Author(s):
L.E. Cornejo, J. Prozzi, J. Susen, M. Borrego
Publication Date
February 2017
Abstract
Increased trade and security measures have directly impacted border crossing times (including wait times and actual crossing times). Consequently, the ability to measure and understand delays at border crossings is important to expedite trade efficiently and securely. The central question remains: how long is too long to cross the border? This research aims to understand the causes of border crossing delays and identify meaningful metrics to measure delays.
To accomplish this task, the study team:
1. Conducted a comprehensive literature review of border crossing delay studies to understand and document the northbound and southbound border crossing processes.
2. Conducted in-person and telephone interviews with nine carriers and shippers in the El Paso/Juarez region to understand industry's expectations for ideal and maximum border crossing times.
3. Interviewed U.S. agencies involved in the commercial border crossing process to understand the agencies' perspective on acceptable border crossing times.
4. Identified factors that contribute to border delays and potential metrics to measure efficiency at the border and inform state-level policy to facilitate cross-border movements of freight.
El Paso was used as the case example for conducting the study.
The researchers found that carriers and shippers reported crossing times on El Paso bridges ranging from 1.5 hours to 4 hours. Respondents said that the ideal average time for a truck to cross in El Paso is an hour, and the average maximum crossing time is about 1.5 hours. Five out of nine carriers/shippers preferred a slightly longer but consistent border crossing time over a shorter but unpredictable crossing time.
Report Number:
PRC 16-60 F
Link(s):
Document/Product
http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/PRC-16-60-F.pdf
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