US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently unveiled a $46 million dollar initiative to reportedly enhance the security and efficiency of rail cargo inspections at locations throughout the United States.
CBP will henceforth replace aging rail scanning systems at twelve rail ports of entry on the US southern and northern land borders with high energy rail scanners. The new scanners use linear accelerators to generate X-rays from electricity rather than radioactive isotopes, producing high-quality images that support faster and more secure cargo inspections.
“Non-intrusive inspection technology is a force multiplier that allows CBP officers to safely and more efficiently process U.S.-bound cargo,” said William A. Ferrara, Executive Assistant Commissioner of the CBP Office of Field Operations. “The high-quality images produced by the new rail cargo scanners will enhance CBP’s efforts to interdict stowaways, deadly narcotics, and other contraband while facilitating the flow of lawful trade.”
CBP will install the new scanning equipment at the following locations, which process approximately 60% of the rail cargo imported into the United States:
- Blaine, Washington
- Brownsville, Texas
- Buffalo, New York
- Calexico, California
- Eagle Pass, Texas
- Eastport, Idaho
- El Paso, Texas (BNSF Railway)
- El Paso, Texas (Union Pacific Railroad)
- International Falls/Ranier, Minnesota
- Nogales, Arizona
- Portal, North Dakota
- Rouses Point, New York
The installation and testing of the new scanners are expected to begin later this year.
