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Feds want to see how long trucks idle at the border
Associated Press
Aug. 15, 2007 06:40 AM

TUCSON - The feds are looking into how long trucks stand by at the border, idling away the time, waiting in long lines at ports of entry.

Officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce are charged with carrying out the study. The results aren't in yet, but early indications are the delays could be costing billions of dollars in losses to the U.S. economy.

Recently, a delegation visited the two entry ports in Nogales, Ariz., to observe the movement of trade into the United States. About 1,500 trucks a day cross the border at Nogales, carrying everything from automobiles to medical supplies.





At the two ports of entry in Nogales, there are about 200 officers assigned to process between 1,200 and 1,500 trucks a day along with approximately 40,000 people a day in personal vehicles or on foot, said Brian Levin, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

"We're trying to get a better understanding of how to balance security and prosperity," said David Bohigian, assistant secretary of commerce for market access and compliance with the International Trade Administration.

During agriculture season, truckers have reported waiting up to 8 hours to cross.

Moving one or two minutes faster could translate into billions of dollars, Bohigian said.

Mexico is among the top three U.S trade partners with $320 billion in trade crossing the border each year, according to Mexican officials.