WasteWatcher

Border Crossing-Related

FAST. The FAST. program is a bilateral initiative between the United States and Canada designed to ensure security and safety while enhancing the economic prosperity of both countries. FAST is a harmonized clearance process for known low-risk shipments. Thus, any truck using FAST lane processing must be a C-TPAT approved carrier, carrying qualifying goods from a U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) approved importer, and the driver in the possession of a valid FAST-Commercial Driver Card.

FAST Canadian Website. In Canada, FAST builds on the Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) program and its principles of pre-approval and self-assessment, as well as increased security measures under the Partners in Protection (PIP) program. FAST includes aligning the requirements of Canada's PIP program and the U.S. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. As part of these programs, companies must adopt and implement security procedures to be compatible with guidelines set by both customs agencies.
FAST U.S. Customs. Commercial truck drivers who transport goods across U.S./Canadian border may apply for membership in the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Commercial Driver program.
FAST Commercial Driver Information and Instructions. Contains information and application instructions necessary to complete the FAST Commercial Driver Application.

Advanced Border Processing Center (ABC). A centre of excellence, which will service those drivers who do not have the means to transmit customs information prior to arrival at the border. Driver arrives at the centre, presents paperwork to centre staff employees/or paperwork is sent ahead of the drivers arrival by either the shipper, the manufacturer, the carrier or freight forwarder. Documentation is scanned and transmitted to the U.S. Customs broker of record. Driver continues in-transit to the border, confident the broker and U.S Customs have sufficient time to process the shipment information.

Cross-Border Operating Requirements Handbook For Foreign Motor Carriers Entering The United States (May 2002).

Canadian Operating & Border Access Requirements for Foreign Motor Carriers NAFTA Resource Manual (April 2002)

Importing into the United States. (Publication # 0000-0504) Explains process of importing goods into the U.S., including informed compliance, invoices, duty assessments, classification and value, marking requirements, etc.

Michigan Trucking Information

Michigan Department of Transportation Truckers Service Center. Truck weight and seasonal restrictions. Medical card information.

Michigan Trucking Association.

Michigan Center for Truck Safety. The Michigan Center for Truck Safety is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing highway safety through safer truck travel. The Center does this by providing Michigan's trucking industry with a variety of free educational safety programs and services.

Truck Driver’s Guidebook. Includes information on qualification of drivers; proper licensing of vehicles and drivers; insurance; driver drug and alcohol testing programs; accident recording; driver’s hours of service; hazardous material handling and training; vehicle maintenance and inspection; and vehicle loading and weight requirements.

Michigan NETS. Michigan NETS was created in 1994 by the State of Michigan, Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) with the assistance of the National NETS organization. Michigan NETS provides information, products and services that improve the safe driving behavior of all employees.

Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division. Motor Carrier Officers perform a full range of enforcement duties including the detection and apprehension of individuals who use commercial vehicles in their criminal activities. Officers intercept drugs, alcohol, weapons and other contraband being transported on Michigan roadways. Experts at detecting unsafe or defective vehicles, officers perform thousands of comprehensive equipment inspections annually. Hazardous Materials Officers not only enforce strict safety standards and regulations, they conduct training programs that provide up-to-date regulatory and safety information to business and industry leaders.

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) relevant resources:

Michigan Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Manual. This manual includes the information needed to pass the Michigan Commercial Driver License (CDL) knowledge and skills test(s). The information presented may be useful to anyone driving a commercial vehicle in Michigan.

U.S. Trucking Information

Cross-Border Operating Requirements Handbook For Foreign Motor Carriers Entering The United States (May 2002). A useful handbook containing relevant information for Canadian truckers bringing cargo into the U.S.

How to Use the Hazardous Materials Regulations. A useful workbook that will help you locate parts, subparts, sections, and references within the HMR; locate and tab reference sections of the HMR; and use the HMR to locate specific information.

Canadian Trucking Information

Canadian Operating & Border Access Requirements for Foreign Motor Carriers NAFTA Resource Manual (April 2002)

Canadian Motor Carrier Regulations - Transport Canada. Use this site to learn more about Minister of Transport and what they do by browsing their departmental publications, list of programs and services, or acts and regulations.

FAST Canadian Website. In Canada, FAST builds on the Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) program and its principles of pre-approval and self-assessment, as well as increased security measures under the Partners in Protection (PIP) program

Canadian Operating & Border Access Requirements for Foreign Motor Carriers NAFTA Resource Manual. This manual seeks to provide Mexican and U.S. carriers, as well as other interested parties, with information for operating international services into Canada. It outlines requirements for obtaining permits and appropriate operating certification, and for complying with vehicle and safety standards. The manual contains information on requirements for motor carrier insurance, the transport of dangerous goods, the entry of drivers under immigration rules, and on customs and other government department regulations.

Other Resources

Municipal Solids Waste in the U.S. -- 2005 Facts and Figures (EPA). This report is the latest publication describing the national waste stream based on data collected from 1960 through 2005. The historical perspective provided by the data is useful for establishing trends in types of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated and in the ways that MSW is managed.

Trash Topography. An article from Canadian Architect that contains an historical view of Canada's municipal solid waste (MSW) export practices and offers alternatives to using landfills in Michigan.

Additional Resources