Port Of Entry Sumas

Likely the worst port of entry into the USA in the West from Canada. The design of this port of entry is seemingly seriously flawed. There are three lanes (two southbound the other northbound) on Sumas Way and then it turns into another street called Douglas Street. Douglas Street merges onto Cherry Lane. It was never built with future growth in mind.
One posted sign states that the far left is the Nexus lane and then as you get very close, the lineup spreads out and there are a few additional lanes to the right. Another sign is for recreation vehicles only.
There is no room or opportunity for Nexus or Readylane card holders to enter the Nexus lane without enduring the excruciating long lineups because you’re in the same line as non Nexus cardholders.
The Nexus lane is very close to the actual border booth. To make matters worst, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website has no information on the Nexus or Ready Lane. It’s only Canada’s Border Services that has info, but it’s unclear. There is only a combined (ONE) Nexus and Ready Ready Lane. Hours of operation are extremely limited too. The lane is open until 5PM. There is no signage at all any where on route that the Nexus lane closers early on weekends. This crossing actually is open 0001 – 2400 hrs. Typically, other Nexus lanes are open to 9PM entering into the USA.
Once again, the lineups here get extremely long and you can’t help but get frustrated since you have to be very close to the booths before the lanes branch out. We waited 45 minutes on a late Sunday evening in one spot, the line moved only twice before it stopped completely.
The other non Nexus lane moved a bit faster and a little more more often. Still, both lanes were remarkably long. Generally, long line ups move in waves or spurts. Not at this location,
The US Agents also gave us a hard time when we told them we were from Vancouver. We were questioned why and we told the agent we were seeing friends in Abbotsford. The look on the agent’s face was of annoyance. He had no reason not to disallow us entry to get some gasoline and milk. We got the impression he didn’t like the fact we were investing money into the tiny town of Sumas. It’s sad, one comes across a few of these border agents every now and then.
I think a new border crossing with multiple southbound and northbound lane must be built immediately at a different location. This location can remain as a backup (like Pacific Truck Crossing) or it can be closed down. For now, it’s really pointless to have a Nexus/​Ready Lane like just like there is no point in having one in Point Roberts, it’s the same poorly engineered concept.
Thankfully, about 30 minutes away, you can go to the Aldergrove Crossing and it is being upgraded to allow Nexus lanes. However, it won’t be ready for a few years.