Washington, D.C. Starting May 1, 2005, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin enforcing a major provision of the Trade Act of 2002, namely the FAST card requirement for drivers hauling BRASS loads.

Drivers transporting shipments using the Border Release Advance Screening and Selectivity (BRASS) release system, may do so only if they have been issued a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) driver identification card.
From May 1 through May 15, non-compliance will result in the carriers facing penalties (monetary) under 19 USC 1436 for violations. Beginning May 16, non-compliance with this component of the Trade Act of 2002 will result in the driver being turned back at the border.

"The enforcement of this requirement of the Trade Act of 2002 will promote free and secure trade by using common risk-management principles, supply chain security, industry partnership, and advanced technology," said Commissioner Robert C. Bonner earlier this week. "This will lead to improved efficiency of screening and clearing of commercial traffic at our shared border."

CBP officials are hoping increased staffing and extended working hours of the FAST Processing Center and its FAST Enrollment Centers will have met the needs of drivers waiting for their cards. But at last count, CBP was waiting for another 1,500 drivers to conduct their final interviews, be fingerprinted and pick up their cards.