Anyone know about crossing into Mexico?

A few companies go down there, just wondering what it entails, and if anyone has experience with it. I'm fairly fluent in Spanish and have been to Mexico a few times, wouldn't mind driving there for work.

 

Are you out of your %$#@# mind!!!!

Dude...Mexico is a great place to visit, on foot, by bus, by car. But they are not truck friendly at ALL !!!

What you consider a county road here in the states, passes for a state highway there. Even if you make it past the border, chances are, you will be paying mucho bucks in fines (read: shakedown money) and other choice items.

I've been across the border 100's of times. One of the things I truly admire about the people...money talks bulls%$# walks. Everyone is working an angle there. As long as you have money, you are safe.

 

I agree, but if we (America) hadn't treated them as stepchildren for the last 200 years, there might be an infrastructure there to handle truck shipments. You know, truck stops and such.

 

It can't be all that bad. Look, I've never even been inside a truck, but when I finally am, I'd like to think I won't shy from situations which other guys would use as an excuse to not work at all. I want to drive and am willing to go anywhere short of rural Colombia and Compton, at any time.

Have you ever heard of the Camina de las Yungas ("Death Road") in Bolivia? It's basically a 40-mile dirt path, about 12 feet wide, snaking around a mountain from La Paz to a city called Coroico. A new highway recently opened, but prior to that, it was the only way to get from A to B. I look at any rough Mexican roads from that perspective: can't be as bad as the Yungas. If there's a road, and it can be driven on at all, I will at least try to do it.

Now, all I know so far about going to Mexico - Schneider does it, I think - is it's dropoff only. I wonder that a high-profile company like Schneider would operate in Mexico if shakedowns were really so frequent or disruptive of their business. I'm sure they occur, but it still has not happened to me. Even if it did, I'd gladly grease José's palm and be on my way. I have offered money where assistance seemed unnecessarily slow, and that no es posible, señor, turns into gracias señor, gracias pretty fast. How many "shakedowns" were high-handed gringos unwilling to part with a few extra pesos in accordance with local custom?

 

"It can't be all that bad", famous last words of a "newbie". You asked a question, a veteran driver came on and took time to give you an answer. You think it can't be all that bad, my hubby went into Mexico twice - swore he'd never do it again. I won't explain why, don't think you'll listen anyway, but these guys/gals on here have more time is than you do, why not listen to them. You'll learn, they all do.....Good Luck!

 

Well, your condescension was entirely needless.

I asked for someone with experience trucking in Mexico to tell me about it, not for someone to repeat the usual clichés about the country (bad roads, bribery, etc.) to scare me away from the thought, though I did expect it. I've been in plenty of perilous situations outside the US, heinously bad roads included. If you can contribute something useful, please do. If not, there's no need to paint me as the "newbie who just won't listen". I won't listen to people who aren't on topic, that's true.

Now, if anyone actually knows about this.....

 

This was also completely useless. But I guess the feeling of patting yourselves on the back for misplaced condescension is too hard to resist.

If you review my first posts, you'll see that in the situation you describe - a newbie seeking advice about companies - I did exactly the opposite: I listened. I'm sure most people don't; most people are idiots; but I defy you in lumping me in with them. I came on here looking for background info on CRE, found it, and didn't get on the ####### bus to Dallas to train for them. So tell me, O wise Super Moderator, how I'm the typical newbie.

People should at least try to pay attention. I asked if anyone knows about trucking in Mexico, specifically. Not what they heard about the cops and the roads and the food. If so-and-so's husband had a bad experience, I'd surely like to read about it, as that is why I made the thread. There's no need to push your prejudice against newbies - or Mexico - on me, though.

Once again I ask those with experience driving in Mexico, or even someone with a secondhand story to tell about it, to come forward.

 

Let's discuss Your off topic statements... Schneider DOES NOT go into Mexico..they like other companies SEND trailers into Mexico, using Mexican contractors. Although they do have offices in Mexico.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55469

http://www.protectokjobs.org/trucking_into_mexico.htm

More info..

http://www.mxpresstrans.com/news32000.asp

http://www.britannica.com/ebi/article-204562


An old story for you. But there are newer (much newer) ones.
http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2001/Jul01/072301/072601-03.html


The death road you mention in SA...yeh I saw it too. I don't recall a single 53 ft with tractor on the entire show. And had you paid attention...Villages served between point A & B of the old road, still remain, they did not move them.

Now you can play this condescending game if you wish too. But, the fact remains. Many of us have spent enormous amounts of time in Mexico over the past 20 years. It might not be in a truck, but the experience we have driving a truck, and our first hand look at roads and streets, allow us to give you a very professional opinion.

And, having dealt with the local Mafioso on numerous occasions. I think I can speak from a first hand experience level when I tell you, that you or your company are going to be paying at almost every city limit sign for safe passage or permits.

Don't sit around smuggly in your nice safe living room trying to convince yourself that grown men are afraid of the boogyman....until you've seen him.