It saddens me the northern border has the same issues with CBP as the southern. We've got lots of problems with CBP down here doing similar things, and local populaces generally look down on them because of the rep they have earned. There are some good agents... but not enough, it seems.

Here are some tips for those of you (law abiding folks, that is) who go through their check points, or will be at some point. I go through them so many times per year I lose track, and these things generally help you get on your way faster:

1. Roll down ALL of your windows when it's your turn in line (unless you have a dog in your car, in which case use common sense), ESPECIALLY if they are tinted. This lets them see what they want and sends the message that you are willing to be 'compliant'.
2. Take off your sunglasses/and or hats. It sounds stupid, but doing this has yielded positive results for me, they just tend to be less stand-offish. Guessing it sends the message that you aren't trying to hide your face.
3. Be polite even if they are insufferable. Hard, I know, but generally they'll be less of an asshole if you don't give them a reason.
4. Don't joke. They have had their sense of humor surgically removed. Just kidding. But seriously... don't try to joke with them.

Essentially you want to give the impression that you are being compliant and open. I don't really care for these guys, but I also know that starting something with them in a place where they have stupid amounts of authority is NOT going to turn out well.

Generally anyone that lives near these guys will have an incident with them at some point... I guess it's just how it is. Which is sad. Really, really sad.