Commercial Truck Fee
The AQI program inspects commercial trucks and their cargo arriving at land ports in the customs territory of the United States from Mexico and Canada.
User fee regulations (7 CFR 354.3(a)) define a commercial truck as: “A self-propelled vehicle designed and used for transporting property for compensation or hire. Empty trucks and truck cabs without trailers fitting this description are included.” Commercial truck fee regulations are listed in 7 CFR 354.3(c).
The Cost and What It Covers
The current commercial truck fee is $7.29 per crossing or $291.60 for the calendar year (see 7 CFR 354.3(c)). This fee covers the direct and indirect costs of clearing a truck, including:
- Reviewing manifests and documentation with incoming cargo
- Targeted, risk-based cargo inspection or clearance.
- Inspecting agricultural and agricultural-related commodities, compliant wood packaging material, and packing materials to screen for the presence of plant pests and contaminants, ensure compliance with regulations, and determine entry status
- Inspecting the truck and conveyance for contaminants, pests, or invasive species
- Identifying pests found during inspection
- Safeguarding shipments pending APHIS’ decision on treatment or final disposition
- Issuing phytosanitary permits for commodities moved by truck
Paying the Fee
As described in 7 CFR 354.3(c), you can pay the commercial truck user fee upon each arrival at a U.S. land border port or prepay by purchasing a transponder that allows unlimited crossings within the calendar year. U.S. Customs and Border Protection remits commercial truck fee collections to APHIS monthly.
Transponders save time and money by:
- Offering a reduced annual inspection fee.
- Decreasing border wait times because you have prepaid for AQI services and don’t have to wait in line to pay the cashier.
Refer to CBP’s User Fee, Transponder, and Decal Information for instructions on how to apply for a transponder or prepay the single crossing fee.
Reimbursable Overtime Services
Customers may request and receive AQI services associated with activities typically covered by an AQI user fee outside the normal tour of duty of the employee(s) providing the requested service. In such cases, overtime charges may be assessed as outlined in 7 CFR 354.1.
APHIS Reimbursable Overtime Services
Refer to the APHIS Reimbursable Overtime Services web page for additional information including how to pay the reimbursable overtime fee.
CBP Reimbursable Overtime Services
Any requests for agriculture reimbursable overtime will be made in accordance with CBP port policy. Please contact your local CBP Port of Entry.