U.S. truckers dreaming of zipping across the border into Canada may not be indulging in idle fantasy. Within the next few years that dream could become a reality, thanks to a new border crossing process masterminded by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.
On April 7, CCRA, formerly known as Revenue Canada, rolled out plans to revamp how it does business at the U.S.-Canadian border. The program will “streamline the movement of legitimate trade,” Minister of National Revenue Martin Cauchon said at a press conference.
For many carriers who regularly cross the border with the same low-risk merchandise, this is good news. It means no more long waits for clearance, and very little paperwork to hand in at the checkpoint. It’s a great idea, and officials are hoping to enact it through CCRA’s new Customs Self-Assessment program.
After completing a detailed questionnaire, a trucking company carrying low-risk, frequent shipments will be able to cross into Canada almost as easily as going state-to-state south of the border. CCRA is eliminating report and release documentation requirements for shippers and carriers. Under the program, paperwork for carriers and shippers will be reduced to three required data elements to clear a shipment at the border — the driver’s name, the carrier and the importer.
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