The American Trucking Associations, Alexandria, Va., announced it has filed comments with the U.S. departments of Homeland Security, Commerce and Transportation on cross-border trucking

and ways the trucking industry can help fulfill the goals of the North American Security and Prosperity Partnership.
The partnership was recently announced by President Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mexican President Vincente Fox. Its purpose is to develop a common security strategy promoting economic growth, competitiveness and quality of life.
According to the ATA release, association believes the following deserve attention:
* Implementing and fully complying with the North American Free Trade Agreement’s (NAFTA) trucking provisions on access and investment;
* Establishing a common framework for establishing automated commercial clearance programs that would provide a comprehensive North American customs clearance system;
* Speeding the installation of FAST lane processing for motor carriers that participate in the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program;
* Coordinating closely with Canada and Mexico on transportation security programs including background screening procedures for workers in the industry;
* Developing compatible driver Hours-of-Service rules between the three nations governing the minimum rest periods and maximum driving and work periods for commercial truck drivers;
* Ensuring the widespread availability and quality of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and the harmonizing of engine emissions standards among the three countries;
* Standardizing motor carrier equipment, technology and maintenance standards to assist compliance with new technologies by motor carriers from all three NAFTA countries.
ATA said it will work with government officials and industry counterparts in Mexico and Canada to establish a level playing field for transporting international cargo throughout North America while enhancing the flexibility of their cross-border trucking operations with the utmost concern for safety and security.