Well I'm done with Canada forever.

The checkpoint guys are laid back compared to the ones at the ports of entry. Those guys are no nonsense no humor.

 

My first time into Canada and back into America, I pulled up to the window, put it in neutral, set the brake, put down my window, and the guy just sat there glaring at me.... Finally figured out he didn't want to open his window until I shut off the motor. Funny, because I didn't see a sign on his window, all the other ones I went through I did see that sign on the window telling you to shut off your motor.

Fine, if you want to do that, but the attitude they have about everything is just ridiculous.

When I was going up into Canada those guys were always friendly, joking around me with while they asked their questions, and they at least knew how to smile. The Americans always acted like I was already committing a crime by coming back into the States. Plus you get charged to come back home, Canada never charged for entry...

 

I learned that lesson the hardway too. I found out from another driver they want you to pull up, put it in gear, and then shut the motor off. No setting the breaks because they don't like the phisssssssssssh noise 100x a day.

 

I always set the brakes, and they never said anything about it, I think some of the signs said to set your brakes but I could be wrong.

Either way most of them had their windows closed when I set the brakes. Personally, when I'm walking around a truck stop that sound bothers me more than the engine noise anyway, a lot of trucks are very loud when they set the brakes.

 

I had the same experience on my last trip up to British Columbia. The Canadian customs people were really friendly. Even welcomed me back when I told them it had been 14 years since I had crossed into Canada.

Coming back, got the crap treatment. Came back empty and got yelled at for not having my doors open. Didn't know it was required. No signs were posted anywhere. Asked why I was crossing here if I frequently crossed at the Sierra Blanca checkpoint. Told him I unloaded in Richmond. Sent me through the x ray machine because my doors weren't open.

 

Probably the single biggest thing you can do to make your crossing faster is this:

shut the radio off, clutch, shut the engine off 20-30 ft before you get to the window, coast to the window, let out the clutch (do NOT set brakes) take off your sunglasses and ball cap, hand them your ID and manifest and greet them with "Good Day Officer".

That's how it's done

 

Is that to help avoid them doing an opacity test on your exhaust as well?

 

Trailer doors? I run a flatbed, but I still got asked what I was hauling.

I managed to avoid letting any smart arse comments fall out of my mouth.

 

Another thing that you can't quite do so well with an automatic transmission with no clutch pedal.

 

I've never had a bad experience but since I am bored, I'll share my thoughts.

Back when I was young, before 9/11, my Dad had two opportunities to go into Canada with a couple of pieces of equipment. I was maybe 6-7 years old, so my memory is slim. But he always made me go in the sleeper. I remember him going up to customs and shutting the truck off, exchanging a few words and his pass port, and it was, "have a great day, sir!". And this was going BOTH ways, in and out. And the second time they asked if anyone else was in the vehicle. He said yes, his son was in the sleeper. They wanted to clarify that so I just popped my head out and said "hi!" and they let us go on our way happily.. Now after 9/11, I believe my dad would turn down any load going into Canada and I don't blame him based on what this thread is about..

I've never gone though myself in a CMV, but I went to Windsor last year in my pickup truck through the tunnel in Detroit. I wanted to check out the casino when I was there for a Wings came. I have an enhanced license, so I figured why not. When I went INTO Canada, the girl in the customs booth was so nice and polite, laughing and smiling with me, asked me what I was doing there and when I planned on coming back. It took about 2 minutes or less and I was on my way. When I came back through, the U.S. side looked a little more intimidating, the guards had rifles and such, and they were a little more stern. Asked me what I was doing in Canada and a few other questions. I had a topper on my pickup and an enclosed container in the back with a strap, jumper cables, etc., in it. They asked me what was in it and asked me to step outside to open it up for them. I did what they asked and I was sent on my way. No search or anything but they definitely weren't as nice or fun as the Canadian people. I actually crossed twice that weekend because the casino was closed on the first time though. The first time and second time though were both easy and simple. But I can't imagine doing this in a CMV, I can't even imagine the questions I'd be asked and I would definitely be afraid to get searched like the OP did.. #### that, I'll stay down here in a CMV. Unless the load pays RIDICULOUSLY well (when I become O/O, the company I pull for now doesn't do business in Canada).