Critics Say U.S. Security Rules Could Stifle Trade

n array of anti-terrorism measures under development in the United States has industry and government officials in Canada concerned that truck traffic between the two countries could be stifled by regulatory overlap, if not overkill.

In addition to developing multiple rules requiring driver background checks and pre-notification of freight being sent into the country, the United States also is encouraging the Canadian federal government to adopt reciprocal security standards for their own drivers and carriers.

Canadian fleets are growing increasingly concerned that if the regulations are not streamlined, they may have to conduct several background checks on drivers and inform numerous U.S. agencies every time they want to send a load south. And that could have a damning effect on the Canadian economy.