What is a "Port of Entry"?

From Wyoming port of entry website:

Some of the most frequently asked questions we hear, along with the answers, are listed here. We hope we cover the information you require most.

Q. Do I have to stop at all ports in the State of Wyoming?

A. You are required to stop anytime you see a regulatory sign (black letters on a white background) instructing you to stop or an officer has directed you to stop. Pre-pass vehicles which receive an in-cab green light may continue, providing they are not hauling livestock or do not have an oversize or overweight load. Example of POE signage:

• All commercial Vehicles
• Transport operators
• Livestock haulers, and
• Deliveries into Wyoming

*All must stop at the Port of Entry.

Q. Why did that vehicle get the green light and I had to come in?

A. The green light is primarily given to vehicles that we know are properly qualified since they come through the location quite often. The green light may also be used when the port officer is busy with other duties. Always remember if you receive the green light you may proceed providing the vehicle is properly qualified and is legal size & weight.

Q. Why was I chosen for an inspection?

A. Trucks and drivers are chosen for inspection on a random basis. Remember, the more times your log books or vehicles are inspected, and found in order, the better chance your company has to improve their safety rating.

Q. What can I do if I have a good/bad experience at a port of entry?

A. If you have comments (positive or negative) about your contact with and individual or port, please contact the Wyoming Highway Patrol at this email: WHP.Customer.Comments@wyo.gov or simply write a letter and address it to Wyoming Highway Patrol 5300 Bishop Boulevard Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340

 

It was on 80

 

Okay, so no big white sign means I don't have to stop?

I went to the one on I-90 westbound in Gillette just in case, saw a van parked outside the building, pulled through, and rolled slowly across the scale without stopping because none of the signal lights were lit up whatsoever. Nobody chased me, but I think I should've come to a complete stop.

 

Good info and describes all of them, not just Wyoming...

 

Yes you might have to stop even if there is no "Big white sign" some stations do not have prepass and require all trucks to enter when it's open, and the only thing you might see is a green sign on the side of the road. Some places are only open when DOT decides they want to bring out the mobile unit. (with a sign that says open when flashing) Just read the signs around you and follow the directions. You don't need to overthink this. It's not really that complicated.

 

I'll be going through POE in Arizona, then Utah tomorrow morning.

If you will post a picture of you're truck, I'll give it to them.

Unless you have a pre pass, you always go in.

Utah doesn’t make you go inside.

AZ, CO, WY, ID, MT you always have to go inside and show your registration, IFTA, and insurance.

OR & NM are registered electronic, but you still have to go through. And if you're not permitted, it's gonna cost you some big money.

Pre pass you can keep going at any of them, just like a scale. OR,WA,ID,MT ( I think MT ), you need NorPass, cause they are like the Confederacy there.

 

What is the port of entry? I'm not going there! LOL!

 

If you deliver in Wyoming,you are supposed to declare that at the port.Took a used excavator into Wyoming for delivery there,had to show bol,bill of sale.Didn't have that,had to have it faxed to scale.Tax declaration thing.

 

As many times as I've been through Wyoming I've never had to show a BOL but I guess it could happen.

 

If you went through Gillette today it was closed. That one is only open 7am-7pm Monday-Friday (excluding holidays)