The ports at Otay Mesa normally process between 2,500 and 3,000 cargo trucks each day. Reflective of the growing season, there has been a large increase in the number of trucks loaded with produce which resulted in wait time of more than two hours.
Although it will eventually expedite the movement of shipments at the border, CBP has converted to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) processing system that allows for electronic manifests. However, during the transition process from the old Automated Commercial System, cargo border crossing operations have been slowed.
As a temporary solution, CBP moved officers from other ports to Otay Mesa and opened three temporary entry lanes to supplement the eight existing gates. Now in the design phase, the port will add two permanent lanes next year.
Meanwhile, truckers are encouraged to become familiar with ACE and to becomes eligible for more trade benefits under the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) programs.
