BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection is announcing the nationwide expansion of a pilot program allowing commercial trucks to prepay the single-crossing user fee online prior to arrival at a port of entry. The pilot began in June at the Buffalo, Detroit and El Paso ports of entry, and now expands to all commercial land border crossings.
at Peace Bridge
Carriers or their agents will be able to make single-crossing user fee online payments through the Decal/Transponder Online Procurement System. The mobile-friendly DTOPS website design allows users to pay online using their smartphones. CBP is also developing a DTOPS app for smartphones.
“We are encouraging carriers to begin using the online payment option if they don’t already have the annual transponder,” said Acting Port Director Cary Frieling. “Buffalo is the third busiest commercial land border crossing in the country. Paying user fees in advance will save approximately 30 seconds per inspection. The new option has the potential to eliminate time consuming cash collections on primary inspection, and help further reduce commercial border wait times.” Frieling said.
Paying the single-crossing user fee online prior to crossing the border reduces fuel consumption and wait times. Removing the cash/credit card payment process from primary inspection enables CBP officers to process vehicles faster and decreases air pollution from slow-moving traffic.
Online payments also enable CBP port management to optimize resources to facilitate trade and ensure the security of international travelers.
The online payment option has been used more than 4,400 times since the pilot project began.
CBP requires all trucks crossing into the U.S. from Canada or Mexico to pay the user fee to offset border inspections costs.
To make a payment, users will set up an account in DTOPS, register their vehicle(s), select the single-crossing payment option and checkout using the secure online payment system. DTOPS will confirm payment by providing an electronic receipt. Single-crossing online payments are good until December 31 of the year purchased.
Cash and credit card payments will continue to be accepted at the border, but carriers who pay upon arrival may experience additional delays.
The DTOPS mobile site does not collect any information regarding the identity of an individual or an individual’s device. CBP is committed to protecting the user’s privacy.
More information about commercial truck user fee online payments for single crossings and for annual transponder purchases is available at https://dtops.cbp.dhs.gov.