U.S. program tests conducting truck inspections in Canada

Updated Jul 2, 2013

The United States and Canada are testing having U.S. officials pre-inspect trucks and drivers before they enter the U.S.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection began inspecting southbound trucks, drivers and cargo at the Pacific Highway crossing adjacent to Surrey, British Columbia, last week.

The project’s first phase will determine the viability of using Canadian Border Patrol officers at the Canadian border crossing to pre-inspect southbound trucks. The agency will monitor wait times and participation is not mandatory.

Only traders participating in CBP’s Free and Secure Trade or FAST program are eligible to use the dedicated Canadian Broder Patrol pre-inspection commercial primary booth in Surrey. Pre-inspection will include radiation screening and basic primary processing.

When secondary inspections are warranted, it will be continued at a U.S. port of entry.

The pilot project will last up to six months and the second project phase will test the feasibility of reducing cargo wait times. The CBP will conduct the pilot project Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.