If you cross the Canada-US border regularly, a FAST card is one of the best investments you can make. FAST (Free and Secure Trade) is a trusted traveler program that gives pre-approved drivers, carriers, and importers dedicated lanes at border crossings — cutting wait times from hours to minutes.
What Is a FAST Card?
FAST is a joint Canada-US program managed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It provides expedited clearance for pre-approved commercial drivers at designated border crossings.
Key benefits: - Dedicated FAST lanes at major crossings - Reduced wait times (often under 5 minutes vs 30–60+ minutes) - No need to report to secondary inspection (most crossings) - Valid for 5 years - Recognized at both Canadian and US ports of entry
Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Apply
- Commercial truck drivers who cross the border regularly
- Must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the US
- Must have a valid passport
- Must have a valid commercial driver's license
- Must have no criminal record (some exceptions for pardoned offenses)
- Must not have any customs or immigration violations
Who Cannot Apply
- Individuals with unresolved criminal charges
- Individuals with customs violations in the past 5 years
- Individuals who have been denied entry to either country
- Individuals who have provided false information on previous applications
Application Process
Step 1: Apply Online ($50 USD)
- Create an account at the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website
- Complete the application form (personal info, employment, travel history)
- Pay the $50 USD non-refundable application fee
- Processing time: 2–6 months
Step 2: Background Check
CBP and CBSA conduct thorough background checks including: - Criminal history (both countries) - Immigration records - Customs violation history - Terrorist watchlist screening - Employment verification
Step 3: Interview
Once conditionally approved, schedule an interview at a FAST enrollment center:
Canadian enrollment centers: Fort Erie, Pacific Highway, Emerson, Lansdowne, Windsor, Lacolle
What to bring: - Passport - Commercial driver's license - Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate) - Proof of employment (letter from carrier) - Vehicle registration
Interview tips: - Be honest — any discrepancy with your application is grounds for denial - Dress professionally - Arrive 15 minutes early - Bring all requested documents (originals, not copies)
Step 4: Receive Your FAST Card
After approval, your FAST card is mailed to you within 2–3 weeks. It contains your photo, a unique ID number, and an RFID chip.
FAST vs NEXUS vs Global Entry
| Feature | FAST | NEXUS | Global Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Commercial drivers | Personal travel CAN/US | International air travel |
| Cost | $50 USD | $50 USD | $100 USD |
| Valid | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Border lanes | FAST commercial lanes | NEXUS lanes (car) | Global Entry kiosks (airports) |
| Includes | Commercial clearance | Air, land, marine | Air + land (US only) |
| Best for | Truck drivers | Frequent personal travelers | International flyers |
Pro tip: NEXUS includes FAST benefits for personal vehicle crossings and air travel. If you cross for both work and personal travel, NEXUS is the better value.
FAST-Approved Crossings
Not all border crossings have FAST lanes. Major FAST-enabled crossings:
Ontario: Fort Erie/Buffalo, Windsor/Detroit, Lansdowne/Thousand Islands, Sarnia/Port Huron
Quebec: Lacolle/Champlain
Manitoba: Emerson/Pembina
British Columbia: Pacific Highway/Blaine
Alberta: Coutts/Sweetgrass
Maintaining Your FAST Card
- Renewal: Apply for renewal 1 year before expiration
- Report changes: Notify CBP/CBSA of address changes, new employment, criminal charges
- Don't lend it: FAST cards are non-transferable
- Revocation: Cards can be revoked for criminal activity, customs violations, or providing false information
Border Crossing with TruckerPro
TruckerPro's Border Pro module (at borderpro.ai) manages your cross-border documentation: - eManifest filing (ACE/ACI) - PARS/PAPS tracking - Driver and vehicle profiles for border compliance - SSO from your TMS — one click to access border tools
Combined with a FAST card, you'll spend more time driving and less time waiting at the border.