Questions about FAST cards

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by Canadianhauler21, Jun 24, 2021.

  1. Canadianhauler21

    Canadianhauler21 Heavy Load Member

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    I was thinking of applying for a FAST card for the border. Mostly just to have it, instead of whipping out my passport everytime. My uncle shows his fast card instead of a passport even when the load isn't a FAST one.

    Yesterday I lost my passport in the USA, I ended up having to cross the border with my driver's license. Now I have to wait for service Canada to investigate the lost one. Basically out of cross border work for a week.

    How many of you have fast cards?
    Anyway, the questions.

    Can you get a fast card even if your company does not pull fast loads?

    I heard you have to do a interview, what is that like?

    How long does the process take from start to finish?
     
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  3. Phantom Trucker

    Phantom Trucker Medium Load Member

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    I’ve had one for years. It’s all I show for identification at the border, even though I don’t haul FAST approved loads.

    Yes you can obtain a FAST card regardless of the loads you haul.

    It’s been a number of years since I was in the interview, but when I went I had to go to a border crossing that held FAST card interviews and meet with both Canadian and US border officials. During the interview they ask a series of questions about you and your past then they take your photo and finger prints.

    Your card comes in the mail a couple weeks after if everything went okay in the interview.


    If I remember correctly, start to finish was a couple month deal back when I did it. I’d imagine COVID has slowed things down a bit. However, I did renew my FAST earlier this year and it happened a lot sooner than I anticipated so it’s hard to say.
     
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  4. Canadianhauler21

    Canadianhauler21 Heavy Load Member

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    Thanks, I will go ahead and try applying for it today. Seems hell of a lot better than showing the passport everytime. Man was starting to fade and getting bent out of shape.
     
  5. skipgears

    skipgears Medium Load Member

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    All FAST card interviews are on hiatus until border reopens. Mine expired in April, they granted automatic extension for 1 year due to Covid. You won't be able to get one now, but soon enough I guess, maybe September? But the backlog for existing renewals is probably gonna push you further into December. Best guess. FAST cards btw, are just another money grab. I have one only cause I like to leave my passport at home (so I don't lose it).
     
  6. Phantom Trucker

    Phantom Trucker Medium Load Member

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    Yeah, the guards seem to prefer a FAST card over a passport.

    As a FAST card holder they deem you as a “trusted traveller” and expect a little more out of you in terms of knowing right from wrong.

    In other words, play it straight once you get one. Make sure you declare everything. That goes for food as well.
     
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  7. Prairie Trucker

    Prairie Trucker Light Load Member

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    And the 'items' in the lead lined secret hatch
     
  8. Phantom Trucker

    Phantom Trucker Medium Load Member

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    Lol. Yes as we learned the other day.
     
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  9. upnorthwpg

    upnorthwpg Road Train Member

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    Had the card since they started the program shortly after sept 11th. I use it to go through the nexus lane at airports, and when we go down to the states for a holiday weekend.
     
  10. TorontoTacos

    TorontoTacos Light Load Member

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    When i use to show my fast card, i would cross so fast, usually less than 1 minute...:eek:
     
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  11. mudflap77

    mudflap77 Heavy Load Member

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    As a Canadian you need a fast card to haul hazmat in the states.
     
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