Winnipeg, MB - Reimer Express Lines Ltd. and its parent company Roadway Express, Inc. of Akron, OH, announced that the companies have signed the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) with the U.S. Customs Service and the Partners In Protection (PIP) memorandum of understanding with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. Both programs are part of the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Highway Carrier Application Process.
On June 28, 2002, Deputy Prime Minister John Manley and U.S. Director of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge, announced a new program called Free and Secure Trade. This was one of the key initiatives under the Manley/Ridge 30-Point Plan signed in December 2001. On September 9, 2002, President Bush and Canada Prime Minister ChrÈtien announced new border security measures (FAST) at the Windsor/Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
The purpose of FAST is to tighten border security while keeping the border open to the free flow of known, low-risk legitimate trade while enhancing the economic prosperity of both countries. FAST is a harmonized program between the two Customs Agencies and Immigration & Naturalization Services. The program offers expedited clearance processes for commercial shipments crossing the border both north and south and providing a FAST lane for trucks wherever possible. This will promote free and secure trade by using common risk-management principles, supply chain security, industry partnership and advanced technologies to improve the efficiency of screening and clearing commercial traffic at our shared border.
In December 2002, FAST will roll out at six border sites: Blaine/Pacific Highway, Port Huron/Sarnia, Detroit/Windsor, Buffalo/Fort Erie, Lewiston/Queenston and Champlain/Lacolle. FAST processing in the U.S. is based on the advanced transmission of shipment data prior to the driver/truck arriving at the border and in Canada is based upon Customs Self Assessment (CSA) certification. FAST lane processing criteria includes: FAST approved carrier; goods transported must be from a U.S. C-TPAT and/or Canada's PIP approved importer; advance information supplied by the importer or carrier; and the driver must be in possession of a valid FAST Commercial Driver Card.
"Reimer Express, Roadway and the customs agencies of the U.S. and Canada are focused on end-to-end supply chain security," stated Bob Carr, Senior Vice President Corporate and International Sales. "Our network, systems and engaged work force provide the shipment reliability required to meet standards set by global governments for securing the supply chain. Reimer and Roadway's award-winning technology provides the electronic visibility that Customs and other agencies require for quicker border crossings. Being ISO 9002 Certified for system-wide management and operation of the transport of customer goods from origin pickup to destination is a distinct competitive advantage. Our customers will have confidence in us as a FAST carrier using company drivers who are FAST certified. It will show Reimer and Roadway's high level of compliance with security and safety requirements through self-assessment that will meet the needs of our two countries and our mutual customers."
Reimer Express Lines Ltd. is a leading transporter of industrial and commercial goods with a variety of innovative services designed to meet customer needs. Reimer Express and its parent, Roadway Express, Inc. are ISO 9002 certified carriers who offer customers a fully integrated transportation system that extends across Canada, throughout the United States and between Canada and the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico, including export service to 140 countries around the world. The Company is dedicated to being the most reliable, responsive, efficient - and safe - carrier in the industry. For more information, contact the Company at www.ReimerExpress.com.
CONTACTS:
Frank Washburn, Vice President, Marketing & Pricing Administration, (905) 795-6000
Sandara A. Scott, Advocate, Int'l Trade & Government Affairs, (703) 960-4754
