Commercial Drivers Programs

Commercial drivers may cross the United State's northern and southern borders in a speedy and efficient manner, thanks to the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program. However, drivers must pass through a vigorous screening process to qualify for FAST membership.

Established after the events of 9/11, the program currently is in effect at 55 key Canadian and Mexican border crossings.

Membership Benefits

FAST members approaching the border simply hold their special photo ID card in front of the card reader (at locations that have the device) and proceed to the inspection booth to quickly finish the cross.

Members drive in dedicated FAST lanes, further accelerating the process. Everyone inside the vehicle must have a FAST card in order to use the special lanes. At crossings without the FAST lanes, members use the regular lanes and show the FAST card to the inspection officer.

As a potential side benefit, the FAST card is being considered as an alternative passport document to meet the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements.

Eligibility

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be either a U.S., Mexican, or Canadian citizen, possess a valid driver's license, and be admissible to the countries involved.

Applicants are automatically disqualified if they:

• Supply false or incomplete information on the application

• Have a criminal record

• Have been convicted of a violation of customs or immigration law

• Fail to meet other requirements

Members caught violating a FAST provision or U.S. law will have their membership revoked, and are subject to additional penalties.

Application Process

Whether applying for a FAST card to use at the Canadian or Mexican border, the process is similar.

U.S./Canadian Border

Complete the application form to start the process. Consult the application guide for complete instructions.

Send all the required paperwork, and payment for the non-refundable $50 fee to:

• FAST Commercial Driver Program

• 4551 Zimmerman Avenue

• P.O. Box 66

• Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T1 Canada

Both countries must approve the application.

Applicants who pass the initial screening must visit an enrollment center to complete the process. Drivers are fingerprinted, have their application and required documents reviewed again, and have their picture taken.

Those who successfully complete this final phase receive the FAST card. Memberships are valid for five years, and may be renewed.

U.S./Mexican Border

Beginning on April 1, 2008, drivers may use the convenient, streamlined Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) to apply.

Of course, the paper application process is always available. Just pick up an application at an enrollment center and follow the instructions.

Mail all the required paperwork, along with payment for the non-refundable $50 fee, to the address listed on the form.

Applicants who pass the initial screening must visit an enrollment center to complete the process. Drivers are fingerprinted, have their application and required documents reviewed again, and have their picture taken.

Those who successfully complete this final phase receive the FAST card. Memberships are valid for five years, and may be renewed.

Denials

Denied applicants will receive a letter informing them of the decision. You may talk to a supervisor at a nearby enrollment center about the decision, although there isn't a set appeals process.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discusses application denials in greater detail.

Additional Information

Consult CBP's FAST page for more information on the program, or call one of the nearby enrollment centers.

NEXUS and SENTRI

CBP offers several additional programs geared more toward frequent commuters than commercial drivers. For information about the NEXUS program to cross into Canada, and the SENTRI program to cross into Mexico, see our article on Commuters & Trusted Travelers.