AKRON, Ohio (Nov. 13, 2002) — Roadway Express and its Canadian subsidiary Reimer Express Lines announced that they have signed the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) with the U.S. Customs Service and the Partners In Protection (PIP) memorandum of understanding with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. Both are part of the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Highway Carrier Application Process, a program designed to streamline the flow of goods across the border.

“Our customers will have confidence in us as a FAST carrier using company drivers who are FAST certified,” said Bob Carr, vice-president of Roadway’s international business. “It will show Roadway’s and Reimer’s high level of compliance with security and safety requirements through self-assessment that will meet the needs of our two countries and our mutual customers.

FAST is a harmonized program between the two customs agencies and immigration departments. The program offers expedited clearance processes for commercial shipments crossing the border both north and south and providing a FAST lane for trucks wherever possible.

In December 2002, FAST will roll out at six border sites: Blaine, Wash./Pacific Highway, B.C.; Port Huron, Mich./Sarnia, Ont.; Detroit/Windsor; Buffalo/Fort Erie, Ont; Lewiston/Queenston, Ont; and Champlain, N.Y./Lacolle, Que.

FAST processing in the U.S. is based on the advanced transmission of shipment data prior to the driver/truck arriving at the border and in Canada is based upon Customs Self Assessment (CSA) certification. FAST lane processing criteria includes: FAST-approved carrier; goods transported must be from a U.S. C-TPAT and/or Canada’s PIP approved importer; advance information supplied by the importer or carrier; and the driver must be in possession of a valid FAST Commercial Driver Card.