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Hotshot CA (empty) to Tijuana (load up) to CA. Thoughts?

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by JSMITH8505, Jul 29, 2020.

  1. Jul 29, 2020 #1
    JSMITH8505

    JSMITH8505 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 29, 2020
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    I've read the other threads on the Class 8 semi trucks, most say they dont dare go in to Mexico because of the cartels and corrupt police and fear of losing their truck. But what about hot shot (Ram 3500/50 ft stepdeck)?

    Here's my dilemma, I pick up and deliver loads with a company based in California all over the U.S. They have recently asked me if I'd be available to go to their facility in Tijuana to pick up some cargo on a regular basis.
    The facility is 15 miles (as a crow flies) from the US border, and is about 22 miles via roads.

    What should I do? Request that they bring the cargo to the U.S. border and take it from there? Go in and get it myself? I know the insurance issue, and that's being handled.
    Does anyone have any recent experience going to Tijuana with a pickup/flatbed combo? I think a Class 8 semi with a closed 53 box trailer would be a bigger target, but an unloaded flatbed may not be as tempting?
    Again, does anyone have any recent experience with Tijuana?
    Thanks
     
    JSMITH8505, Jul 29, 2020
    JSMITH8505, Jul 29, 2020
    #1
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  3. Jul 30, 2020 #2
    pavrom

    pavrom Road Train Member

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    NE illinois
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    Cartel boys waiting for your fancy ram 3500 for offroading :)
     
    pavrom, Jul 30, 2020
    pavrom, Jul 30, 2020
    #2
    rachi, autopaint and Diesel Dave Thank this.
  4. Aug 6, 2020 #3
    Zonie

    Zonie Light Load Member

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    Sep 14, 2019
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    Yeah, you're safer with a tractor than a nice shiny new Light Pickup...
     
    Zonie, Aug 6, 2020
    Zonie, Aug 6, 2020
    #3
    Sirscrapntruckalot Thanks this.
  5. Aug 6, 2020 #4
    tommymonza

    tommymonza Road Train Member

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    Sep 10, 2013
    S.W. Florida
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    Yep no problem there.

    How are you going to inspect what ever your hauling for drugs.

    I know someone from back in the day that was moving weed in machinery for years.

    I am sure there is many more creative ways to move much higher dollar and easier to hide drugs across borders these days.
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2020
    tommymonza, Aug 6, 2020
    tommymonza, Aug 6, 2020
    #4
    Lite bug Thanks this.
  7. Aug 7, 2020 #5
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    A Gringo in Mexico driving shiny new truck ? Can you say "easy target" ? They will "impound" your veh and you never get it back. I lost a car there, family member lost his truck and boat there, had to bribe cops in T.J. years ago. I NEVER drive into Mexico. Signage and roads terrible, especially in T.J.
     
    Allow Me., Aug 7, 2020
    Allow Me., Aug 7, 2020
    #5
    pavrom and Lite bug Thank this.
  8. Aug 7, 2020 #6
    mitrucker

    mitrucker Road Train Member

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    My answer would be not just no, but h##l no!!!!!!!
     
    mitrucker, Aug 7, 2020
    mitrucker, Aug 7, 2020
    #6
  9. Aug 7, 2020 #7
    REO6205

    REO6205 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    California.
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    Check with your insurance company. They'll
    probably cover you but it's gonna cost.
    I wouldn't take the chance of going down there without coverage.
     
    REO6205, Aug 7, 2020
    REO6205, Aug 7, 2020
    #7
  10. Aug 7, 2020 #8
    xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    Aug 21, 2011
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    How do you know the cargo isn't packed with drugs? Unless it's clear glass, even then I wouldn't.

    If you do this importing, don't forget about the possibility of your equipment being impounded for no reason. By the Americans or the Mexicans. Unless your insurance has a specific clause to cover your loss. Will losing the service of your equipment for a few days or weeks put you out of business?
    Watch a few episodes of National Geographic's about the border crossing.

    I wouldn't cross the southern border for any reason, commercially.

    Good luck.
     
    xsetra, Aug 7, 2020
    xsetra, Aug 7, 2020
    #8
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