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Jul 12, 2007 11:12 AM

A truckload carrier has urged Congress to expedite federal programs that would improve the technology and infrastructure needed to augment security at US/Mexico and US/Canada borders, according to information from the American Trucking Associations (ATA).

Steve Russell of Celadon Group Inc testified June 19 on behalf of ATA before the subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

He said that federal initiatives, implemented in close cooperation with carriers in Canada and Mexico, help motor carriers increase the safety and security of their operations.

"Any successful effort for preventing the entry of terrorists through our air, sea or land borders will have to rely on the cooperation of foreign governments, in essence pushing our borders out," Russell testified. "This means working with Canadian and Mexican government agencies and officials in developing programs to share facilities and information systems in order to capture data prior to cargo and people arriving at our points of entry."

Russell urged Congress to continue supporting cross-border programs like C-TPAT and FAST; encouraged the Department of Homeland Security to take a lead role among federal agencies in managing point-of-entry systems and processes; and encouraged the committee to work with other congressional committees to analyze funding for improving border facilities and infrastructure.