What is a FAST card and how you can get one?
If you’re a truck driver from the U.S. or Canada, you’ve probably heard of the FAST card. A FAST card can dramatically improve your commercial travel experience and can even boost your truck company by eliminating the possibility of wasting time at border crossings and more.
FAST cards are currently a popular solution that a lot of truck driving companies take advantage of. But what are they in reality? What is the FAST program, why was it created, and how can it help you if you’re part of the truck industry and are an American or Canadian citizen?
In this article, we’ll answer all of these questions and provide insight into the FAST card. After reading the article, you’ll have everything necessary to make up your mind on whether or not a FAST card is suitable for you. We’ll also explain what you need to do to apply for the card and take advantage of all it has to offer.
What is a FAST Card?
The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is designed as a commercial clearance program created by the Canada Border Services Agency and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The program ensures that pre-authorized importers, carriers, and drivers can enjoy faster clearance for eligible goods.
By being a part of the FAST program and possessing a FAST card, truck drivers enjoy a number of benefits. For instance, the amount of information that truck drivers must present for border clearance is significantly reduced. There is no need to transmit data for every transaction as an importer. In addition, there are special FAST lanes for clearance at border crossings, meaning that you don’t need to waste any time in waiting lines.
You can easily verify trade compliance away from the border and there are options for streamlining accounting and payments for any imported goods.
Some employers even require the FAST card as part of their hiring process, meaning that drivers who possess it have an advantage over those who don’t.
How to apply for the FAST program
Applying for a FAST card is a simple and easy process. You don’t have to worry about any lengthy and complex registration forms. In order to receive your FAST card, you need to submit your application, schedule an interview with US and Canadian border officials at a designated interview centre, and pay any enrollment fees.
Before applying, it’s best to prepare and make sure that you qualify for a FAST card in the first place. Here are a few requirements that you must meet in order to be eligible for a FAST Card:
- Your application form contains complete and accurate information
- You have no criminal record or outstanding charges
- You are not subject to a law enforcement investigation
- You don’t have any violated customs and border regulations
- You don’t have convictions with the US or Canadian military
- You don’t have any immigration violations
If you meet all of the above and are an American or Canadian citizen aged 18 or older, you are eligible to qualify for the FAST program and obtain a FAST card.
During your FAST interview, you will be provided with all the necessary information and rules about the FAST program. You will be asked to provide your fingerprints and a photograph. There are also a number of details or documents that you’ll need to prepare such as your US citizenship or legal immigration status, your valid commercial driver’s license, employment details or financial support, and proof of your address.
If you are accepted into the FAST card program, you can enjoy all of its offered advantages. Take your truck driving business or career to the next level and improve your performance and experience with the FAST program.
