Backups and delays at ports of entry across the US-Mexico border are increasingly causing disruptions in the supply chain. Last week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) transferred many of their customs officers, who usually handle the import and export of goods across the border, into immigration roles. This personnel shift at the border has left many of the ports of entry understaffed, leading to a sudden rise in truck border-crossing times – from 50 minutes to seven hours on average, according to CBP – and a drop in freight processing capacity by 40 percent.

The outlook on the situation is become increasingly worrisome. Many shippers are responding by trying to move more goods across the border in anticipation of worsening closures or even a complete border shutdown. Additionally, the Bridge of the Americas in El Paso was closed to truck traffic for the first time ever this Saturday. All of this occurring as Mexico’s produce season warms up, traditionally one of the busiest for northbound cargo.

Trans-Border will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep our customers apprised of any critical updates that may affect their merchandise. If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to Bill Carey, Import Compliance Manager, at bcarey@tbgfs.com or give us a call at (800) 493-9444.