The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently signed an agreement to participate in the International Trade Data System at the federal ports of entry in Buffalo, N.Y., in 2001.

The pilot program in Buffalo will be the first placement of ITDS, an integrated government-wide system for the electronic collection, use, and disclosure of international trade information. The system allows traders and motor carriers to file in advance so federal agencies can pre-clear cargo, conveyance and crew before they arrive at the border.
"This data system will help improve truck safety and traffic flow, thus helping to safeguard the environment and lower the cost of inventories in transit," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater.
"We appreciate the industry's voluntary participation in this important project," said Acting Deputy FMCSA Administrator Clyde Hart Jr., who signed the agreement. "It demonstrates the trucking industry's commitment to commercial vehicle and driver safety."