OTTAWA, Ont. — The Canadian and US Chambers of Commerce have jointly called for a reduction in costs for crossing the border.

The coalition issued a report yesterday that calls on the US and Canadian governments to strengthen national security while facilitating the smooth flow of goods across the border.

“North American businesses are confronted by a border that is becoming thicker, stickier, and more costly,” said Perrin Beatty, Canadian Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “We urgently need to find ways to reduce costs for legitimate cargo and travellers. By working together, we can achieve both economic and physical security.”

The report, entitled Finding the Balance: Reducing Border Costs While Strengthening Border Security, calls for short-term measures to eliminate duplicative and burdensome border requirements. The report includes recommendations aimed at increasing enrollment in trusted shipper programs.

“In the age of growing global competition, we must work together to further North American prosperity,” said Thomas Donohue, the US Chamber’s president and CEO.

Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, businesses on both sides of the border have experienced a “costly layering of increased border crossing fees, inspections and wait times” the coalition says. The group hopes its recommendations are taken to heart by government within the next 18 months. About US$1.5 billion in two-way trade between the two countries takes place every day.