December 9, 2003

The following article is excerpted from the on-line “American Shipper” e-magazine of  December  9, 2003.

TransCore will supply the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection more than 170,000 radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to identify trucks enrolled in a special trade security program ….

Under a $4 million contract to support the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program TransCore also will install equipment to read the truck signals at inspection booths for more than 99
FAST lanes at 22 border crossings.

FAST is a program to increase efficiency and security along the border by automating customs clearance. Companies with a demonstrated history of compliance with Customs and other regulations and good internal security controls are eligible to electronically transmit their shipping data in advance so their trucks don't have to wait at the border to have their papers checked. Importers, motor carriers and drivers all must be approved by Customs. Companies must participate in the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism and drivers must pass a background check.

The RFID tag links the vehicle and the driver (who is issued a special ID card) to the contents of the truck by comparing the unique identifier number with pre-filed data about the
truck, driver and the imported cargo. An alert is then sent to the inspection booth, notifying agents of whether the truck is FAST compliant, whether fees have been paid, and displaying a digital image of the driver along with biographical information. Compliant trucks are signaled to proceed.

FAST started out as a pilot program in 2002 at six northern ports of entry and recently was launched along the Mexican border at El Paso, Texas.

TransCore's eGo windshield sticker tags, which are about the size of a playing card, have been used in the initial phase of FAST. Customs and Border Protection plans to expand FAST to at least a dozen more border stations in 2004.