Don,

The reason US Customs has inspectors in Vancouver (and by the
way Canada Customs has inspectors in the States) is to check for
foreign-origin goods transhipping via Vancouver that are counterfeit
or possibly being used for drug smuggling, etc... This program was in
exsitence long before 9/11 and Canada is one of dozens of countries
that are involved in it. So, its not because of any perceived lack of
faith in anyone's abilities, at least not that particular program.
Not sure what you mean when you say Vancouver is 2 days
closer to Europe, but the main reason for cargo moving via rail to
the US midwest out of Deltaport and Vanterm (vs US West coast
ports) is dollars - around $200 less over Vancouver than via Seattle.
To protect this cargo movement Canada Customs probably bought
a couple of the VACIS machines in case any needed exam. The
alternative is to pull containers off the trains at the border in the
midwest which is a logistical nightmare.


"Don White" wrote in message
...
I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss Lloyd.
After 9/11 there was all kinds of talk in local newspapers that the
Americans were unhappy with our security which
could endanger them.
In this port, we actually had US customs inspectors come up to assist the
locals. We also had to buy a hugh mobile
container inspection device. The implied threat was...if we weren't
secure,
our shipments heading to the US would be in trouble. This was a big deal
because we compete for containers heading stateside.
We're a couple of days closer to Europe which means wecan unload the
ships,
and ship the containers to the American mid west before the same ship
arrives in NewYork or Baltimore.

Steve wrote in message
...
snip...
The Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) is NOT required for
Canadian Citizens. It is only required for permanent residents of
Canada who for one reason or another have yet to receive their
citizenship.

Lloyd seems to be one of those types who just can't wait to blame the
States for everything that upsets them. Which would be really funny if
it wasn't such a widely adopted mantra by the Loony Lefties up here.

So feel free to invite a Canadian Citizen down for a boat ride.

Steve