ITDS. That data set will comprise the information necessary to process both the goods declaration and the transportation or conveyance declaration.

Between 1970 and 1997, U.S. imports and exports grew 350% faster than GDP in 1992 dollars — increasing international trade from 11% of GDP in 1970 to 25% in 1997. Future forecasts project equally impressive growth rates for the foreseeable future.

In addition to FMCSA and U.S. Customs, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Food and Drug Administration, and the trade and transportation communities are expected to participate in this initial pilot in Buffalo.