OEMs Seek FAST Border Crossings

The U.S. Customs Service will launch in Detroit in December a program that aims to eliminate delays for commercial trucks at border crossings with Canada.

In cooperation with Canada Customs, the Free and Secure Transport (FAST) program will be implemented initially at the Ambassador Bridge linking Detroit and Windsor, Ont., Canada.

It will be tested first by General Motors Corp. and Chrysler Group, U.S. Customs Deputy Commissioner Douglas Browning says. FAST uses transponders to electronically forward cargo information from a government-approved freight carrier to U.S. Customs officials prior to the truck's arrival at the bridge.

Slow border crossings always have been an issue for the auto industry, exacerbated by tight security following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

In addition to the Ambassador Bridge, six other locations will introduce FAST in December. Browning says U.S. Customs is focusing on the auto industry because of its enormous impact on U.S.-Canada commerce. Auto-related goods account for 50% of the $400 billion in trade annually between the two countries.

Companies must apply for admittance to FAST and drivers must submit to security checks by the U.S. and Canadian governments. Checkpoints would have FAST-only lanes with inspection booths receiving information electronically from incoming trucks.