CHARLOTTETOWN, (Feb. 4, 2005) — An Atlantic transportation group has announced a funding program to help truckers get their FAST card certification.

The Atlantic Canada Food Export Partnership has initiated this project, which will offer funding assistance, provided by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, so the cost to carriers preparing their C-TPAT application will be significantly reduced.

“With the increasing focus on border security, and the trucking industry’s vital role in the supply chain, this program assists not only trucking companies but the whole supply chain,” says Ralph Boyd of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association.

FAST is a bilateral agreement between Canada and the U.S. that offers approved carriers expedited access through the border. For a carrier to fully take advantage of the express lanes at the border, they must be C-TPAT certified, carry only the freight of C-TPAT importers, and have FAST drivers in charge of the trailers if entering the United States, or be PIP approved with FAST drivers to enter Canada.

Atlantic Canadian trucking companies who would like to participate in the funding program please call Tracey Allen Toll Free 1-866-628-1140 to request a registration form or receive more information.