Overnite Given Authority for FAST Express Along Canada-U.S. Border

RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Canada's Border Service Agency, recognizing its commitment to minimizing terrorist activity along its border with the United States while enhancing the economic prosperity of both countries, has confirmed Overnite Transportation, A UPS Company, as a participant in both the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) and Customs Self Assessment Programs, effectively streamlining the process for Overnite to move its trucks across the border.

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Overnite Director Mike Mackey oversees the Richmond, Va.-based less-than- truckload carrier's Canadian operation. "With a firm commitment to the integrity of the management of the supply chain process, we have developed systems, processes, properties and personnel that enhance shipment security and control. Enrolling in the U.S. Customs - Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Canada's Partners in Protection (PIP) programs, receiving designation as a FAST approved carrier and certification as a Customs Self Assessment (CSA) approved carrier, all serve as validation of these continuing efforts," he said.

For carriers and their customers, key benefits of the FAST program and CSA designation are greater speed and certainty in the clearance of low-risk, transborder shipments; reduced costs of compliance with customs requirements, and a strong and ongoing partnership with both U.S. and Canadian Customs administrations.

Specifically, these benefits include: * Reducing the information required for customs clearance. * Eliminating the need in some cases for importers to participate in the transmission of data for each transaction. * Dedicating lanes for FAST clearances. * Using compatible technology and electronic data protocols. * Reducing the rate of border examinations. * Conducting trade compliance verification away from the border to the greatest extent possible.

Overnite is the less-than-truckload freight transportation unit of UPS , the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services, offering an extensive range of options for synchronizing the movement of goods, information and funds. Additional information can be found on the Web at http://www.ups.com/.

Overnite serves all of North America, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands with direct service to more than 45,000 cities. For further information see the company's Web site, http://www.overnite.com/.