Trusted Trader programs are joint initiatives between government agencies and the private sector aimed at enhancing border and trade chain security while improving processing efficiency for low-risk, pre-approved businesses. Three such programs are outlined below.

The FAST program, which stands for Free and Secure Trade, is a collaborative effort between the CBP and CBSA aimed at boosting border security while facilitating the swift processing of low-risk shipments. FAST-approved carriers in the U.S. can transport FAST shipments, and are granted special benefits, including access to dedicated lanes and expedited processing during inspections.

C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is a voluntary partnership between the private sector and U.S. Customs and Border Protection that focuses on improving supply chain security and enhancing border security. The program involves CBP working closely with the trade community to enhance security measures in international supply chains.

Partners in Protection (PIP) is a voluntary program between the CBSA and private industry that promotes border and trade chain security. There is no membership fee for this program, which is designed to streamline and make border processes more efficient for low-risk businesses that have been pre-approved as trusted traders.