The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection service has begun the first phase of a truck cargo pre-inspection pilot at the Pacific Highway crossing adjacent to Surrey, British Columbia. 

The project is a collaborative effort by CBP, Canada Border Services Agency and Public Safety Canada under the U.S./Canadian “Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness” initiative. Transport Canada and the BC Ministry of Transport are also participating in the pilot.

Phase one of the pilot is designed as a “proof of concept” to determine the viability of assigning CBP officers to Canadian border crossings to pre-inspect southbound trucks, drivers and cargo prior to arrival into the United States. It will also test the viability of developed technologies and joint U.S.-Canada procedures to conduct CBP primary truck processing in Canada. CBP will monitor wait times and provide traffic mitigation as needed.

Only trusted traders participating in CBP’s Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program will be eligible to use the dedicated CBP pre-inspection commercial primary booth located on the Canadian side of the border. Participation is not mandatory. Pre-inspection in Canada will include radiation screening and basic primary processing. Secondary inspections, when required, will continue in the U.S. port of entry.

The pilot will continue in Blaine for up to six months and will operate Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phase II will test the feasibility of reducing cargo wait times.