New Security Requirements for Commercial Drivers Licensed in Canada
Drivers hauling dangerous goods (including explosives) into the United States

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 United States to have a valid FAST card as of August 10, 2006. 

The governments of both Canada and the United States recognize that drivers who are not already FAST-approved will need some time to complete the FAST application process. Therefore, it is expected that U.S. authorities will exercise as much flexibility as possible under U.S. law to enforce the rollout of these regulations.    

If you are a commercial driver licensed in Canada and you wish to continue hauling dangerous goods (including explosives) into and throughout the United States, you are encouraged to apply for FAST approval immediately.

• Why the change?
• What's your situation?
  • You are not FAST-approved
  • You are FAST-approved
  • You haul dangerous goods (including explosives) solely in Canada
  • You transport explosives and are already on the "Known Drivers List"
• Procedures for application
• If your application is refused
• Reporting procedures at ports of entry
  • Will I be able to use the FAST lanes?
• Protecting your privacy

Why the Change?

The United States introduced a new Act called the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

This new U.S. Act requires that all commercial drivers seeking to transport dangerous goods (including explosives) into and throughout the United States be subjected to a background check similar to that required for commercial drivers working in the United States under the USA PATRIOT Act.

Canada and the United States have agreed that the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) commercial driver card, issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), will be accepted by the U.S. government as proof that drivers registered to operate in Canada have met the new U.S. requirements. 

What's your situation?

• You are not FAST-approved
  • If you are a commercial driver licensed in Canada and you wish to continue hauling dangerous goods (including explosives) into and throughout the United States, you should apply for FAST approval immediately. The FAST card is valid for five years.

• You are FAST-approved
  • You do not need to meet any new requirements. Just make sure that your FAST card continues to be valid.

• You haul dangerous goods (including explosives) solely in Canada
  • If you are a commercial driver licensed in Canada or the United States who hauls dangerous goods (including explosives) solely in Canada, you do not need to be FAST-approved.

• You transport explosives and are already on the "Known Drivers List"
  • The “Known Drivers List” will no longer be used and you will need to register and be FAST-approved by August 10, 2006. This new U.S. requirement applies to all commercial drivers licensed in Canada hauling dangerous goods (including explosives).

Procedures for application

It usually takes about six weeks to process a FAST application. However, this timeframe could vary depending on the volume of applications received by the FAST Driver Registration Office. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

1. Requirements for approval
2. Download the application form
   1. FAST Commercial Driver Application Form
   2. FAST Commercial Driver Program - Participant's Guide
3. Send your completed application form, along with the CAN$80 (non-refundable) application fee, to the FAST Driver Registration Office:
   
   FAST Driver Registration Office
   4551 Zimmerman Avenue
   P.O. Box 66
   Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T1
   CANADA
4. The FAST Driver Registration Office will review your application and will contact you by mail. You will be provided with all the necessary information to guide you through the next steps of the enrollment process. For example, you will be asked to present yourself at an enrollment centre where you will be interviewed, photographed, fingerprinted and where you may be conditionally issued your FAST driver card. This process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

If your application is refused

If your FAST application is refused, you can request a review of the decision. Make your request in writing, within 30 days of the date of the decision letter, and send it to the attention of "FAST Redress" at the following address:

Customs Processing Centre
P.O. Box 126
Niagara Falls ON
L2E 6T1

If your application was refused on the grounds of your criminal history and you are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you can apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada's Criminal Rehabilitation program.

Reporting procedures at ports of entry

Following the coming into force of this U.S. requirement on August 10, 2006, you will still have to present yourself at the border as usual. If you are hauling dangerous goods (including explosives) into and throughout the United States, you will have to show a U.S Customs and Border Protection officer your FAST card to be permitted entry in the United States.

Will I be able to use the FAST lanes?

Due to the risk level associated with transporting dangerous goods (including explosives), drivers carrying these materials are not permitted to use the dedicated FAST lanes.

Protecting your privacy

The CBSA is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the CBSA Privacy Statement and with Canada's Privacy Act.

Personal information is required by the CBSA and shared with its partners in order to determine eligibility into the FAST program. The FAST application form outlines why your personal information is required and how you can exercise your right to access that information.

he Protecting privacy and personal information section on the FAST information page provides detailed information on this issue.