Containerized cargo security at the U.S. – Mexico border: how supply chain vulnerabilities impact processing times at land ports of entry

Nucleus of this research is to identify how the strategies of trucking and land transportation and logistics companies utilizing the U.S. Mexican border land routes affect border processing times, while providing policy recommendations for specific problems. Namely, this work identifies a link between delays and security at the border, as opposed to security risk-mitigation strategies by truckers on the Mexican side of the border. As higher volumes of containerized cargoes are processed at the U.S. Borders each year, security risks also increase. In fact, illegitimate entities such as money laundering, drug trafficking, contraband and human trafficking cartels strategically select busy ports of entry and high traffic times, in order for illegitimate trade and travelers to penetrate the U.S. borders (Burns J Transp Secur. 11(3–4): 85–100 2018; Basu J Transp Secur 7:99–113 2014; Böhle et al in J Transp Secur 7:255–276 2014). Optimum border management and border security results do not depend exclusively on border patrol and border protection agencies: industry stakeholders can contribute towards optimum results once they eliminate waste and operate in greater efficiency (Burns J Transp Secur. 11(3–4): 85–100 2018). For this to be achieved, supply chain stakeholders and partners should make strategic decisions with increased visibility, harmonization of processes, and standard operating procedures in place. This paper is a part of a broader border security research conducted by the author, focusing on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) missions “to safeguard lawful trade and travel”, “to secure and manage our borders”, and the goal “to secure the U.S. borders, by preventing the illegal flow of people and goods across the borders, while expediting the safe flow of lawful travel and commerce” (DHS 2015–2019; DHS 2014–2018; DHS 2012–2016). This paper entails three goals: First, to identify and classify the high risk areas at the border. Second, to propose recommendations for improvement whereas pinpointing time saved. Third, to offer an array of options where government professionals (such as U.S. DHS, CBP (2017c, d), ICE) and industry stakeholders can pick and choose solutions and avoid, eliminate, share or allocate to contractors their security risks throughout different stages of the supply chain.