Statement from UPS on the Canada-U.S. pre-clearance agreement

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 18, 2015 /CNW/ -

"UPS applauds the Canadian and U.S. governments for reaching the recently announced pre-clearance agreement for travelers and goods moving between the Canada-U.S. border via all modes of transport, as part of the Beyond the Border Agreement. This initiative supports the economic health of our two countries as it will permit people and goods to move more efficiently across our shared border, allowing for greater trade and economic activity that will be of mutual benefit to both nations.

Implementing a pre-clearance model for movement of goods including ground and marine transport recognizes the importance of trade through all modes of delivery.  The agreement will help to reduce congestion at key Canada-U.S. land border crossings, such as the Detroit Windsor Bridge and the Peace Bridge between southern Ontario and New York State, which moves $131 billion in goods annually between our countries. The use of improved border processes, such as the pre-clearance system, establishes greater efficiency for Canadian businesses and U.S. Customs authorities. It supports improved competitiveness for businesses engaged in trade, as it helps ensure speed to market for export goods.

UPS believes it is in the interests of both nations to reduce barriers to trade so that businesses of all sizes are able to realize the opportunities provided by North American trade and investment integration.  Initiatives such as this pre-clearance agreement and others outlined in the Beyond the Border Agreement recognize and support the highly integrated supply chain which exists between Canada and the U.S. UPS encourages legislators on both sides of the border to continue their work on completing the legislation to fully implement this agreement and to remain focused on initiatives that remove barriers to trade.

UPS will continue to work with both the Canadian and U.S. governments to find new and innovative ways to meet the demands of North America's economy while ensuring security needs are met."

- Michael Tierney, President, UPS Canada

SOURCE UPS Canada

Nikkol Zezza, UPS Canada, 905-364-5924