ARLINGTON, Va., Stephen Harper and Barack Obama’s planned efforts to streamline the flow of goods at the Canada-U.S. border and cut red tape is being lauded by the American Trucking Associations.

"The trucking industry appreciates the efforts of President Obama and Prime Minister Harper to advance the cause of trade between the United States and Canada," said ATA President Bill Graves. "This agreement is a positive first step to increasing the competitiveness of businesses on both sides of the border."

Highlighting that Canada is the Americans’ single largest trading partner, Graves said that removing bottlenecks and speeding the flow of goods across the border "will not only help carriers in both countries, but also their customers who depend on timely and efficient cross-border operations."

Graves echoed the sentiments of the Canadian Trucking Alliance, which welcomed the announcement for a "perimeter approach to security," but also warned that for the plan to work, governments must truly "consult with the organizations who are living the border problems everyday."

While the leaders of both countries were meeting last week, ATA staff met with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Alan Bersin to discuss ways to improve cross-border trucking operations.

"I want to commend Commissioner Bersin for his openness in wanting to work with us to reduce unnecessary costs and delays at both our northern and southern borders," said Steve Russell, chairman and CEO of Celadon Group Inc., "We encourage the Obama administration to develop a process that expedites the flow of low-risk trucks into Canada, but also to streamline the movement of goods with Mexico."