The Canadian border got a little smarter and hopefully a little faster in mid-December, thanks to the Smart Border Declaration. The declaration resumes the Nexus program, an "Easy Pass" type system that lets pre-approved travelers cross the border without stopping. The program was put on hold after Sept. 11.

Meanwhile, a new Senate-approved bill aims to strengthen the security at U.S. ports by more closely monitoring the cargo and crew on incoming ships. The legislation would require all U.S. ports to develop a comprehensive security plan, conduct background checks of employees working in security-sensitive areas and require ships to electronically transfer cargo manifests to a port before entering the harbor.

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta recently said the Mexican border will be fully opened to long-haul trucks by May or June after the Jan. 1 date was pushed back by the Bush administration.

dhannon@cahners.com