Balancing together on a narrow ledge, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner and Mexico Customs Administrator General Jose Guzman-Montalvo underscored the bilateral commitment to terror-free commerce and the closeness of our two countries at a Free and Secure Trade (FAST)/Exprés lane dedication event in Laredo, Tex.

Free and Secure Trade or FAST, is an expedited clearance program for known low-risk shipments. Importers, manufacturers and carriers that implement CBP-approved security measures will be afforded a dedicated lane identified as FAST by CBP for northbound shipments and Exprés by Mexico Customs for southbound shipments.

Commissioner Bonner and Administrator General Guzman-Montalvo stood side-by-side on the concrete strip outside the primary inspection booth at Laredo's World Trade Bridge for a demonstration of the FAST lane. A truck rolled up, his window decal and FAST commercial driver ID card are scanned by a FAST reader. Within a matter of moments, after a CBP Officer peers at her screen and checks the FAST-approved high security seal, the truck is sent down the road. FAST indeed.

Minutes before, Commissioner Bonner and Administrator General Guzman-Montalvo delivered a joint statement to formally dedicate the FAST lane in Laredo, the second FAST lane to open on the U.S.-Mexico border following El Paso's FAST lane dedication in December 2003. The Laredo FAST lane has operated since February on a pilot basis.

Photo Credit: Gerald L. Nino

On April 15, 2004, CBP Commissioner Robert Bonner and Mexico Customs Administrator General Guzman-Montalvo formally opened the FAST/Exprés lane in Laredo, Tex.

Commissioner Bonner noted in his remarks that Laredo plays a critical role in cross-border commerce as the largest inland port on the U.S.- Mexico border. Laredo processes $49 billion in merchandise each year. That merchandise arrives on 1.3 million trucks.

"Laredo is one of the major crossing points for trucks entering the U.S. from Mexico," said Commissioner Bonner. "By establishing a lane solely for FAST traffic, we have created a powerful incentive for the private sector to join FAST. This in turn promotes the smooth flow of trade and makes our border secure against terrorists and other criminals."

Administrator General Guzman-Montalvo echoed this sentiment, addressing Commissioner Bonner directly in his speech. "I must tell you that Mexico Customs supports these initiatives not only because we are convinced that the only way to facilitate trade is by guaranteeing security and compliance, but also because we share the same principles and ideals," said Guzman-Montalvo.