CBP to Designate Gateway to the Americas Bridge Vehicular Traffic as SENTRI-only during Weekday Mornings
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Aug 16, 2018, Comments Off
Courtesy Margie Garza,
LAREDO, Texas –U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Laredo Port of Entry advised that effective Monday, Aug. 20 northbound vehicular traffic processed at Gateway to the Americas Bridge will be SENTRI/Trusted Traveler only from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. during weekday mornings.
“In order to provide greater service to our Trusted Traveler program members during peak periods, CBP, working in coordination with the Government of Mexico, effective Aug. 20 will designate northbound vehicular traffic at Gateway to the Americas Bridge as SENTRI/Trusted Traveler-only during weekday mornings, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “After 9 a.m. we will process Ready Lane and SENTRI lane traffic.”
The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) is a trusted traveler program that provides dedicated lanes for known low risk travelers. Currently there are more than 97,000 participants enrolled in both SENTRI and Global Entry programs in the Laredo Enrollment Office area. Global Entry offers similar expedited processing benefits but in the air environment.
Those who enroll in the SENTRI program are afforded the exclusive use of dedicated lanes at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge. CBP currently processes about 4,000 vehicles daily in the SENTRI lanes at Gateway to the Americas Bridge and wait times are much less than the regular vehicle lanes.
To enroll in SENTRI, applicants first need to fill out the application through the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES). CBP officers at the SENTRI Enrollment Center at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge can also assist applicants who questions regarding the application process. It is recommended that prospective enrollees bring smartphones equipped with email service so that the online application can be made and the follow up appointment notice can be sent to the applicant’s email address.
Due to the ongoing construction, those seeking to access the Laredo SENTRI Enrollment Office are encouraged to park alongside San Francisco Ave. and walk toward the SENTRI Enrollment Office.
