Forums > General > Traveling Mexico

jimboynton

Mar 24, 2010, 7:37 AM

Post #1 of 12 (3473 views)

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Colombia or Laredo

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I will be crossing the border early Monday afternoon and undecided at this time which crossing to use with the current problems I have been reading about in the border areas. I have only crossed at Colombia but here are the pros and cons of the two as I see it:
1. Colombia is easy to reach off 85 with little traffic avoiding perhaps some military checkpoints.
2. Returning the car permit and FMTs a piece of cake at Colombia and minimum hassle crossing the border.
3. The additional time required to reach Colombia and return to Laredo on the U.S. side is made up by the minimum wait to cross (5 min. compared to Laredo’s 30-45 min on a Monday afternoon)
4. However does the relative isolation of the Colombia crossing present the possibilities of trouble on Hwy 2.
5. Laredo offers a more direct route and does the additional traffic mean additional safety.
6. Laredo’s car permit and FTM return is not as easy to access as Colombia and I am unfamiliar with it (although excellent directions have been posted).
7. But since safety is the overriding issue which crossing would be best to use.
Any opinions, suggestions, advice or comments appreciated.

Reefhound

Mar 24, 2010, 8:07 AM

Post #2 of 12 (3459 views)

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Re: [jimboynton] Colombia or Laredo

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I disagree that using Colombia may avoid military checkpoints, if anything you may hit additional ones. As you know, the permanent checkpoint around km23 on Mx85 is just south of the interchange with Mx2 and you'll hit that one whichever crossing you use, if you are taking 85 to Monterrey. I really doubt they are going to set up another checkpoint on the same road 10 or 15 km from the permanent one, or set up one on the Colosio periferico so I cannot see encountering any additional ones other than the permanent one by using Nvo laredo. On the other hand, I could easily see them setting up one on Mx2 between Colombia and Nvo Laredo as that is a separate approach into the city.

I also disagree that the car permit return is easier at Colombia. Well, maybe a wee bit but not significant. It's just a matter of familiarity. Once you've done it (you can read directions and maps all day long but nothing like firsthand experience) it is a non-factor. Nvo Laredo is also 24/7 giving you more flexibility in schedule. If you are running late on the return and hitting the border late in the evening or Sunday then Colombia is not an option.

I also think going Colombia involves more than 30 minutes extra drive time, and you are not guaranteed a 5 minute wait especially if many others like you think diverting to Colombia would be safer.

I think the most important things to do for safety is to pass through Nvo Laredo (whichever crossing) during daylight hours between 7am and 3pm, eliminate unnecessary stops (gas up elsewhere, sodas and snacks at Oxxo can wait, change money in Laredo or deeper in Mexico, etc.), and avoid looking flashy (not much you can do here but I wouldn't wash/wax the truck and shine up the chrome, wear flashy jewelry, or load up the dashboard with portable electronics like GPS, DVD, Ipod, etc.).

jm95

Mar 24, 2010, 11:00 AM

Post #3 of 12 (3420 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Colombia or Laredo

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After reading your post, I have what is probably a couple of dumb questions. But here goes.

I understand that there are military checkpoints set up around Mexico and have been stopped at many of them in the past without any problems. But of course that was then and this is now. Assuming that we are just a couple of geezers with no contraband, are military checkpoints something we should now try to avoid? I've heard that the narcos have been setting up their own checkpoints, sometimes posing as military or police.

Is there any way of knowing whether a checkpoint is "legitimate"? This would seem to be difficult, especially if the people there are dressed in military or police uniforms. If it looks like a narco checkpoint, I have assumed that one would stop anyway and try to act somewhat "normal" (even while scared.) A couple of people have suggested that it is best not to stop--just keep driving. I am not comfortable with that suggestion and it sounds very risky to me.

Any guidance on this subject would be much appreciated.

Reefhound

Mar 24, 2010, 11:14 AM

Post #4 of 12 (3407 views)

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Re: [jackiem] Colombia or Laredo

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I wouldn't worry at all about legitimate checkpoints and last week we were waved through all military checkpoints after a brief glance into the car and a question or two.

How to identify a legitimate checkpoint is not always easy but if there are structures in place (guard shack, large barriers that would require heavy machinery to move, etc.), or lots of signage or cones then it is almost surely legitimate. In other words, if it looks like one that took a lot of men many hours or days to set up. If it looks like something that was set up by a few men in less than an hour, like a couple of rubber cones and someone waving a flag, I'd be suspicious.

Also the presence of heavy military equipment would be a good sign. Anyone can carry around an AK-47 and wear a uniform but I don't think the cartels have many official armored transport vehicles painted in army camouflage and permanently mounted with high caliber weapons.

Of course, the permanent checkpoints are nothing to worry about. They are at known locations and have installed signage, sometimes electronic overhead signs on the highway.

If I felt that a checkpoint was fake I would turn around and go back if I saw it in time. Otherwise, I'm not sure. If I was the only one on the highway I might not stop but that always risks being shot at. But I'm thinking if they would shoot so freely then the outcome from stopping isn't likely to be much better. If there is a line of cars and they haven't been shooting so far I'd go through the line.

(This post was edited by Reefhound on Mar 24, 2010, 11:18 AM)

Reefhound

Mar 24, 2010, 11:24 AM

Post #5 of 12 (3401 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Colombia or Laredo

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Also, the location. From what I've seen the military sets up on a main highway in a small town or next to some stores where there is a big parking lot for them to redirect vehicles for more intensive searches. Often near a key interchange of highways to cover the most routes. I haven't seen any set up on a desolate stretch of highway and searching cars in line or on the shoulder.

Rolly

Mar 24, 2010, 12:29 PM

Post #6 of 12 (3383 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Colombia or Laredo

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I haven't seen any set up on a desolate stretch of highway and searching cars in line or on the shoulder.

I have been stopped twice at such isolated places by army guys. I was amused at one such stop where two guys looked into every nook and cranny of my pickup but totally ignored the suitcases and boxes in the back.

Rolly Pirate

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Reefhound

Mar 24, 2010, 12:37 PM

Post #7 of 12 (3379 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Colombia or Laredo

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Were they legit? Just noting what I've seen in the areas I'm used to, other areas may be different. I haven't been anywhere in western or far southern Mexico. It's an indicator not an absolute. If I came upon such a checkpoint in a desolate area I would be suspicious. It might be legit but I would still be on edge.

Rolly

Mar 24, 2010, 1:51 PM

Post #8 of 12 (3362 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Colombia or Laredo

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Both of those stops happened several years ago. Before the latest round of unpleasantness.

Rolly Pirate

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On Facebook as Rolly Brook

Scottm

Mar 24, 2010, 6:31 PM

Post #9 of 12 (3327 views)

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Re: [jimboynton] Colombia or Laredo

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Been driving here for 10 years, and only time we've had trouble with scamming cops was at the Columbia
crossing. "Cops" hiding in the brush on the eastbound stretch of highway coming from the bridge. Both times
were stops for fake 'speeding' violations....
Both made sure they had taken off their badges / ID before approaching my car. I think they do it for extra money
on the weekends.
Driving back this season, will likely go directly from Monterey to Laredo.

Altahabana

Mar 24, 2010, 7:00 PM

Post #10 of 12 (3320 views)

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Re: [Scottm] Colombia or Laredo

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Whatever popularity Columbia Bridge enjoys is due to ex-pat forums. Its utility--which I always considered debatable --has been lessened since the toll road went to the Tx Tag system last year and no longer is a pay as you go road. To avoid getting a fine in the mail it is necessary to back track on Mines Road all the way to Laredo. The permit station at Bridge II is not difficult to find and navigate through as one poster pointed out. I just think Columbia Bridge involves alot of extra driving for very little gain. Neither the wait to turn in the permit or at the bridge makes up for the 20+ extra miles of driving.

I think it became a popular alternative to crossing in Laredo when the Gulf-Sinaloa war was at its height in 2003-05. Ironically Highway 2 between Columbia and the World Trade Bridge has always had a much greater Zeta presence than the NL bridges. The only shootout near a bridge occurred at Columbia about 3 years ago near the Oxxo at the Highway junction. When the rumors of a month ago were at their height, many of the rumored incidents were reported on Highway 2 on the long deserted stretch the OP mentioned (roadblocks/balaceras). I wouldn't be so bold to suggest to someone who regularly uses Columbia bridge to try Bridge II, but I certainly would recommend Bridge II to anyone who is not familiar with the area and is seeking advice on where to cross.

(This post was edited by Altahabana on Mar 24, 2010, 7:05 PM)

Zarcero

Mar 29, 2010, 8:43 AM

Post #11 of 12 (3174 views)

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Re: [Altahabana] Colombia or Laredo

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I have crossed at each on my motorcycle. Either one is fine by me. I usually get the TVIP over the internet in advance. It gets Fedex'd to my house in Houston three days after I order it online. The FMT only takes minutes at either border crossing. I do prefer the Colombia crossing for coming back to the US and prefer the Laredo crossing for going into Mexico, but again, either one is fine.

jimboynton

Mar 29, 2010, 4:22 PM

Post #12 of 12 (3113 views)

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Re: [Zarcero] Colombia or Laredo

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Made the run to Colombia from PV in 17 hours (887 miles). The trip was uneventful and a 10 minute wait to cross. The debate between Colombia or Laredo was decided in Matehuala. I talked to several Texas drivers who always avoided the Laredo crossing. I still plan to try it next year crossing from the Texas side ( as the previous poster suggested).

It seemed like half the cars on 85 were either U.S. or Canadians heading north. But what was truly amazing was how quiet the area seem to be. There were NO military checkpoints on either 85 or 2.