CONSOLIDATED FREIGHTWAYS JOINS CANADA CUSTOMS BORDER SECURITY PROGRAM

CONSOLIDATED FREIGHTWAYS JOINS CANADA CUSTOMS BORDER SECURITY PROGRAM

   Consolidated Freightways has joined the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency in a bilateral effort to improve security along the 3,000-mile U.S./Canadian border.

   The program, called Partners in Protection, is designed to reduce or eliminate contraband smuggling. CF said its employees will be trained to look for other illegal activities. CF will receive advice and consultation from the CCRA on the application of new customs legislation and procedures relating to contraband issues. The program will also facilitate continual improvements in communications between CF and CCRA, the company said.

   The program is part of the World Customs Organization's global push to develop solidarity among key carriers and customs officials charged with border security.

   CF, the large less-than-truckload service provider, moves hundreds of trucks across the U.S./Canadian border each week.

   'CF's upgraded role will enhance our current communication with government officials on a daily basis,' said Dennis Freeman CF's manager of customs compliance. 'The evolving partnership between CF and Canadian Customs will further heighten existing safety standards and security along the entire border.'

   Several years ago, CF developed a data exchange 'hot link' directly with Canadian Customs. The link allows CF to clear freight through any one of 38 CF offices, in Canada, said Gary Keenan, CF's Northeast region vice president. Keenan signed a memorandum agreement with Ruby Howard, assistant commissioner for Canadian Customs in South Ontario Region, at a ceremony at Pearson International Airport in Toronto on Tuesday.