OTTAWA, (Feb. 7, 2005) — Canada Border Services Agency is introducing a pilot project to test the FAST Portable Enrollment Centres around the country.

CBSA and U.S. Customs will operate a Portable Enrollment Centre, which will allow drivers not close to one of the 10 existing FAST enrollment offices to complete the final steps of the FAST driver registration.

The equipment for driver processing, designed to be portable, will be moved from location to location allowing for the driver interview and approval process to take place outside of a permanent enrollment centre.

CBSA is looking for carriers and other interested parties with secure facilities to set up a portable enrollment centre for a limited time. The host company needs to ensure the customs officers and equipment can be accommodated.

The Portable Enrollment Centre will travel to designated areas where there are a sufficient number of conditionally-approved drivers, waiting to finalize the FAST registration process. The interview process is the number one problem drivers cite in regards to the FAST application system. Because of their jobs, many drivers cannot make the scheduled interview on the specified date.

The host company, CBSA and CBP will work together to schedule approximately 15 applicants per day and approved drivers will receive their FAST commercial driver cards before they leave the host company premises, CBSA says.

Any drivers who are interested in the idea should contact their carrier company directly to express interest. Potential host companies wishing to utilize the portable centres must contact CBSA to schedule an appointment three weeks prior to the desired event. Contact CBSA at fast-expres@ccra-adrc.gc.ca for more information.