OTTAWA, (June 24, 2003) — Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is reminding the trucking and shipping industry to be diligent in completing and filing applications for the Free and Secure Trade Commercial Driver program.

In a recent Communiqué to all drivers applying for FAST, Canada Customs reported that 75 per cent of the applications are being rejected due to administrative errors. The rejected applications are being returned to drivers for a variety of missing information, such as: improper completion of five-year address and work history; no identification or incorrect identification attached; security questions not answered; and no payment or incorrect payment enclosed.

Both U.S. and Canadian governments, as well as industry stakeholders like the Ontario Trucking Association are advising that drivers must complete their own FAST application forms. However, if carriers are going to fill out the applications on behalf of their drivers to save them the administrative burden, they are strongly advised to ensure that drivers review them prior to submitting to ensure all information provided is true, up to date and complete.