FastCards Overview

THE FAST CARD OVERVIEW

The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a border agreement between the U.S. Canada and Mexico. The FAST program allows known low risk participants (carriers, drivers, and importers) to receive expedited border processing.

NEW SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVERS

On July 25, 2006 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced its intention to issue regulations requiring drivers licensed in Canada who haul dangerous goods into the U.S. to have a valid FAST card. If you are a commercial driver licensed in Canada and you wish to continue hauling dangerous goods, including explosive, (hazmut) into and throughout the U.S., Just Pardons encourages you to apply for FAST approval immediately.

BENEFITS OF THE FAST PROGRAM

The FAST program is voluntary. The benefits for those that apply and are accepted include:

• Reducing the information requirements for border/customs clearance
   
• Dedicated lanes where available for greater speed and efficiency in the clearance of FAST border shipments
   
• Reducing the number of examinations for FAST card holders
   
• Crossing the border with accelerated customs and immigration processing
   
• Providing added income as it will save hours waiting at the border
   
• Transporting eligible goods for FAST approved carriers and importers.
   

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OF DRIVERS

Drivers applying to the FAST program may qualify if they:

• are citizens or permanent residents of the United States or Canada;
   
• are admissible to Canada and the U.S. under applicable immigration laws
   
• are at least 18 years of age
   
• have a valid driver's license
   
• are of good character.
   

REQUIREMENTS FOR A FAST CARD

FAST is a clearance process for known low-risk shipments. Therefore, any truck using the FAST lane must be an approved carrier, carrying approved goods. The driver must have a valid FAST Commercial driver Registration ID Card.

You may qualify to participate in the program if you are a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada, age 18 or over and possess a valid driver’s license. You must be admissible to Canada and the U.S. under applicable immigration laws. However, you may not qualify if you:

• Provide false or incomplete information on your application
   
• Have been convicted of a criminal offence
   
• Have been found in violation of customs or immigration law
   
• Fail to meet other requirements of the FAST Commercial driver program