Canada’s Border Service Agency has approved Richmond, VA-based Overnite Transportation as a participant in both the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) and Customs Self Assessment Programs, effectively streamlining the process for Overnite to move its trucks across the border, said Mike Mackey, the carrier’s director.
“With a firm commitment to the integrity of the management of the supply chain process, we have developed systems, processes, properties and personnel that enhance shipment security and control,” Mackey said.
“Enrolling in the U.S. Customs - Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Canada's Partners in Protection (PIP) programs, receiving designation as a FAST approved carrier and certification as a Customs Self Assessment (CSA) approved carrier, all serve as validation of these continuing efforts,” he added.
Mackey noted that for Overnite – a subsidiary of Atlanta-based United Parcel Service – and its customers, key benefits of the FAST program and CSA designation are greater speed and certainty in the clearance of low-risk, trans-border shipments; reduced costs of compliance with customs requirements, and a strong and ongoing partnership with both U.S. and Canadian Customs administrations.
FAST approval also reduces the amount of information required for customs clearance, eliminates the need in some cases for importers to participate in the transmission of data for each transaction, allows Overnite to use dedicated lanes for FAST clearances and reduces the rate of border examinations, he said.
For more information, go to www.overnite.com.
