U.S. General Services Administration
GSA Opens Four New FAST Lanes at Laredo’s World Trade Land Port of Entry
LAREDO, Texas - Officials from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the City of Laredo came together for a ribbon cutting event at the World Trade Land Port of Entry (LPOE). The event recognized the completion of four new Free and Secure Trade for Commercial Vehicles (FAST) lanes that will help process commercial trucks heading northbound into the U.S.
For years, the high volume of commercial traffic resulted in bottlenecking for commercial trade at the port. The new lanes will speed the flow of traffic and reduce wait times by diverting pre-approved, low-risk commercial carriers to the newly designated lanes for expedited processing.
“This project and others along the southern border benefit from GSA’s Donations Program - in this case with the City of Laredo helping to provide the necessary infrastructure and technology for the new FAST lanes,” said GSA Regional Administrator Jason L. Shelton. “GSA and our partners are proud to creatively deliver on this project that helps support CBP’s role to safeguard our borders and enhance our nation's economic prosperity through trade.”
“The World Trade Bridge is a crucial component of both the U.S. and Laredo economies. It accounted for $299.5 billion in trade in 2022, making it the #1 commercial crossing on the U.S.-Mexico border, and the #3 port in the country among more than 450 air, sea, and land ports,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28).
“The FAST Lanes Relocation Project is a $10.3 million investment in the World Trade Bridge and ensures international trade will continue to flourish in Laredo. The result is four new FAST inspection lanes and four inspection booths, which will reduce the crossing times for FAST and non-FAST traffic. I applaud the City of Laredo, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) for working together to bring the project to fruition. I will continue to be Laredo’s voice in Washington and fight for improved infrastructure and economic opportunities in our community.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to pursue public-private partnerships with local entities, such as the City of Laredo, to strengthen our ports of entry and the surrounding communities,” said Pete Flores, CBP Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Field Operations. “These port improvements will assist CBP in processing legitimate trade and travel while alleviating traffic congestion for the trucks and vehicles crossing through the port.”
"As International Trade continues to grow, so does the need for Laredo to adapt to meet these market conditions,” said Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño. “As the #1 Land Port in the Americas, strategies and programs are essential to improve efficiency and customer service. The 4 FAST lanes increase commercial crossings and traffic flow for truck drivers who are enrolled in the FAST Program. This program will reduce congestion and expedite safe and secure international trade. I look forward to continuing our great partnership and relationship between the City of Laredo, GSA, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.”
“The completion of the four Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes at the World Trade Bridge is a tremendous improvement to Port Laredo. We continue facilitating trade through improvements like this FAST lane project that reduce wait times and congestion in the FM1472 and I-69 corridor. We thank CBP and GSA for their partnership and all the stakeholders committed to ensuring an efficient and thriving Port Laredo,” said Vanessa Perez, Mayor Pro Tempore.
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About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.