Passport Question
- Thread starter jimby82
- Start date
That doesn't seem to make sense as a FAST card is a level up from that (interview, fingerprints), but what do I know?
jimby82
Veteran Expediter
Ok, now I am confused. From the Canadian FAST website:
Thanks for the info.
So you still need a passport, right? Just asking, as no one had mentioned the FAST Program to us before.
Thanks for the info.
You may seriously want to consider just biting the bullet and getting the passport. The enhanced drivers license to my humble understanding is only available to residents of a border State. I would far rather save myself the trouble and listen to what the USBP says over whatever any carrier will say. But your choice, your money, your headache...Yes you still need a passport, FAST is again IMHO a waste of time but carriers require it.
That's what you need to check out. I already had my passport before I got the fast card so I'm not sure. But I've never carried or been asked to show my passport since I've hard the card, whether I'm doing a regular border crossing, empty, of carrying a fast load. Lol yeah it's confusing.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
Why?
That's rather stupid to tell anyone that is a requirement to drive for a company.
JUST FYI,
that's $30 a year over the life of the passport, and if it is a 'requirement', then it is a tax write off.
jansiemoo
Seasoned Expediter
Up until two(?) years ago, you absolutely needed a passport to get back to the us, even with a FAST card. I lost my passport 3 years ago. For the last 2 years or so we have been going in and out (and being held for hours at customs as usual) with just a license, birth cert, and FAST card- with FDCC.
The recruiters are the very last to know what's going on...
Also, someone said the passport card is only available in border states, and not even all of 'em yet.
jimby82
Veteran Expediter
We are newbies (actually not even started yet) with no recent driving experience. This limits our choice of carriers (as far as I can tell) to FedEx and Panther. We have chosen to drive for FedEx. Have nothing at all against Panther, just had to choose one, and FedEx seemed the best choice for us. Time will tell. Have to start somewhere, after all.
According to the FedEx website, drivers must have "unrestricted access into and out of Canada." - I take that as needing a passport. We have also been told this by at least three different FedEx recruiters over the last several years.
As far as we can determine -To drive for FedEx Custom Critical, you need a passport. (If any current drivers disagree, please let us know!)
Since it IS actually a FedEx requirement, then why on earth would it be stupid for the recruiter to tell us?
jansiemoo
Seasoned Expediter
Uh... We drive for FDCC (FedEx Custom Critical). Neither of us have a passport. We have crossed over at many points in three different provences. We have our DL, birth cert., and FAST card. That's it. Ask to speak to the head of recruiting.
Beginning June 1, 2009
U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry are required to have documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), most commonly a U.S. passport, a passport card, a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST, or an enhanced driver's license
http://www.dhs.gov/files/crossingborders/travelers.shtm
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jansiemoo
Seasoned Expediter
Thanks for the link, OVM.
So do we all agree that you do NOT NEED A PASSPORT if you have a FAST card, enhanced d.l., etc?
jimby82
Veteran Expediter
It appears so. Interesting.
The enhanced DL does not apply to us, since we are from Ohio. Will have to look into the FAST card, although I am not sure if there are any advantages since we will now have our passports. Any thoughts on this? Is there any advantages to having both, or is it just duplication?
scottm4211 mentioned less hassle from the border patrol when using the FAST card. Has anyone else noticed this?
jansiemoo, do you think you would experience the same delays in customs that you mentioned if you had your passport? Or is that just "normal" no matter what identification you have?
Thanks for everyone's input. Not surprisingly, we seem to have much to learn.
jansiemoo
Seasoned Expediter
jimby82; said:jansiemoo, do you think you would experience the same delays in customs that you mentioned if you had your passport? Or is that just "normal" no matter what identification you have?
Thanks for everyone's input. Not surprisingly, we seem to have much to learn.
The delays are rarely about the driver, it's about the freight and/or nightmarishly common paperwork problems.
I also thought the FAST card *might* help get you through with less hassle (I like to think it shows you cross enough to bother getting it), but I do not have the transponder in my truck nor is most of my freight FAST approved, so I have to go through the normal lines like everyone else.
The passports will work just fine, but I do reccomend carrying a copy of your birth cert., as they used to ask for both and who knows what will be required tomorrow.
Get the book at least if not the card and the book. The cost is spread over 10 years and does not amount to much.
You will need the book if you decide to take a cruise later in your expediting career. I know several expediters who enjoy that vacation option. Some have even grouped together to take a cruise. Keep that option open by getting the book. If you win a prize with your carrier and it happens to be a cruise, you will need the book too.
Finally, you may decide to open a bank account in the Cayman Islands as your expediting earnings grow. To visit the bank in person you will need the book.
You will need the book if you decide to take a cruise later in your expediting career. I know several expediters who enjoy that vacation option. Some have even grouped together to take a cruise. Keep that option open by getting the book. If you win a prize with your carrier and it happens to be a cruise, you will need the book too.
Finally, you may decide to open a bank account in the Cayman Islands as your expediting earnings grow. To visit the bank in person you will need the book.
Also never go on a cruise during hurricane season without a passport (even if your ports don't require it). Ask the 450 people left stranded in San Juan when weather forced a change to countries that do require one...
Also never go on a cruise during hurricane season without a passport (even if your ports don't require it). Ask the 450 people left stranded in San Juan when weather forced a change to countries that do require one...
I don't need a passport in San Juan, that is part of the US or did I miss something?
It was the ports they were changed to after San Juan that required them
