Opheim Port of Entry Changing Hours

After announcing a proposal to cut hours at the Opheim, Scobey, Raymond and Morgan ports of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has decided to make the changes effective April 14. Town halls have been scheduled to discuss the new hours with the Opheim Town Hall meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, at 5 p.m., at the Glasgow Senior Citizens Center, 328 4th Street South, Glasgow.

Effective April 14, the new hours at the Port of Scobey will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Port of Opheim and the Port of Morgan will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., year-round. The three ports of entry are currently open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 15 through May 31, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 1 through Sept. 14. The Port of Raymond is currently open 24 hours however also effective April 14, the new hours will be 6 a.m. to midnight.

According to a press release the changes in hours of operation is due to low traffic volumes coming in and out of the Raymond, Opheim, Scobey and Morgan ports of entry. The change in hours will allow CBP to redirect resources to ports with greater commercial and passenger volumes.

All three Montana legislators have been vocal regarding their disagreement with the change in hours. Senator Steve Daines and Rep. Greg Gianforte wrote a letter on March 7 to Commissioner Kevin McAllenan of U.S. Customs and Border Protection on highlighting the effects the change in hours has to farmers, ranchers and businesses across eastern Montana. Senator Tester also believes the changes will disadvantage the area citing the harm it will bring to agricultural competitiveness.