TORONTO Crossing an international border can be problematic, especially if youre crossing the border with a bus load of passengers.

In recent months, the Ontario Motorcoach Association has received calls from coach operators grousing about the clearance process at the three Niagara border crossings used by buses returning to Canada from the U.S.

The concerns included allegations of less-than-wonderful customer service on the part of some officers and that bus-passenger-clearance processes created long delays, inconveniencing passengers, particularly at the Queenston crossing.

OMCA officials took the complaints to Canada Border Services Agency management, who agreed to a meeting to hash out the issues.

To help operators, Motor Coach Canada, the national over-the-road bus association in Canada, has issued a new document containing tips for operators and drivers to minimize border-crossing delays when entering or returning to Canada.

"Many of our members have complained about long delays clearing customs and immigration on their entry or return to Canada," said David Carroll, director of safety and maintenance for Motor Coach Canada.

"This document was created after discussions with Canada Border Services Agency and is intended to minimize delays and assist CBSA officers in performing their duties more efficiently."

The document contains not only tips but also web addresses for checking -- in real time -- the delays at specific crossings, and sources for government documents that assist carriers to meet legal obligations.

"This document provides answers," said Brian Crow, president of Motor Coach Canada.

To obtain a copy of the document, Helpful Tips for Minimizing Border Crossing Delays, go to www.motorcoachcanada.com, click on "members," then "publications," then "manuals and guides," and then the document at the very bottom of the page. Questions should be directed to Carroll by e-mail at Dave@motorcoachcanada.com.

For details regarding OMCAs meeting with Canada Border Services Agency management, go to the OMCA website, www.omca.com, click on "media/government," then "news releases," and then OMCA Report Background January 22, 2010.

Meanwhile, Motor Coach Industries has compiled a series of tips for coaches traveling from the U.S. into British Columbia, site of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Many of the tips, which are excerpted below, are drawn from Motor Coach Canada materials.

British Columbia regulations. Operators must be correctly licensed, with liability and workers compensation insurance in compliance with British Columbia regulations. Information is available at http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/rpt, or check a link from the Naylor Publications "Tour & Travel Canada" site, courtesy Motor Coach Canada: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/MTRG0008/#/8.

Hands-free operation. New regulations on both sides of the border make it illegal to use cellular devices without a hands-free unit, such as a Bluetooth device.

Background checks. Make sure drivers coming from outside of Canada can comply with Canadian customs and immigration regulations.

Canadian hours of service. Know how long drivers can legally work and drive. The regulation states that drivers must be able to provide a drivers log for at least 14 days previous. Visit www.motorcoachcanada.com for details, as well as to purchase its laminated hours-of-service card.

Tire cables. These chain-like tire devices are required for operation in British Columbia. Regulations require that cables be available for both sets of tires on the drive axle. Motor Coach Canada also recommends having winter tires on your coach. Run-up blocks are a good idea to use to install cables.

Other weather concerns. Make sure coaches are properly winterized. Bring extra windshield wiper fluid and wiper blades. Keep on top of changing weather through news and websites like the Weather Network at http://www.theweathernetwork.com.

Biodiesel alert. Those fueling in British Columbia will find biodiesel, which can have a solvent effect, reducing fuel filter life. Operators, especially those with older coaches that dont normally run on biodiesel, should be prepared to change fuel filters more frequently.