I went to get my 4457 at Sacramento Intl Airport for an upcoming trip and just wanted to give everyone a 'Heads Up' about checking with Customs before you go. As I understand it, this problem isn't restricted just to Sacramento.

My local customs office, again, its located in Sacramento Intl Airport, advertises their hours as Monday-Friday from noon to 3:00. But when I went there on Monday at 1:00 there was a sign on the door that they were closed due to doing vessel inspections. So, I came back the next day. Same situation, 12:30 and they were closed. Fortunately they left a phone number to call, but nobody answered. Later in the day I tried again and got the customs agent. I was about an hour away and it was almost 3:00. The guy offered to wait for me since I'd already wasted 2 trips there. Once I arrived, he very quickly took care of completing my form for me. Great guy, friendly and helpful.

The agent explained that their staffing had been cut from 2 officers to 1 and that he now had to cover 3 airports and a ship port, so even though they're supposed to be there 3 hours a day, it's often not the case. He advised me to always call before coming to make sure somebody would be there. He also told me that other small to medium size airports are in similar situations.

Just want to advise everyone that unless you are going to a major hub airport, it's a good idea to look up the customs and border protection office you'll be visiting and make sure someone will be there to meet you, before driving a long way in the hope they'll be open when you arrive.