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Border Crossing to Collect Truck Driver Contact Details

  • August 14, 2020
  • Madeline S.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to change how the transportation industry operates. While Canada has been successful in lowering the number of cases, the U.S. continues to struggle with rising case numbers, hospitalizations, and deaths.


As a result, all Canada-U.S. ports of entry will be collecting personal contact information for truck drivers crossing the border. This info will support contact tracing efforts in the fight against COVID-19.


The pilot program initially launched in July and will expand in August. The Ontario Trucking Association reports some delays and queues as a result. However, the personal information only needs to be collected once, meaning truck drivers that routinely do cross-border tips do not need to re-enter their data during subsequent crossings.


According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) spokesperson, Luke Reimer, a truck driver must give this info to enter Canada. “It is mandatory for travelers – including exempt persons – to provide their contact information in accordance with section 15(1) of the Quarantine Act and section 2(b) of the Order in Council 2020-0523,” said Reimer.


Truck drivers should be prepared to pass along their personal email address and phone number. To speed along the process, drivers are encouraged to enter the required info into the federal ArriveCAN app before arriving at the border.


Drivers are also to self-report any COVID-19 symptoms. However, all drivers, whether or not they report symptoms, are required to present contact information. This program applies to anyone crossing the border, including those exempt from the 14-day quarantine requirements.


Canada and the U.S. recently announced they would be extending the closure of the border to non-essential travel into August. It is expected to be further extended, given the high case numbers in the U.S.


Canadian truck drivers have had a unique insight into seeing both countries manage the virus and many report fear and discomfort with how the situation in the U.S. is. Drivers applauded the border closure extended and are worried about what could happen if it reopens to non-essential travel soon.


This new program adds another layer to border crossing that can add time to a trip. To make border crossing as smooth as possible, sign up for our e-Manifest software. Our e-Manifest software makes it easy to submit manifests electronically and will make border crossing a breeze.