CBP reminds cross-border truckers to get ID cards

CBP reminds cross-border truckers to get ID cards    The deadline for commercial truck drivers using the pre-notification Border Release Advance Screening and Selectivity release system to obtain a special identification card is May 1 at 40 ports of entry.
   After that date, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue penalties to drivers that have not registered for the cards. CBP reminds truckers and shippers that beginning May 16 it will deny trucks from entering the country if the driver does not possess a valid ID card.
   The cards are a requirement for the Free and Secure Trade program, which enables trusted shippers using pre-certified trucking companies and drivers to get expedited, electronic clearance for their shipments at border checkpoints. Under the program, drivers receive a special ID card after undergoing a criminal-history background check and a CBP interview.
   CBP said in a statement that it has increased staffing at FAST enrollment centers to handle the expected influx in driver applications. The new ID requirements were originally scheduled to take effect Jan. 31, but CBP postponed the enforcement date because it was having difficulty processing the FAST cards.
   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 borders 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 preloaded 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.