Truck Topics

Border crossing questions? Take a look at the FAST program

The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a joint Canada-U.S. initiative involving the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CBSA and the United States Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

FAST supports moving pre-approved eligible goods across the border quickly.

It is a commercial clearance process offered to pre-approved importers, carriers, and registered drivers. Shipments for approved companies, transported by approved carriers using registered drivers, will be cleared into either country with greater speed and certainty, and at a reduced cost of compliance.

Here are some questions recently asked of D. Dent & Associates or www.CustomsHelp.com by drivers considering FAST:

Q: What can professional drivers do to streamline crossing the border?

A: Join FAST!  Free and Secure Trade is a joint U.S.- Canada border initiative designed specifically to expedite a commercial border crossing. 

The program is based on the importer, the carrier and the driver being recognized and known through application and approval by both Canada and the United States. 

Q: What are the benefits of the FAST program?

A:  FAST reduces the information requirements commonly needed through a regular customs clearance.   FAST reduces the rate of border exams and allows customs to verify compliance away from the border, allowing the expedited release of FAST freight.

Q:  Does a driver have to apply through a carrier for FAST approval?

A:  FAST Driver Registration can be done by the driver and it's our recommendation, all drivers complete the registration process on their own.   The FAST approval belongs directly to the driver and is as important as a clean driving record.  With the increased shortage of drivers and customs programs demanding FAST, it's absolutely mandatory.

Q:  When applying to operate for a carrier is it helpful for a driver to be FAST approved?

A:  Drivers applying to operate for a carrier with FAST are being considered before those without FAST, especially in the automotive carrier sector.   Drivers with FAST should ensure they include this important piece of data on their resume and make it very clear through the recruiting process. Again, it's as important as your driving history or the ability to provide a police clearance.

Q:  Does a driver need to apply with the U.S. and Canada as well?

A:  No, drivers are instructed to forward the completed application to a processing unit in Niagara Falls, Ontario.   Once processed in Canada, the application will be moved to the appropriate area within the U.S. 

After the two countries review the application, the applicant will receive a formal notice to attend one of the ten enrollment centers to complete the personal interview, picture and fingerprinting process.  A permanent card with an expiration date of five years will be received shortly after that visit.

Q:  What would prevent a driver from becoming FAST?

A:  To better answer this question, let's talk about what the criteria is for a driver to become FAST approved.  A driver may qualify to participate in the program if he is a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada, 18 years of age or older and possesses a valid driver's license.  A driver must be admissible to Canada and the U.S. under applicable immigration laws.  

A driver may be disqualified if he provides false or incomplete information on the application, or been convicted of a criminal offence, or has been previously found in violation of customs or immigrations laws or fails to meet other requirements of the FAST Commercial Driver Program.

Q:  If more than one driver in the truck, do both need to have FAST? 

A:  In order for a FAST process to be considered valid and qualify for FAST dedicated lanes, customs processing etc., both drivers are required to be FAST approved. 

Q:  Can a driver or carrier lose his FAST approval?

A:  Yes, unfortunately.  The driver's role in the customs release process is to report what's on board.  If a FAST approved driver reports incorrectly, they could loose their FAST privilege for a period deemed reasonable by the officer and possibly be assessed a penalty.

In most cases a driver is able to re-apply after a period of 90 days suspension of FAST, but each case is reviewed based on circumstances. It is imperative that driver realize this is a privilege with benefits based on compliance and understanding of border regulations and processing.

D. Dent & Associates Customs Help Inc. is a Canadian/ U.S.customs/border consulting company, located in Windsor, Ontario, the busiest truck border crossing in the world.

Established in 1997 by Deborah Dent, D. Dent & Associates Customs Help Inc. has grown to be a leader in customs training and program implementation. We now provide a wide range of customs solutions which continue to evolve based on the needs of the various industries we serve (Importers, Exporters, Carriers, Customs Brokers, and Manufacturers) all involved in cross-border activity.

For more information regarding FAST, visit www.CustomsHelp.com