OTTAWA, Ont. — The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) is still concerned about an imminent US border rule that will require Canadians to have passports or an acceptable alternative to cross the Canada/US border by land.

The requirement kicks in Monday as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Acceptable alternatives include FAST cards or high-security enhanced driver’s licences. The CTA has pushed the use of FAST cards to its members. However, the association is now saying it’s worried that poor communication with border guards may cause some confusion when the new rules kick in.

Specifically, the CTA is concerned confusion may arise from the issuing of new generation FAST cards that have enhanced security features. US officials have promised CTA that the previous generation FAST cards would also be accepted at the border. However, the CTA is concerned that message may not have been effectively communicated to front line workers.

“The trucking industry has worked diligently to prepare for the new documentation requirements,” said CTA CEO David Bradley. “We are hopeful that there will be no surprises come Monday, but a lot depends on matters that are out of our control at this stage. We have good lines of communication to senior US border officials, and we will call upon them to address any problems that may emerge quickly so that truck traffic and trade is not disrupted.”