TORONTO, (Nov. 5, 2004) — The Ontario Trucking Association has posted to its website a new video produced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that outlines the benefits of the FAST program to all members of the trade community.

The 10 minute video — which can be viewed at http://www.ontruck.org/info/information/border-fast.php –can be used by carriers to increase awareness about the FAST and the Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) programs available to Ontario shippers.

There are currently twice as many Ontario carriers registered for the C-TPAT program than there are shippers. (C-TPAT is the U.S. required component of FAST for carriers and shippers.)

“There are hundreds of carriers and thousands of drivers enrolled in the FAST program however not enough freight qualifies for the program because fewer Ontario shippers have signed onto C-TPAT,” OTA president David Bradley said.

Those who wish to direct customers reluctant to join the FAST program can supply the following links:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/importers/

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/fact_sheet.xml