OTTAWA, (June 28, 2005) — The CEO of the Canadian Trucking Alliance said a report on the Security and Prosperity Partnership between all three North American nations will enhance trade and improve border-crossing efficiency.

The report — presented by Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan; David Emerson, Minister of Industry; Michael Chertoff, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security; Carlos Gutierrez, U.S. Secretary of Commerce; Fernando Canales, Mexican Secretary of the Economy; and Carlos Abascal, Mexican Secretary of the Interior — includes several elements that affect trucking.

The report recommends developing targets and joint marketing to increase number of FAST shipments and expand ways to further streamline FAST processing.

— Compatible standards for C-TPAT and Partners in Protection
Develop plan for harmonized automated commercial information systems.

— Work with interested parties to construct new border infrastructure, and implement two land pre-clearance pilots.

–Develop and deploy systems to accurately measure border transit times, as well as recognize and harmonize motor carrier regulations and standards (vehicle weights and dimensions, safety ratings, medical standards).

— Coordinate background checks, credential recognition and document security standards.

However, Bradley felt the report may not have gone far enough on this latter point. He admitted he was somewhat surprised that there weren’t at least some decisions on “low-hanging fruit” like using the FAST card as a platform for hazmat credentialing.

Still, “there’s much to be hopeful about in the report,” Bradley said in a press release. “but the key will be the action that follows from here. Last year no one was talking about the border and the economy of North America.”