TORONTO — There is no equity in a “one size fits all” enforcement policy for FAST drivers, argues the Ontario Trucking Association.

Picking up on a campaign started by the Canadian Trucking Alliance, the Ontario carriers are urging US Customs and Border Protection to review a policy concerning the removal of FAST cards from drivers.

OTA calls for CBP to apply equity in their
policy for removing cards from drivers.

Far too many drivers are losing their livelihoods for minor clerical errors when they have their card taken away, says the Ontario Trucking Association. Proper mechanisms are not in place for drivers to obtain information on why their cards have been cancelled or whether they will even have their FAST status reinstated.

In letter sent to CBP, the OTA calls for CBP to apply equity in their policy for removing cards from drivers and give administration of the sanctions to local CBP officials, similar to how fines, penalties and forfeitures are dealt with.

“Local CBP management could easily administer a system through the enrolment centres to better serve drivers on this issue,” OTA states. “(The association) hopes that CBP can begin work on a more fair an equitable penalty schedule that will not see drivers lose their cards for life over simple piece count issues.”

An original CTA submission on the issue stresses the importance for more transparency in the application process and review process for drivers who have been disqualified from the program.

OTA members can contact Geoff Wood at 416-249-7401 ext. 248, geoffrey.wood@ontruck.org for more info. CTA members can call Ron Lennox at 613-2376-9426 ext. 2, lennox@cantruck.org.