BrainTrust Query: How are increased border security measures on merchandise shipments affecting U.S. consumers?

It's not just Mexico. Canadian border crossings are also impacted by US inspectors looking for drugs or "materials that could be used for terrorist activities."

While protecting one's homeland is important, let's try to keep in mind that stifling the economy to do so is somewhat counter productive.

Perhaps the US government needs to look in its own backyard before looking to other nations as the source of it's security issues.

Marc Gordon, President, Fourword Marketing

Perhaps I am missing something. Why would there be a need to inspect a truck more than once? Just do a good job one time.

Certainly, inspections are necessary and the idea of increased technology is a good one. How about if the U.S. inspects merchandise going into the U.S. and Mexico inspects for merchandise (guns and money) going into Mexico?

I suspect the Mexican inspection is a result of pressure put on them by the U.S. which only costs money and gives no additional security at all. One wonders if the supplier of the new sophisticated x-ray machines and other gear has a great lobbying effort going on in Washington.

Gene Detroyer, Entrepreneur, Advisor, Consultant, Professor, Independent

So much about our borders and our "entry rules" (for people and product) are broken. While I'm no expert on homeland security, I have to believe that we are a long way from being effective in terms of really knowing who and what is going in and out. As planned, the introduction of more sophisticated technology into what seems like an antiquated system should benefit everyone involved. As long as truckers don't have to take off their shoes like we all do at the airport. There's a piece of technology I could do without.

Rochelle Newman-Carrasco, Chief Hispanic Strategist, Walton Isaacson

At the Canadian border, waits of 10-12 hours are not uncommon. The added costs for transport and additional inspection expenses increase costs directly.

Canadian consumers are used to paying 10-15% more for similar products across the border, hence the rush from Toronto to Buffalo on weekends, despite a lower exchange. The number of out of stocks and limited selection likely also reflects the border bottleneck. At a minimum, it discourages both import and export. Since CPG companies in Canada are primarily US owned, as well as many other manufacturing companies--there are no winners here.

No one is suggesting we don't need strong border defenses--supply chain is very vulnerable just due to the volume of products. With the number of government agencies involved in border crossing on both sides, the promises of speedy pre-clearance, harmonized documentation and inspection service, etc, are still developing after years of discussion.

Anne Bieler, Sr. Associate, Packaging and Technology Integrated Solutions

It's encouraging to learn that there really are some efforts being taken to improve border security. The length of the wait for trucks is of little consequence in relation to the potential harm that can be caused by terrorist attempts to infiltrate this country in my view. What is the alternative, to allow unchecked goods into our country from Mexico and Canada?

It's a shame that we can't do as good a job stopping illegal immigrants access to this country.

Art Williams, Retail Marketing Consultant/Analyst, Independent

It's interesting that the U.S. and FDA can quickly rally the resources, justifiably so, to protect consumers from swine flu and tainted produce, yet we read how drugs and smugglers flow freely across our borders. Maybe everyone should wait in the same line?

Mike Romano, President, SmartReply Mobile, Social & Digital Marketing

Money is fungible. It doesn't go away. When costs are paid, such as the costs Jim enumerated, somebody somewhere receives that money for honest business practices. Whether it's diesel fuel, or driver overtime, or (questionably calculated) "freshness," or cost of capital, money is spent and money is received. What's wrong with that? Who could deny the diesel sellers or truck drivers the extra money to provide better for their families? Who could deny the investors--with their many low-income stakeholders--the opportunity to make money on their investment? And who could deny the growers compensation for lost product (doesn't happen in just one day in reefer trucks, by the way)?

What goes around comes around. Customers supposedly paying more for products because of border delays are also employed by companies (or distantly related companies) making money due to the delays. I don't see a problem.

M. Jericho Banks PhD, President, CEO, Forensic Marketing LLC

Prohibition failed. It doesn't pay to make the same mistake. As for terrorists, they can source explosives within the US. They don't need to buy explosives in Mexico or Canada. Wars are expensive and wasteful, whether they're against drugs or terrorism or another country.

Think the truck delays are expensive and wasteful? One fighter jet can cost over $100 million. One.

Mark Lilien, Consultant, Retail Technology Group

Many thanks to all the commentators here. My eyes were opened by both the truck inspection line-up and the pragmatic discussion about this challenge by the Mexican business community. I don't choose to analyze this in terms of politics, although others are free to do so. I prefer to approach the problem as one of economics. Security measures exact a price on both Mexican and American well-being. Our two countries have a common interest to ensure safety and economic well-being for our citizens on both sides of the border.

James Tenser, Principal, VSN Strategies