The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have jointly announced a second Free and Secure Trade (FAST) enrollment event taking place from September 20-24 at the Aldergrove port of entry in British Columbia. Registrations on September 3rd for conditionally approved new FAST applicants, with instructions on how to register available in both English and French.
Interview slots are limited for this event, so carriers are encouraged to have their drivers register as soon as possible if they wish to complete their application process and obtain their FAST card.
Both CBSA and CBP have worked collaboratively since the beginning of the pandemic to navigate border restrictions and the evolving conditions of the pandemic to conduct in-person interviews for entry into bilateral programs such as FAST. CBSA and CBP announced the first FAST enrollment event at Fort Erie, ON in July, which was highly successful, with over 1,000 drivers being interviewed during the week-long blitz.
Earlier this summer the agencies also announced the extension of benefits for current FAST members, and continue to work jointly on implementing measures to conduct interviews where required, including using virtual technology, and other methods to help address the current backlog.
BCTA would like to thank the staff of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) for working with BCTA and CBSA Headquarter officials to secure the upcoming event. All inquiries regarding the location/venue and logistics for the Aldergrove event can be sent directly to CoryP@bctrucking.com.
CTA will continue to work with CBSA and CBP on additional pilots in regions across Canada that continue to show a significant need for new FAST drivers. CTA is optimistic that further events will be scheduled in the months ahead and will update members as more information becomes available.
