The United States (U.S.) and Canada have long maintained the world's largest bilateral trading relationship, with an estimated US$1.5 billion in trade per day in 2005. Almost all of this trade takes place at surface crossings, with trucks (versus rail) carrying the predominant share, particularly in the eastern U.S. and Canada. An increase in truck traffic, combined with passenger traffic, an aging border infrastructure, and changing policies and practices, has raised concerns that border crossings impede this trade and result in lose of jobs, particularly after the tragic events of 9/11. This paper explores many new programs that have been implemented, or are envisioned, to expedite the safe and secure flow of goods and persons crossing the border. It looks at the function of the border crossing and the impact technology will have on its infrastructure. It also provides an overview for planning border crossings as a system rather than just an isolated Port Of Entry. For the covering abstract of the conference see ITRD number E211521.
Samenvatting