Accelerated crossing.

The recent opening of the "Free and Secure Trade" (FAST) lanes in Mexicali/Calexico brings to six the total number of entry points along the U.S.-Mexico border implementing the expedited commercial crossing system during recent months.

Six additional border ports are expected to open FAST lanes in 2005.

These express lanes allow for more efficient imports and exports, utilizing designated crossing lanes, for those U.S. and Mexican companies registered in the "Customs--Trade Partnership Against Terrorism" (C-TPAT) and the Mexican counterpart program "Empresas Certificadas" (Certified Companies).

Mexican Customs has 407 companies participating in the Certified Companies program, representing 47 percent of the total of all imports from the United States.

The participating companies on both sides of the border receive the following benefits: dedicated crossing lanes and service booths; lower inspection rates and priority revision of merchandise.

Streamlining the entry of qualified and cleared carriers will allow for additional resources to be directed toward the remaining cargo at the border and, specifically, high-risk shipments.