WASHINGTON, D.C. — Truckers can expect continued delays at border crossings, as U.S. Attorney-General John Ashcroft announced plans to toughen security along the Canadian border.

"We have taken for granted our northern border with the excellent friends we have in Canada," Ashcroft told media yesterday. "We are working on plans to help provide greater security for our northern border, which has become a transit point for several individuals involved in terrorism."

Truckers certainly won’t be immune to the increased scrutiny, especially considering that one person detained in connection with the attacks was licensed to drive dangerous goods in large trucks.

Vermont Republican, Patrick Leahy, supported the call for increased security.

"Canada is our largest trading partner and it’s a place that we’re very friendly with," says Leahy. "We want to keep that up. But we also don’t want this to be an area of vulnerability."