How Safe Is It To Stop In Laredo, TX?
Topic 30291 | Page 1
It's better than Compton.
No worries. Lots of truck traffic.
Laredo is a major trucking hub. Every trucking company that I know of and a bunch of others all have yards down there. You will be just as safe as the other ten thousand truckers that are down there picking up their loads. You are a trucker now. you go where you get dispatched.
Seriously, I've never had even a hint of trouble down in Laredo. The biggest problem I've had there was waiting on a Mexican driver who was delivering a load of pipe to a drop yard so that I could load it on my trailer and deliver it up to Ohio. The Mexican truck was about three hours late!
I took many loads out of Laredo. Most are trans-shipments coming through from Mexico. Pretty much like any border town. I think there's nothing to worry about.
Safer than any metropolitan in the country. It used to be bad there, and you definitely want to keep your wits about you if you go into Nuevo Laredo, but it's pretty safe on this side of the border.
Sometimes you will get holdups there if you are getting transloads as the driver bringing it across can get held up in customs. Also i have found many border receivers only take cash as far as lumpers/unloads go if you are in the reefer world.
Make sure you keep those tires properly inflated, it gets real hot down there.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Oh, also mind the truck route if you go through Carrizo Springs. Couple hundred bucks if you don't, lots of guys miss it even though there's pretty big signs.
The only way you'll find trouble in Laredo is if you go out looking for it. Border patrol does a good job keeping the riff raff out.
Never had any problems there or in Compton. Common sense, situational awareness, and experience are key.
I'm more concerned around Chicago, Portland, Seattle, and Minneapolis.
Never had any problems there or in Compton. Common sense, situational awareness, and experience are key.
I'm more concerned around Chicago, Portland, Seattle, and Minneapolis.
Minneapolis isn’t much of a concern. The problem area is only a 4 block section that unless you’re in a box truck or local driver, you’ll never be in.
Yes indeed, I go in/out of st paul often these days and have the past year. Zero problems.
We went to Portland last June and delivered downtown. Why they have a chemical plant downtown is another issue. Security was very tight. But no real problems.
In chicago often and again no problems.
Haven’t been to Laredo in awhile, but never any issues. I may be starting to go back again in the near future, but I have no concerns.
As packrat said situational awarness is the key.
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I’m a student driver about to graduate trucking school in a few weeks, the company that pre-hired me told me a couple routes that matched my wants that were based out of Laredo. I haven’t heard anything positive about that area and my girlfriend hates that I’m considering it. I guess I’m just curious to hear what other drivers have experienced either stopping in or anyone that frequents that area on their normal routes. Thanks!
Pre-hire:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.