How to read CBP border wait times
Tell current waits, earlier observations and typical patterns apart. Understand synchronization timestamps and why missing data is not zero.
Garitas team · Reviewed
Current, previously observed or typical
Port pages identify each wait’s source. A current reading comes from a recent CBP report; an earlier observation keeps its time; a typical pattern reflects the published hourly profile for that weekday.
Two different clocks
Synchronization tells you when Garitas received a reading. It does not certify when CBP measured the queue. A number can stay unchanged while new reports arrive; when we detect stale data or a substantial contradiction, we label it and use an identified reference.
Missing, closed and zero
“No data” means no usable reading is available. “Closed” describes an operating status. Zero minutes is a numeric reading or a valid reference; it never replaces a missing value. Also check the crossing mode, lane and schedule.