FAST

[ATeam]

I see EO has an article about FAST:

http://www.expeditersonline.com/artman/publish/article_001699.html

I'd love to hear other driver experiences on this. As one that sits in the slow line, sometimes for hours, waiting to cross the U.S./Canada border, and watches with envy other trucks whiz through the FAST lanes, the FAST benefits are obvious.

But in our experience, the FAST application process is not so FAST. We applied in August, 2003 and only recently (9 months later) got the info we needed from the Canadian government to proceed to the next step. Next time we go to Canada we hope to do the interview and wrap things up.

 

[davekc]

took 8 months to get application back. Interview at the border was about 1 hour. Not only can you use the fast lanes, but if you have to go inside to customs, you go to the front of the line with the card.

 

[RobA]

>
>But in our experience, the FAST application process is not
>so FAST. We applied in August, 2003 and only recently (9
>months later) got the info we needed from the Canadian
>government to proceed to the next step. Next time we go to
>Canada we hope to do the interview and wrap things up.



FAST is only if you are hauling for CSA (Customs Self Assessment)approved importers. If you do a lot of automotive parts work then you will find it helpful.
The CSA programme did not meet with a great response from the Canadian importing community. There are many complex requirements for an importer to become CSA approved.
My personal feeling is that CBSA should drop the CSA requirement and offer FAST service to all importers with a good compliance track record. That would allow them to monitor poor compliance importers more closely.
As far as "ATEAMS" complaint about slow service; haven't you ever had to go inside a Customs or Brokers office and seen the cartoon that is plastered in so many?

YOU WANT IT WHEN??????
:7 :7 :7

 

[OntarioVanMan]

As of this writing
Going into Detroit...If your line release, paps,encap or empty as long as you are a FAST driver, FAST vehicle and FAST company you can use the FAST lanes!! pay the 5 bucks at the preprocessing center and get the placard for the front dash. Its the best investment 5 bucks will get ya!
Whats your time worth??

Port Huron...Only FAST loads! and if your empty and FAST! as above

Sarnia..FAST only!! NO pars or line releases! You can use it even empty as long as your FAST! Thats why this person sits there twiddling thier thumbs! It can be backed up along 94 but they only take FAST! in the FAST lane.

Beware..Canada has it's students on duty once again, cross your T's and dot the I's.