New option will allow commercial truck carriers to pay the single crossing user fee online prior to arriving at a port of entry
WASHINGTON— U.S. Customs and Border Protection began a pilot program this month allowing commercial trucks to prepay the single-crossing user fee online prior to arrival at a port of entry. The pilot is being conducted at the Buffalo, Detroit and El Paso ports of entry and will last for approximately one year.
CBP requires all trucks crossing into the U.S. from Canada or Mexico to pay the user fee to offset border inspections costs.
Carriers or their agents will be able to make single-crossing user fee online payments through the Decal/Transponder Online Procurement System (DTOPS) website. The mobile-friendly DTOPS website design allows users to pay online using their smartphones. CBP is also developing a DTOPS app for smartphones.
Paying the single-crossing user fee online prior to arriving at the border reduces fuel consumption and wait times. Removing the cash/credit card payment process from primary inspection enables CBP officers to process vehicles in a faster and more efficient manner and reduces environmental costs by decreasing carbon emissions associated with heavy congestion. Online payments also enable CBP port management to optimize resources in order to facilitate trade and ensure the security and safety of international travelers.
To make a payment, users will set up an account in DTOPS, register their vehicle(s), select the single-crossing payment option and checkout with 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.
Once completed, the pilot will be evaluated for a 90-day period after which time CBP will determine whether to expand the program to all U.S. land border ports of entry that process commercial trucks.
The DTOPS mobile app does not collect any information regarding the identity of an individual or an individual’s device. CBP remains 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.