BajaNomad

Our Easiest Border Crossing Ever and a ?

bajabound2005 - 11-15-2006 at 08:47 AM

Yesterday (Tuesday, Nov 14) we crossed at San Ysidro going back the States. We arrived in line at 10:30 a.m. and waved bye-bye to the Border Agent exactly 30 minutes later. Yahoo! :tumble:

We were dreading this trip but all turned out well. We took our 3 dogs on this shopping trip and the agent DID ask to see their vaccination records. This was a first but we always carry them in the car with us now.

As for the reason for this quick day trip -- we had to go to Chula Vista to pick up our 4x6 cargo trailer. A friend borrowed it to take some things backs the US for a mutual friend of ours. When he came back across the border (at San Ysidro) to Mexico he went to the "to declare" lane so he could show them the trailer was empty. THEY WOULD NOT LET HIM BRING IT IN! He did the same thing a few weeks ago and wouldn't let him bring it is without the registration. So he stored it, came back here and we gave him the registration. He went back a week later and brought it across, no problem. This time, we even gave him the title, just in queso...no pase! So he stored it again. We picked it up yesterday and drove across the border in the "nothing to declare" lane. We were waved over. Showed them the trailer was empty and the agent said "claro". Off we went with 2 full cases of wine and several other bottles of liquor, our illegal produce and God knows what else in our car! We always put the windows down so they can see in, but that stuff is always well hidden under a dog bed and three dogs. Crossing the border with the dogs has always worked for us!

So, why wouldn't they let our friend bring the trailer in? They told him it was because it was not in his name. We, on the other hand, have never been asked for registration or any proof of ownership. I should mention that he is Mexican born with US citizenship, though I'm not sure it makes any difference. Any one have any experience with this?

Hook - 11-15-2006 at 02:11 PM

Try providing him with a notarized letter of consent giving him permission to use the trailer.

You know, something with a big embossed seal on it.

bajabound2005 - 11-15-2006 at 02:24 PM

Yeah, they do love those stamps and seals! But why would they ask him for registration info and we've never been asked??? Yet, he got asked each and every time...

Hook - 11-15-2006 at 02:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabound2005
Yeah, they do love those stamps and seals! But why would they ask him for registration info and we've never been asked??? Yet, he got asked each and every time...


Because he was solo and you, with all the perros and the esposa, LOOK like you own it.?

BajaWarrior - 11-15-2006 at 02:39 PM

That has happened many times to friends of mine where they borrow a trailer a bring an extra quad along for someone and they get dinged every time. I have all my registrations in the sun visor, like a file, and I keep them all current, rarely do I get asked for them, but it does happen!

As far as the good stuff, wine, etc... I stash all my goodies amongst food items or my luggage bags. Tip: Put your underwear on top of other items in your gear bag, they won't touch them if they inspect you. Hey, it works!

I use the motorcycle gear bags for my clothes, they are sturdy, and can be tied down easily if being hauled in the back of the truck, some are even waterproof.

As far as the registration goes, they are possibly preventing theft? If ever one of my vehicles are stolen, I hope the thieves are asked for registration!

QuePasaBaja - 11-15-2006 at 03:33 PM

My last crossing which was last week some time. I think on tuesday, we made it across in 38 min.