FAST for Commercial Drivers: Fees, Interviews and Border Routes

FAST stands for Free and Secure Trade. It serves commercial border traffic, so the first question is whether it fits the freight routes you drive. A driver researching FAST should consider both personal enrollment and the requirements that apply to the shipment and businesses involved.

What FAST does

The Canada Border Services Agency’s FAST overview describes a commercial clearance program for legitimate trade across the Canada–U.S. border. Benefits include dedicated lanes where available and streamlined processing. The driver membership lasts five years and the nonrefundable processing fee is US$50.

FAST also operates for commercial traffic entering the United States from Mexico. CBP’s FAST fact sheet explains the connection between FAST lanes and supply-chain security requirements. A driver card alone does not mean every load qualifies.

Canada–U.S. driver eligibility

According to CBSA’s FAST driver guidance, applicants may qualify if they are citizens or permanent residents of Canada or the United States and reside in one of those countries. They must be at least 18, have a valid driver’s license and be admissible to both countries. Both governments must approve the application.

Those are Canada–U.S. requirements. Drivers working the Mexico–U.S. route should consult the official FAST program information for their route rather than applying Canadian rules to a different border.

How interview planning works

CBSA directs conditionally approved FAST applicants to the TTP scheduler for interview appointments. Check your application status there before arranging a journey to an enrollment center.

For Canada–U.S. interviews, the driver guidance asks for original supporting documents. Review its proof-of-citizenship or residency requirements and current-address evidence, plus work or study documentation where applicable. Use your appointment instructions as the checklist for your own case.

Questions to resolve before choosing an appointment

• Which FAST route matches the work you actually do?
• Does your application status allow you to schedule the interview?
• Can you reach the enrollment center without disrupting a delivery commitment?
• Have you checked that the relevant carrier and shipment meet the program requirements?
• Do you have the supporting documents requested for your interview?

Separating these questions helps avoid a common planning mistake: treating a driver’s enrollment appointment as confirmation that a particular commercial crossing can use FAST.

FAST and private appointment alerts

Appointment Hopper currently markets Global Entry appointment alerts. Do not purchase that service expecting FAST coverage without confirming support for your specific program. A private alert service cannot approve a FAST application, certify a shipment or guarantee a border-processing time.

Researched September 20, 2026 using the official sources linked above. Program rules, fees and interview arrangements can change; confirm the latest instructions in your official account. Appointment Hopper is a private appointment-alert service, not affiliated with CBP, DHS, CBSA or any government agency. Appointment availability, booking and approval are not guaranteed.