FAST Card and C-TPAT Explained: What They Mean for Your Freight
- MC 1425624 · USDOT 3883624
- Canada and USA lanes
- Hot load and emergency service
- Cambridge, Ontario
FAST and C-TPAT are programs designed to make low risk commercial freight move more smoothly through the Canada-US border. If you ship across the border regularly it helps to understand what they are and how they affect your freight. This guide explains the FAST card and C-TPAT in plain language.
What is the FAST program?
FAST stands for Free and Secure Trade. It is a joint program that offers faster processing for pre-approved commercial shipments. Participating crossings have dedicated FAST lanes that let eligible trucks move more quickly than the standard commercial lanes.
What is C-TPAT?
C-TPAT is the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, a U.S. CBP program for businesses that meet supply chain security standards. Canada has a similar program called Partners in Protection (PIP). Carriers enrolled in these programs show that they follow documented security practices.
Ask each carrier whether their drivers hold FAST cards before assuming lane access.
What is needed for a FAST shipment?
For a load to use the FAST lane, all three parts of the movement generally need to be approved:
- The carrier is enrolled in the appropriate trusted trader program.
- The driver holds a valid FAST card.
- The importer is enrolled in the corresponding program for the shipment.
Benefits of FAST
- Access to dedicated lanes at participating crossings.
- Reduced processing time when the paperwork is in order.
- Fewer routine inspections for low risk, pre-approved shipments.
What FAST does not do
FAST does not guarantee a shipment will never be inspected, and it does not replace correct paperwork. Customs can still review any load. The program rewards businesses that already follow strong security and documentation practices.
Key takeaway: Ask your carrier whether they, their drivers and your importer qualify for FAST. If all three are enrolled, the load can use dedicated lanes at participating crossings.
Frequently asked questions
Does every cross border trucking company have FAST cards?
No. FAST is optional and requires enrollment and approval, so it is worth asking any carrier you are considering.
Is C-TPAT mandatory?
No. C-TPAT is a voluntary program, but it is a requirement for using FAST lanes.
Does FAST mean no inspection?
No. FAST offers expedited processing, but customs can still select a shipment for inspection.
A Cambridge, Ontario carrier hauling dry van, reefer, open flatbed and Flatbed Conestoga freight between Canada and the USA. Carrier authority: MC 1425624, USDOT 3883624.
Need a quote or a load moved?
Tell us the lane and we will reply with a quote and your load code.
