Online Enrollment for Drivers in U.S./Mexico FAST Begins April 1st (Full Online FAST by Fall 2008)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a news release announcing that beginning April 1, 2008, new applicants for the southern border Free and Secure Trade Commercial Driver Program will be permitted to enroll online via CBP's Web site.
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CBP notes that this enhancement is limited to new southern border (U.S./Mexico) FAST driver applicants. CBP adds that the current paper application process for southern border FAST will become invalid on April 1, 2008. Paper applications received on or after that date will not be processed.
(According to CBP, FAST allows U.S./Canada and U.S./Mexico partnering importers expedited release for qualifying commercial shipments. Under FAST, U.S./Mexico highway carriers benefit from dedicated lanes, reduced number of exams, enhanced supply chain security and safety, the knowledge that they are carrying shipments for a Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism approved importer, etc.)
First Step in Phased Migration to Full Online Account Management
CBP states that this is the first step in a phased migration to full online account management, which, by late summer 2008, will afford FAST commercial drivers on both borders on-demand account access similar to that enjoyed by NEXUS and Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) members.
Details of April and Other 2008 Releases
In the April release, U.S./Mexico FAST will offer automated application and fee payment for new members through the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) at the CBP Web site (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/goes/).
However, account updates, card replacements, conditional approval notifications, and interview scheduling will remain manual. These functions, as well as application and fee payment for northern border (U.S./Canada) FAST, and renewals for both borders are tentatively scheduled for online deployment in the second half of calendar year 2008 in cooperation with the Canada Border Services Agency.
(CBP notes that there are currently 92,604 FAST drivers on both borders. FAST membership documentation is also acceptable proof of citizenship and identity now required for U.S. and Canadian citizens crossing the border at land and sea ports of entry. A FAST membership card will also be acceptable under full implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, expected to go into effect no sooner than June 2009. See ITT's Online Archives, 08010125, for full BP summary of the proposed rule on WHTI for land and sea travel, which includes information on documents accepted.)
FAST news release (dated 02/15/08) available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/02152008.xml
Additional FAST information is available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/fast/