SURREY, B.C. — US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun Phase I of a truck cargo pre-inspection pilot. The project, which got underway at the Pacific Highway crossing adjacent to Surrey, B.C. June 17, is a collaborative effort by CBP, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Public Safety Canada under the US/Canadian Beyond the Border initiative. Transport Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Transport are also participating in the pilot.

Phase I of the pilot is designed as a “proof of concept” to determine the viability of assigning CBP officers to Canadian border crossings to pre-inspect southbound trucks, drivers and cargo prior to arrival into the US. It will also test the viability of developed technologies and joint US-Canada procedures to conduct CBP primary truck processing in Canada. Officials say CBP will monitor wait times and provide traffic mitigation as needed.

Only trusted traders participating in CBP’s Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program will be eligible to use the dedicated CBP pre-inspection commercial primary booth located on the Canadian side of the border. Participation is not mandatory, according to officials. Pre-inspection in Canada will include radiation screening and basic primary processing. Secondary inspections, when required, will continue in the US port of entry.

The pilot will continue in Blaine, Wash. for up to six months and will operate Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phase II will test the feasibility of reducing cargo wait times.