This report analyzes the feasibility of co-locating federal and state inspections at Texas-Mexico border crossings and assesses the potential benefits in terms of improving the efficiency of carrier-motor-vehicle traffic flow. Findings indicate inspection rates rather than location most significantly impact crossing times.
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New Video: Potential Benefits of E-Inspections
E-inspections of trucks offer an alternative to traditional weigh-station inspections, which require hands-on human interaction and delay drivers. Inspections can be automated to a great extent by leveraging technology without compromising safety, thereby achieving efficiencies and improving accuracy of inspection data. This video provides an overview of e-inspections, especially as they relate to cross-border freight traffic.
New Report: Evaluation of Ambulance Cross Border Operations
Cross-border travel across the U.S.-Mexican border often experiences delays due to international security and customs concerns. However, medical emergencies require expedited travel through land ports of entry to save patients. Researchers examined potential strategies to expedite patient transfers and held a workshop to solicit input from stakeholders on the strategies.
When Time Is Money, Fast Is Good; Faster Is Better
Quick and seamless passage across the U.S.-Mexico border has long been the Holy Grail for any commercial interest whose success depends on transportation efficiency. And for just as long, the safety inspection process at the border has represented the most persistent roadblock to that aspiration.
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Reducing the Domino Effect at LPOEs
Travelers at the U.S.-Mexico border are experiencing longer and longer wait times. While NAFTA has proven economically advantageous for both countries—partly by encouraging tourism and trade in border towns—one negative consequence of increased economic activity has been longer lines at land ports of entry (LPOEs). The demand to cross from one country to the other usually exceeds a port’s capacity to efficiently process that traffic. This is particularly true in highly populated, bi-national regions such as El Paso-Ciudad Juarez. [Read more…] about Reducing the Domino Effect at LPOEs
A Well-Informed Community Is a Profitable Community
by Bob Trotter
When you’re a business relying on just-in-time (JIT) inventory systems to meet consumer demand, long wait times at the U.S.-Mexico border can make the difference between profit and loss. What businesses need is a way to predict how long those waits will be so they can optimize their shipping schedules. [Read more…] about A Well-Informed Community Is a Profitable Community