U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner, joined by his counterpart,Mexico Customs Administrator General Jose Guzman-Montalvo, formally opened the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lane at Laredo's World Trade Bridge. Photo Credit: Gerald L Nino

"The Mexican Customs fully supports the U.S. FAST program," said Administrator General Guzman-Montalvo. "Not only because it provides greater security to the supply chain but also because it expedites exports from Mexican companies to the U.S."

FAST is a bilateral initiative between the U.S. and Mexico that seeks to ensure security and safety while enhancing the economic prosperity of both countries. Put simply, FAST is an expedited clearance program for known low-risk shipments. Under FAST, Mexico and the U.S. have agreed to harmonize their processes for clearance of commercial shipments.

FAST uses risk management principles, supply chain security, industry partnerships and advanced technology to improve efficiency in screening and clearing commercial traffic at the U.S./Mexican border. By implementing CBP-approved security measures, FAST participants have demonstrated that their facilities are secure and their shipments are low-risk. Accordingly, they will be afforded access to a dedicated lane.

The dedicated FAST lane in Laredo was opened in February of this year as part of a trial process. Dedicated lanes dramatically reduce processing time for truck shipments. In El Paso, where CBP opened a dedicated lane in October of last year, truck wait times have been reduced from two hours to 20 minutes.