Appendix c: summary of Stakeholder interviews

  ----------- ----------------- -------------- --------- ----------- ------------------- ----------------------
  **Private / **Stakeholder**   **City**       **POE     **Date**    **Main Issues /     **Suggestions**
  Public**                                     State**               Problems**          

  Private     Customs Broker    Cd. Juarez, Ch TX        1-Mar-02    Current U.S. POEs   Enable U.S. and
              (Mexico)                                               in El Paso have     Mexican inspections to
                                                                     insufficient        be conducted in bonded
                                                                     capacity for        Mexican facilities at
                                                                     peak-hour traffic   border.
                                                                     volumes.            

  Private     Trucking Firm     Cd. Juarez, Ch TX        1-Mar-02    Insufficient        U.S. and Mexican
              (Mexico)                                               inspectors to       Customs should alter
                                                                     operate NII         schedules (morning
                                                                     equipment. Traffic  hours not fully
                                                                     conflicts from      utilized). Increase
                                                                     mingling of empty   staffing for NII
                                                                     and loaded trucks.  equipment operators.
                                                                                         Separation of empty
                                                                                         and loaded trucks
                                                                                         necessary to improve
                                                                                         flow of commercial
                                                                                         traffic.

  Private     Trucking Firm     Eagle Pass, TX TX        30-May-02   Insufficient        Improve program
              (U.S.)                                                 promotion of CIP    promotion for carriers
                                                                     program. DOT        (CIP). Reduce
                                                                     vehicle inspections unnecessary delays for
                                                                     are often very slow vehicle safety
                                                                     (45 mins).          inspections.

  Public      Customs (U.S.)    El Paso, TX    TX        28-Feb-02   Low private-sector  Greater private-sector
                                                                     enrollment in       enrollment in BRASS is
                                                                     BRASS. Insufficient required (current
                                                                     lanes/booths        volumes very low at El
                                                                     available at        Paso). Redesign
                                                                     primary inspection  entrance to Ysleta
                                                                     and exit            POE, providing more
                                                                     inspection. Peaks   primary lanes and a
                                                                     in traffic volumes  pre-primary inspection
                                                                     at POEs are         station. Relocate and
                                                                     partially caused by widen exit gate.
                                                                     private-sector      Increase information
                                                                     scheduling.         sharing and automation
                                                                     Staffing shortages  (implement ACE as soon
                                                                     at POEs also        as possible).
                                                                     contribute to       
                                                                     congestion (USCS    
                                                                     and FDA             
                                                                     particularly). Poor 
                                                                     private-sector      
                                                                     communication and   
                                                                     coordination        
                                                                     results in crossing 
                                                                     delays and          
                                                                     documentation       
                                                                     errors.             

  Public      Customs (U.S.)    El Paso, TX    TX        28-Feb-02   Shortage of         Increase funding for
                                                                     personnel to        NII operators. Build
                                                                     operate NII         preprimary inspection
                                                                     equipment. No       station at Ysleta and
                                                                     segregation of      expand primary lanes
                                                                     truck traffic.      to expedite traffic
                                                                     Benefits for BRASS  through POE. Consider
                                                                     participants are    dedication of Bridge
                                                                     insufficient.       of the Americsas
                                                                                         (BOTA) crossing to
                                                                                         empties and BRASS
                                                                                         traffic. Explore
                                                                                         solutions to privacy
                                                                                         laws that limit the
                                                                                         information available
                                                                                         for developing
                                                                                         expedited crossing
                                                                                         programs. Enhance
                                                                                         BRASS benefits for
                                                                                         private sector.
                                                                                         Explore legal
                                                                                         requirements to enable
                                                                                         U.S. and Mexican
                                                                                         Customs agents to
                                                                                         inspect cargo at one
                                                                                         another\'s compounds.

  Private     Customs Broker    El Paso, TX    TX        19-Nov-01   Shippers make       Improve private-sector
              (U.S.)                                                 last-minute changes communication and
                                                                     to manifests that   coordination. Target
                                                                     delay crossing      inspections at U.S.
                                                                     process. Customs    Customs instead of
                                                                     uses blanket        using blanket
                                                                     inspection          approach. Provide
                                                                     techniques that     longer hours at U.S.
                                                                     penalize honest     ports of entry.
                                                                     shippers, brokers,  
                                                                     and carriers.       

  **Private / **Stakeholder**   **City**       **POE     **Date**    **Main Issues /     **Suggestions**
  Public**                                     State**               Problems**          

  Private     Customs Broker    El Paso, TX    TX        28-Feb-02   Significant         Eliminate double
              (U.S.)                                                 duplication of      validation of Export
                                                                     processes (public   Pedimento by Mexican
                                                                     and private sector) Customs. Reduce repeat
                                                                     in crossing system. truck inspections by
                                                                     There is no         federal/state DOT and
                                                                     binational protocol DPS inspectors.
                                                                     sealing/resealing   
                                                                     trailers.           
                                                                     Private-sector      
                                                                     schedules and       
                                                                     practices           
                                                                     contribute to       
                                                                     congestion at the   
                                                                     border Maquiladoras 
                                                                     don\'t load         
                                                                     trailers until      
                                                                     mid-morning.        

  Private     Logistics         El Paso, TX    TX        19-Nov-01   Lack of lead agency Create POE management
              Provider (U.S.)                                        at border.          entity, privatize
                                                                                         functions where
                                                                                         necessary/possible.
                                                                                         Develop a long-term
                                                                                         development strategy
                                                                                         for specific POEs and
                                                                                         border. Provide
                                                                                         economic incentive to
                                                                                         encourage private
                                                                                         sector to cross during
                                                                                         off-peak periods.

  Private     Shipper (Mexico)  El Paso, TX    TX        1-Mar-02    Mexican trade       Enable U.S.
                                                                     regulations change  inspections to be
                                                                     frequently - U.S.   conducted in Mexico.
                                                                     and Mexican vehicle Improve binational
                                                                     safety authorities  information sharing.
                                                                     do not exchange     Consolidate U.S.
                                                                     information on      border agencies
                                                                     drivers/vehicles.   (create lead agency).
                                                                     U.S. and Mexican    Pave northern route
                                                                     authorities do not  from Cd. Juarez to
                                                                     exchange            Santa Teresa POE to
                                                                     intelligence        relieve congestion at
                                                                     information         BOTA and Ysleta.
                                                                     pertaining to one   
                                                                     another. Technology 
                                                                     and processes are   
                                                                     duplicated on each  
                                                                     side of the border. 

  Private     Shipper (U.S.)    El Paso, TX    TX        19-Nov-01   Lack of leadership  Create dedicated lane
                                                                     among U.S. border   for BRASS shipments at
                                                                     agencies.           a local POE. Improved
                                                                     Insufficient        information sharing
                                                                     incentives for      among U.S. and Mexican
                                                                     BRASS.              agencies.

  Private     Trade Group       El Paso, TX    TX        19-Nov-01   Excess capacity at   
              (U.S.)                                                 local border        
                                                                     crossing during     
                                                                     off-peak periods.   
                                                                     POE staffing        
                                                                     constraints.        

  Private     Trade Group       El Paso, TX    TX        19-Nov-01                       Coordinate schedules
              (U.S.)                                                                     of local POEs. Improve
                                                                                         promotion of BRASS
                                                                                         program.

  Private     Trucking Firm     El Paso, TX    TX        19-Nov-01   Late broker         Improve private-sector
              (Mexico)                                               starting times      scheduling. Physically
                                                                     delay crossing      separate distinct
                                                                     process (may not    commercial traffic
                                                                     begin documenting   types.
                                                                     shipments until 9   
                                                                     a.m.) No physical   
                                                                     separation of       
                                                                     traffic types       

  Private     Warehouse         El Paso, TX    TX        19-Nov-01                       Promote utilization of
                                                                                         POEs with excess
                                                                                         capacity (e.g., Santa
                                                                                         Teresa).

  Private     Consultant        Friendswood,   TX        30-May-02                       Enable U.S. Customs
                                TX                                                       inspections to take
                                                                                         place in Mexico to
                                                                                         improve security and
                                                                                         relieve border
                                                                                         congestion.

  Private     Customs Broker    Hidalgo,       TX        31-May-02   FDA does not have   POEs should open
              (U.S.)            Tamps.                               sufficient          earlier in the
                                                                     staffing, is not    morning. Funding for
                                                                     connected to the    FDA should be
                                                                     ABI / ACS system.   increased (more staff,
                                                                     FDA does not        connection to ABI
                                                                     communicate new     system).
                                                                     requirements to     
                                                                     trade community.    

  **Private / **Stakeholder**   **City**       **POE     **Date**    **Main Issues /     **Suggestions**
  Public**                                     State**               Problems**          

  Public      Customs (U.S.)    Laredo, TX     TX        12-Feb-02   Mexican custom      Involve trucking
                                                                     broker activities   associations and other
                                                                     often delay         trade groups to help
                                                                     border-crossing     define Customs
                                                                     process. Major U.S. initiatives. More
                                                                     agencies (USCS,     VACIS units are
                                                                     USDA, FDA) not      required on southern
                                                                     connected to same   border. U.S.-Mexico
                                                                     computer systems.   Through Bill of Lading
                                                                     POEs have an excess (NAFTA B/L) would help
                                                                     of dock capacity    streamline the border
                                                                     and a shortage of   crossing process.
                                                                     queuing areas for   Encourage greater
                                                                     X-ray / VACIS.      information sharing
                                                                                         between private and
                                                                                         public sectors
                                                                                         required. Implement
                                                                                         ACE as quickly as
                                                                                         possible.

  Private     Customs Broker    Laredo, TX     TX        31-Jan-02   Delays are largely   
              (Mexico)                                               due to a lack of    
                                                                     communication       
                                                                     between shippers    
                                                                     and customs brokers 
                                                                     regarding freight   
                                                                     in transit. Brokers 
                                                                     have to wait for    
                                                                     shipment to arrive  
                                                                     before preparing    
                                                                     paperwork.          

  Private     Customs Broker    Laredo, TX     TX        31-Jan-02   Border crossing      
              (U.S.)                                                 coordination        
                                                                     problems primarily  
                                                                     occur in the        
                                                                     private sector.     

  Private     Customs Broker    Laredo, TX     TX        29-Jan-02   Failure of the ABI  Create more effective
              (U.S.)                                                 system occurs       contingency plan for
                                                                     several times per   ABI brownouts.
                                                                     year.               Implement ACE as
                                                                                         quickly as possible.
                                                                                         Improve public agency
                                                                                         training to handle
                                                                                         Hazardous Materials
                                                                                         shipments.

  Private     Customs Broker    Laredo, TX     TX        30-Jan-02   Mexican access to   Increase U.S. Customs
              (U.S.)                                                 Colombia toll route staffing of primary
                                                                     is narrow and       booths during peak
                                                                     hazardous (twinning periods.
                                                                     project near        
                                                                     completion).        
                                                                     Breakdowns in       
                                                                     communication among 
                                                                     private sector      
                                                                     partners are common 
                                                                     causes of delay.    
                                                                     Staffing at USCS is 
                                                                     insufficient - too  
                                                                     few primary gates   
                                                                     open during peak    
                                                                     periods.            

  Public      Municipal         Laredo, TX     TX        30-Jan-02                       State vehicle
              Government                                                                 inspection facilities
                                                                                         should be located away
                                                                                         from commercial border
                                                                                         crossings.

  Private     Shipper (U.S.)    Laredo, TX     TX        30-Jan-02   Lack of private     Single entry of
                                                                     sector coordination information - share a
                                                                     is evident in the   greater degree of
                                                                     crossing process.   information (domestic
                                                                     Broker schedules    and binational).
                                                                     contribute to       Increase staffing at
                                                                     afternoon traffic   U.S. POEs. Improve
                                                                     peaks at border.    border-region road
                                                                                         infrastructure in
                                                                                         Mexico.

  Private     Trade Group       Laredo, TX     TX        19-Jan-02   Delays occur at     Provide more NII
              (U.S.)                                                 VACIS and X-Ray     equipment and
                                                                     units within U.S.   operators.
                                                                     POEs                

  **Private / **Stakeholder**   **City**       **POE     **Date**    **Main Issues /     **Suggestions**
  Public**                                     State**               Problems**          

  Private     Trucking Firm     Laredo, TX     TX        29-Jan-02   Interest groups and Install more NII
              (U.S.)                                                 politics prevent    equipment at POEs.
                                                                     efficiency at       Increase funding for
                                                                     border (e.g.,       paperless crossing
                                                                     Municipal           system (ACE). Provide
                                                                     opposition to       longer hours at Laredo
                                                                     vehicle inspection  World Trade Bridge
                                                                     facilities, USCS    (WTB) - private sector
                                                                     labor unions).      must be notified in
                                                                     Retention of CIP    advance of schedule
                                                                     certified drivers   change.
                                                                     is difficult.       

  Private     Trucking Firm     Laredo, TX     TX        30-Jan-02   Most coordination   Improve private-sector
              (U.S.)                                                 problems at border  communication and
                                                                     are caused by       coordination to
                                                                     private sector.     prepare and submit
                                                                                         broker documentation
                                                                                         in a more timely
                                                                                         fashion.

  Private     Trucking Firm     Laredo, TX     TX        31-Jan-02   Communication       Install more NII
              (U.S.)                                                 problems exist      equipment at POEs.
                                                                     between the shipper 
                                                                     and the Mexican     
                                                                     broker.             

  Private     Trucking Firm     Laredo, TX     TX        31-Jan-02   Lack of             Locate TxDOT
              (U.S.)                                                 communication and   commercial vehicle
                                                                     information         inspection facilities
                                                                     exchange exists     13- 15 miles north of
                                                                     among private       the border to avoid
                                                                     sector              exacerbating
                                                                     stakeholders.       congestion.
                                                                     Staffing shortages  
                                                                     occur at U.S.       
                                                                     primary during peak 
                                                                     periods.            

  Public      Customs (U.S.)    Nogales, AZ    AZ        20-Mar-02   Infrastructure is    
                                                                     major constraint at 
                                                                     Nogales. There are  
                                                                     insufficient border 
                                                                     crossing and POE    
                                                                     access lanes.       
                                                                     Queues routinely    
                                                                     form at the X-Ray   
                                                                     and VACIS units.    
                                                                     There is            
                                                                     insufficient room   
                                                                     for additional      
                                                                     machines. USDA and  
                                                                     USCS computers are  
                                                                     not linked. Mexican 
                                                                     Port Directors are  
                                                                     constantly changing 
                                                                     − no continuity of  
                                                                     relationships or    
                                                                     initiatives.        

  Private     Customs Broker    Nogales, AZ    AZ        21-Mar-02   USDA's lack of      Enable USDA connection
              (U.S.)                                                 connectivity to the to ABI/ACS computer
                                                                     ABI/ACS system.     system. Shift
                                                                     Shortage of         passenger vehicles to
                                                                     \"Cruzadores\"      alternative crossing.
                                                                     (contract drivers)  
                                                                     to transfer         
                                                                     long-haul tractors  
                                                                     and trailers across 
                                                                     the border.         
                                                                     Physical border     
                                                                     crossing            
                                                                     infrastructure at   
                                                                     Nogales is          
                                                                     insufficient for    
                                                                     current crossing    
                                                                     volumes. Numerous   
                                                                     military drug       
                                                                     checkpoints on the  
                                                                     Mexican highways    
                                                                     leading to Nogales  
                                                                     cause significant   
                                                                     delays for          
                                                                     time-sensitive      
                                                                     produce. USDA       
                                                                     graders begin       
                                                                     inspecting          
                                                                     shipments in Mexico 
                                                                     too late in the     
                                                                     morning.            

  **Private / **Stakeholder**   **City**       **POE     **Date**    **Main Issues /     **Suggestions**
  Public**                                     State**               Problems**          

  Private     Customs Broker    Nogales, AZ    AZ        21-Mar-02   Shortage of         Enable USDA connection
              (U.S.)                                                 \"Cruzadores\" to   to ABI/ACS computer
                                                                     transfer long-laul  system. Provide
                                                                     tractors and        incentive to encourage
                                                                     trailers across the use of off-peak
                                                                     border. USDA        periods at POE.
                                                                     graders begin       Provide refrigerated
                                                                     inspecting          stations for produce
                                                                     shipments in Mexico inspections at POE.
                                                                     too late in the     
                                                                     morning. Private    
                                                                     sector schedules    
                                                                     (Warehouses are not 
                                                                     opened in U.S.      
                                                                     until 10 a.m.       
                                                                     because they stay   
                                                                     open until 2 a.m.). 
                                                                     Shippers try to     
                                                                     avoid excess        
                                                                     capacity and higher 
                                                                     U.S. secondary      
                                                                     inspection rates in 
                                                                     morning. USDA's     
                                                                     lack of             
                                                                     connectivity to the 
                                                                     ABI/ACS system.     
                                                                     Physical border     
                                                                     crossing            
                                                                     infrastructure at   
                                                                     Nogales is          
                                                                     insufficient (POE   
                                                                     designed for half   
                                                                     of current volume). 
                                                                     Private-sector      
                                                                     schedules           
                                                                     contribute to       
                                                                     peak-period         
                                                                     congestion and      
                                                                     delays.             

  Private     Trade Group       Nogales, AZ    AZ        22-Mar-02   USDA graders begin  Schedule USDA
              (Mexico)                                               inspecting          inspectors to begin
                                                                     shipments in Mexico work earlier in
                                                                     too late in the     Nogales, Sonora. Open
                                                                     morning. Physical   POE earlier on Mondays
                                                                     border crossing     to accommodate
                                                                     infrastructure at   private-sector demand.
                                                                     Nogales is          Improve public-private
                                                                     insufficient (POE   sector schedule
                                                                     designed for half   coordination.
                                                                     of current volume). 

  Private     Trucking Firm     Nogales, AZ    AZ        22-Mar-02   Physical border      
              (Mexico)                                               crossing            
                                                                     infrastructure at   
                                                                     Nogales is          
                                                                     insufficient (POE   
                                                                     designed for half   
                                                                     of current volume). 
                                                                     Two preprimary      
                                                                     inspection lanes    
                                                                     are insufficient.   

  Public      USDA              Nogales, AZ    AZ        21-Mar-02   USDA is not         Enable USDA connection
                                                                     connected to ABI    to ABI/ACS computer
                                                                     system (network is  system. Create an
                                                                     antiquated and      in-bond pest
                                                                     cannot handle       inspection warehouse
                                                                     additional users).  in Nogales, AZ.
                                                                     USDA ands FDA dock  
                                                                     spaces at Nogales   
                                                                     POE are not deep    
                                                                     enough; unloaded    
                                                                     cargo occupies      
                                                                     several docks.      

  Private     Customs Broker    Nogales,       AZ        22-Mar-02   Physical border      
              (Mexico)          Sonora                               crossing            
                                                                     infrastructure at   
                                                                     Nogales is          
                                                                     insufficient (POE   
                                                                     designed for half   
                                                                     of current volume). 
                                                                     U.S. vehicle safety 
                                                                     inspection agencies 
                                                                     target Mexican      
                                                                     trucks / drivers.   

  **Private / **Stakeholder**   **City**       **POE     **Date**    **Main Issues /     **Suggestions**
  Public**                                     State**               Problems**          

  Private     Trade Group       Nogales,       AZ        22-Mar-02   USDA graders begin  U.S. Consulate should
              (U.S.)            Sonora                               inspecting          provide longer work
                                                                     shipments in Mexico visas for Mexican
                                                                     too late in the     truckers (they
                                                                     morning. USDA's     currently must renew
                                                                     lack of             every year). Border
                                                                     connectivity to the facilities should be
                                                                     ABI/ACS system.     redesigned to
                                                                     Trucks arriving     accommodate larger
                                                                     early at POE have   traffic volumes.
                                                                     to wait because     
                                                                     USDA does not begin 
                                                                     inspecting produce  
                                                                     until 8 a.m.        
                                                                     Numerous military   
                                                                     drug checkpoints on 
                                                                     the Mexican         
                                                                     highways leading to 
                                                                     Nogales cause       
                                                                     significant delays  
                                                                     for time-sensitive  
                                                                     produce. Manual     
                                                                     paperwork           
                                                                     submission and      
                                                                     inspections process 
                                                                     at USDA is          
                                                                     time-consuming and  
                                                                     inefficient (for    
                                                                     all parties).       
                                                                     Mexican port        
                                                                     directors           
                                                                     constantly change - 
                                                                     no continuity of    
                                                                     relationships,      
                                                                     initiatives.        

  Private     Shipper (Mexico)  Nuevo Laredo,  TX        30-Jan-02                       Customs brokers should
                                Tamps.                                                   adjust schedules to
                                                                                         improve utilization of
                                                                                         off-peak morning hours
                                                                                         at POEs. State vehicle
                                                                                         inspection facilities
                                                                                         should be located away
                                                                                         from (as opposed to
                                                                                         at) border.

  Private     Trucking Firm     Nuevo Laredo,  TX        30-May-02   High percentage of  Expedite the crossing
              (Mexico)          Tamps.                               shipments is sent   process for large,
                                                                     to U.S. secondary   reliable shippers and
                                                                     inspection. Toll    carriers.
                                                                     collection is not   
                                                                     automated. Renewal  
                                                                     of driver visas and 
                                                                     laser cards is      
                                                                     difficult.          

  Private     Customs Broker    Otay Mesa, CA  CA        5-Nov-01    Lack of clarity     Hold public-private
              (U.S.)                                                 regarding           sector in meetings on
                                                                     requirements for    HazMat requirements.
                                                                     HazMat shipments.   Increased staffing
                                                                     Empties             required at Otay Mesa
                                                                     significantly       POE.
                                                                     exacerbate          
                                                                     congestion and      
                                                                     delays at Otay      
                                                                     Mesa.               

  Private     Trucking Firm     Otay Mesa, CA  CA        23-Mar-02   Insufficient POE    Open Otay Mesa-Tijuana
              (Mexico)                                               hours.              commercial crossing
                                                                                         for 16 hours/day.

  Public      Customs (U.S.)    Otay Mesa, CA  CA        23-Mar-02   Space constraints.  Purchase available
                                                                     Insufficient NII    land adjacent to POE.
                                                                     equipment to        Install additional
                                                                     inspect empties.    VACIS unit. Build new
                                                                     Mexican port        empties\' gate to
                                                                     director is         reduce congestion.
                                                                     frequently changed. 
                                                                     Private sector      
                                                                     practices create    
                                                                     afternoon traffic   
                                                                     peaks.              

  Private     Trucking Firm     Otay Mesa, CA  CA        6-Nov-01    No formal           Provide physically
              (Mexico)                                               segregation of      separated lanes for
                                                                     loaded/empty        different traffic
                                                                     traffic. POE        types in advance of
                                                                     schedule does not   Primary. Otay Mesa
                                                                     match               entrance for empties
                                                                     private-sector      should be on west side
                                                                     schedules. Layout   of compound to reduce
                                                                     of U.S. and Mexican congestion. Customs
                                                                     compounds           should lengthen
                                                                     incongruent.        schedule and remain
                                                                                         open later (two 8-hour
                                                                                         shifts). BRASS program
                                                                                         requires greater
                                                                                         incentives/promotion
                                                                                         and faster application
                                                                                         processing.

  **Private / **Stakeholder**   **City**       **POE     **Date**    **Main Issues /     **Suggestions**
  Public**                                     State**               Problems**          

  Private     Customs Broker    Pharr, TX      TX        15-Nov-01   Insufficient access  
              (U.S.)                                                 lanes at POE (2     
                                                                     lanes that narrow   
                                                                     to 1). U.S. vehicle 
                                                                     safety inspection   
                                                                     agencies target     
                                                                     Mexican             
                                                                     trucks/drivers.     
                                                                     Long secondary      
                                                                     delays occur during 
                                                                     U.S. Customs shift  
                                                                     changes (2-3 p.m.). 
                                                                     FDA is understaffed 
                                                                     at the              
                                                                     Pharr-Reynosa       
                                                                     border crossing.    

  Private     Trade Group       Pharr, TX      TX        14-Nov-01   Lack of accurate     
              (U.S.)                                                 real-time           
                                                                     information on      
                                                                     traffic conditions  
                                                                     at POEs (to improve 
                                                                     private-sector      
                                                                     scheduling).        
                                                                     Customs sometimes   
                                                                     conducts            
                                                                     \"secondary         
                                                                     activities\" at     
                                                                     primary inspection, 
                                                                     slowing down all    
                                                                     traffic (has        
                                                                     worsened since      
                                                                     September 11,       
                                                                     2001).              

  Private     Trucking Firm     Pharr, TX      TX        14-Nov-01   U.S. vehicle safety Weigh northbound
              (U.S.)                                                 inspection agencies trucks in Mexican
                                                                     target Mexican      export compound. Share
                                                                     trucks/drivers.     information with U.S.
                                                                     Delays sometimes    agencies to avoid
                                                                     result due to       duplication.
                                                                     incomplete          
                                                                     documentation.      

  Private     Trucking Firm     Pharr, TX      TX        15-Nov-01                       Extend POE hours until
              (U.S.)                                                                     midnight (from 9
                                                                                         p.m.).

  Private     Trucking Firm     Pharr, TX      TX        15-Nov-01   Certification in     
              (U.S.)                                                 Line Release/BRASS  
                                                                     programs takes too  
                                                                     long.               

  Public      DPS               Phoenix, AZ    AZ        31-May-02   Trailer/container   Implement standard
                                                                     seal numbers are    binational protocol
                                                                     not noted on cargo  for sealing/resealing
                                                                     manifests. Truck    trailers and
                                                                     inspection          containers.
                                                                     standards vary from Standardize safety
                                                                     POE to POE. Forged  regulations and
                                                                     vehicle safety      enforcement among U.S.
                                                                     decals have been    POEs.
                                                                     problematic.        

  Private     Customs Broker    Piedras        Coah.     16-May-02   Excess capacity     Increase promotion of
              (Mexico)          Negras, Coah.                        exists at Eagle     gateway is required to
                                                                     Pass-Piedras Negras relieve congestion at
                                                                     border crossing.    nearby crossings.

  Public      Customs (Mexico)  Reynosa,       TX        14-Nov-01   Mexican broker must  
                                Tamps.                               be present when     
                                                                     shipment is         
                                                                     inspected at        
                                                                     Mexican export      
                                                                     customs (results in 
                                                                     longer delay).      
                                                                     Insufficient        
                                                                     infrastructure      
                                                                     (primary inspection 
                                                                     booths) is          
                                                                     available at the    
                                                                     U.S. POE.           

  Private     Customs Broker    Tijuana, BC    CA        23-Mar-02   Validation of       Improve Mexican
              (Mexico)                                               Mexican Pedimento   pedimento validation
                                                                     is slow.            process. Better
                                                                     Border-crossing     private-sector
                                                                     times are           coordination and
                                                                     excessive.          improved drayage
                                                                                         services are required.

  Private     Shipper (Mexico)  Tijuana, BC    CA        23-Mar-02   Business Anti       Longer POE hours are
                                                                     Smuggling Coalition required by
                                                                     (BASC)              maquiladoras.
                                                                     certification on    Documentation and
                                                                     hold after          processes at border
                                                                     September 11, 2001. must be streamlined.
                                                                     Lack of             
                                                                     communication       
                                                                     between U.S. and    
                                                                     Mexican authorities 
                                                                     hinders crossing    
                                                                     process.            

  **Private / **Stakeholder**   **City**       **POE     **Date**    **Main Issues /     **Suggestions**
  Public**                                     State**               Problems**          

  Private     Customs Broker    Tijuana, BC    CA        23-Mar-02   Hard copy document  Reduce hard copy
              (Mexico)                                               transfer process    documentation
                                                                     creates congestion  requirements. Provide
                                                                     near border         faster, more reliable
                                                                     crossing.           pedimento validation
                                                                     Validation of       in Mexico. Improve
                                                                     Mexican pedimento   shipper understanding
                                                                     is slow. Incomplete of information
                                                                     information from    requirements for
                                                                     shipper frequently  cross-border
                                                                     delays crossing.    movements.

  Private     Shipper (Mexico)  Tijuana, BC    CA        23-Mar-02   Shipments to U.S.   Greater transparency
                                                                     are frequently      in border crossing
                                                                     pilfered.           process. Better
                                                                                         trailer seals.

  Private     Trucking Firm     Tijuana, BC    CA        23-Mar-02   Inefficiency at     Streamline U.S.
              (U.S.)                                                 U.S. primary        primary inspection
                                                                     inspection          process. Increase
                                                                     contributes to      number of primary
                                                                     delays and          inspectors.
                                                                     congestion at       
                                                                     border (e.g.,       
                                                                     drayage drivers     
                                                                     must get out of     
                                                                     truck to hand       
                                                                     documents to        
                                                                     agent).             
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