Listed below are some of the questions we are asked most frequently regarding shipping to/from Canada. If you have additional questions, please contact your local ABF representative.

How do I qualify for FAST?
To qualify for FAST, you must first be enrolled in:

• Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) for U.S. companies or
• Partners in Protection (PIP) for Canadian companies

Then, an officer of your company must sign and submit a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the government.

When will FAST begin and at what sites?
The target date for FAST processing was December 2002. The six border crossings with FAST lanes are the following: Blaine-Douglas, Buffalo-Fort Erie, Detroit-Windsor, Lewiston-Queenstown, Port Huron-Sarnia, and Champlain-Lacolle.

 

Is it difficult to sign up?

It depends on the size of your company and your security measures. Some examples of security measures are:

• procedural security 
•  physical security
•  personnel security    
•  education and training
•  manifest procedures
•  conveyance procedures

Is signing up time consuming?

·         Part 1: Sign a Memorandum of Understanding.

·         Part 2: Complete the supply-chain security profile questionnaire.

C-TPAT and PIP are prerequisites to obtain Free and Secure Trade (FAST) certification. The CBP (U.S. Customs Border Protection) will provide an account manager to help you through your security process and identify gaps. The government expects documented, verifiable security programs consistent with C-TPAT guidelines.

What are the advantages of becoming certified?
Being certified with FAST, C-TPAT or PIP means:

• Your supply chain is secure.
• The number of inspections decreases.
• Border clearance times decrease.
• Your company name and reputation are protected.
• The cost of compliance with customs requirements decreases.
• You show good corporate citizenship and a commitment to supply-chain security.
• You'll have dedicated lanes at designated crossing points for greater speed and efficiency in the clearance of FAST trans-border shipments.
• FAST participants would be first in line for cargo clearance if there is another terrorism incident.
• You'll have a strong and continuing partnership with Canada and U.S. Customs administrations.
• The door will be open for future Customs programs.
• You can do business with other certified, supply-chaing partners.

What are the consequences of not signing up?
Importers who are not approved for C-TPAT (U.S. companies) or PIP (Canadian companies) will lose their approved status for other Customs programs, even if they are already participating. Programs that require participants to be PIP or C-TPAT certified include:

·         Importer Self Assessment

·         Low Risk Importers

·         Customs Self Assessment

·         FAST

·         Advance

·         Commercial Information

 

What are the savings?

Time spent in border delays and for inspections is reduced and your company will have access to the FAST lane.

What are the differences between how goods move now vs. in the future?
The programs are voluntary today. However, those that don't sign up will be in the "slow" lane for customs clearance.

In the future, Canada and CBP will require that shipping information be electronically transmitted. The U.S. and Canadian governments want to push the border back to the origin, and they want information before goods arrive at the border. Pre-registration and -certification also will be required. When customers are certified for C-TPAT or PIP, they can use any transportation provider that is FAST-approved and any other mode that is C-TPAT or PIP certified.

When you are C-TPAT and PIP approved do you still need a broker?

Yes. When you sign the Memorandum of Understanding, you are saying that everyone in your supply chain is signed up. You must ask your broker to apply for C-TPAT or PIP approved, or find a broker who is already approved.

 

How do I determine what the current exchange rate is?

Current exchange rates are available on through abf.com. There is a very simple procedure for determining exchange rate conversions. The site displays the last several months of exchange rates. Multiply US dollars times the exchange rate to determine the Canadian equivalent or divide the Canadian dollars by the exchange rate to determine the US equivalent.