OTTAWA — The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) said that they were encouraged by the discussions held this week on the Canada-U.S. Beyond the Border Action Plan, but input is needed from carriers on the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on the in-bond process.

CTA participated in the Border Commercial Consultative Committee (BCCC) along with members of Canada’s trade community and CBSA, as well as the Beyond the Border Action Plan Town Hall meeting in Niagara Falls, NY where officials from both sides of the border were present alongside CBP Deputy Commissioner Winkowski and CBSA President Portelance.

The thrust of the discussions centered on the next steps that will be taken as the plan is executed, CTA said.

“President Portelance and Deputy Commissioner Winkowski made clear that both Canada and the US are fully committed to partnership, communication and engagement with stakeholders and creating improved efficiencies while enhancing security at the border,” said Jennifer Fox, CTA’s vice president of customs & compliance.

Fox said that CBP stressed the importance of carriers taking part in the NPRM process by submitting comments so their views and interests are reflected in the final rule. The comments received will be considered by CBP as an in-transit strategy is developed between the two countries, something long sought after by CTA and regarded as a great benefit to the industry.

“Engagement and participation by CTA and our members during this process are essential to its success,” continued Fox.

“The action plan contains aggressive timelines and we will do what is necessary to meet them. Once implemented, the plan will have long-standing positive impacts for those in the trade community and in particular, the trucking industry.”