The four less-than-truckload freight carriers of Con-Way Transportation Services Inc. an operating company of CNF Inc., have been approved by the Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA)
for participation in the agency's cross-border security program, Partners in Protection (PIP).
Approval in PIP for U.S. shipments destined to Canada completes Con-Way's fully approved participation in the joint U.S./Canada Free and Safe Trade (FAST) cross-border security initiative.
The CCRA had previously approved the company for its Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) program that also is designed to move shipments safely and quickly into Canada. In early March, the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (formerly U.S. Customs) approved Con-Way for its Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) security protocol for shipments coming into the U.S. from Canada.
The four approved carriers are Con-Way Canada Express, Con-Way Central Express, Con-Way Southern Express and Con-Way Western Express.
"With complete FAST certification, customs officials from both the U.S. and Canada recognize Con-Way as a low risk, secure carrier committed to enhanced border security," said Douglas W. Stotlar, executive vice president and CEO of Con-Way. "Our compliance to new security procedures has not come without additional costs, but the investment is a necessary one not only for our customers but also for the safety of our employees and customs officials."
Future plans call for the FAST program to create a designated traffic lane at the U.S./Canada border designed to reduce inspection and clearance times and help with more expeditious and secure shipment processing by the government. In order for the FAST lane to be used, every shipment on a carrier's trailer will need to be destined for a PIP and CSA approved importer and the carrier and driver will need to be FAST approved.
Further information about Con-Way is available at www.con-way.com.