CBP postpones ID card requirement for BRASS truck shipments

CBP postpones ID card requirement for BRASS truck shipments    Truckers participating in the pre-notification cargo processing system known as Border Release Advanced Selectivity System (BRASS), will have three extra months to get the required FAST pass after U.S. Customs and Border Protection extended the enforcement date from Jan. 31 to May 1 at the first group of 40 land ports.
   CBP said the extension was necessary because it is backed up trying to process FAST commercial driver applications.
   Free and Secure Trade (FAST) is a program designed to increase security and cargo processing speed through the use of electronic data transmission and vehicle transponder identification. The program is available to certified shippers, trucking firms and drivers that electronically file shipping papers, enabling inspectors to verify prior to arrival that goods do not pose a security risk.
   BRASS is a line release program popular at many northern border ports of entry that allows certain low-risk, high-volume commodities from pre-approved shippers to be automatically screened in advance. CBP processing centers on the northern and southern border review applications by checking the importers compliance record and history of using accurately classifying goods. Customs can release the truck once it hits the border with a single barcode scan of pre-loaded transaction data contained in the driver’s bill of lading.
   CBP made a temporary exception for BRASS in regulations to implement the Trade Act of 2002, which required truckers to electronically file manifest information in advance of arrival at the border. Under the advance cargo requirements, truckers must submit their cargo information at least one hour before reaching the border check point, or 30 minutes in advance for companies participating in the FAST. The exception allowed the electronic transaction for BRASS participants to take place at the time of arrival at the U.S. port of entry because of the enhanced security features already built into the program. CBP additionally required that truck drivers carrying BRASS goods carry a FAST card.
   To participate in the FAST program, drivers must register and undergo a background check. If approved, the driver is issued an identification card that allows for expedited processing.
   CBP said it has received 20,000 FAST commercial driver applications in the past year. The volume has overwhelmed the processing centers and caused delays in the application process. In addition, there are about 15,000 conditionally approved drivers that have not completed the interview process to receive their cards, CBP said.
   CBP said it will provide additional manpower to eliminate the backlog at the FAST processing centers within 90 days.
   For all affected ports, CBP will begin enforcement of the FAST card requirement for BRASS shipments on May. The ports of Eastport, Idaho; International Falls and Grand Portage, Minn.; and Jackman, Maine, continue to be exempted from the FAST requirement.