USMCA Explained: How It Affects Your Shipping in 2026
Throughout the year, there are multiple peak seasons for a variety of commodities. From holiday shopping to new fads hitting the market, there are plenty of opportunities for high volume sales periods all year long. But, as with any major rush, there are also always hurdles to be jumped. In this blog post, we'll answer frequently asked questions about shipping freight to Mexico during peak seasons.
Now, setting aside all the typical errors and general stressors of a sales rush, international peak seasons are where things get considerably more complex. This is especially true of shipping freight to Mexico from the U.S.
So, in order to shed some light on this specific hurdle of international shipping just a bit, we've put together the steps, key considerations, and answers to common questions that might be helpful.
What Are the Steps for Shipping Freight to Mexico?
When you set up a shipment to Mexico, there are usually 4 steps involved in the process:
Step #1 - Freight is shipped to a local terminal
Most LTL shipments are organized into specific routes at a storage or freight terminal. This becomes increasingly important when shipping freight to Mexico. This is because your port of entry into Mexico dictates which terminal your freight will end up at initially.
At this point, your freight forwarder, who is handling the border crossing process on your behalf, should be handling the rest.
Step #2 – Delivery of Export Documents
Once your freight has been given a route, the next step is delivering your export documents. This is typically completed electronically to the Mexican Customs Department or a third-party broker who works with the Mexican government.
Once the documents have been processed, the routed shipment can continue onto its destination.
Step #3 - Paperwork is Filed with US Customs
While it is important to file paperwork with the country of Mexico, it is also important to do the same with the United States Customs Department. In this case, the carrier or the 3PL will file the Export Declaration to the US Customs.
Once this paperwork has been filed and approved, the shipment may enter the country.
Step #4 - Delivery
Cross-border delivery is not much different than any other delivery other than the fact that there is a hand-off that must take place.
After all the appropriate paperwork has been submitted and approved and the freight is making its way to the country, a freight broker across the Mexican border should be notified. When the freight arrives at the border, the freight broker will meet with the carrier and Customs officials to personally verify the shipment for entry.
Where Does an LTL Shipment Cross into Mexico?
There are a few major entry ports in Mexico for LTL shipments.
Depending on your destination, the shipment may enter from El Paso, TX (for Juarez, Mexico) or near Laredo, TX (for Nuevo Laredo, Mexico). It's also common for Mexican LTL shipments to route via Mexicali, Mexico if the freight is headed to Baja California, Mexico.
How Are Duties and Taxes Determined?
Whoever is regarded as the importer of record is usually the individual or organization responsible for filing taxes and paying all duties.
This is a major reason why most professional shippers work with a 3PL company for shipping products into Mexico. They can provide the shipper with detailed reports that indicate exactly how much tax or duties are required for each shipment before the freight is routed for delivery.
Is Freight to Mexico Covered Against Damage or Loss?
Absolutely! However, given the unique risks of cross-border shipping, it makes a big difference as to who is managing the international shipping for you. Some larger LTL carriers offer insurance programs to protect against damage or loss up to $2 per pound. Additional coverage up to $5,000 per shipment may also be available or can be purchased on an individual case basis.
This is a major reason why several larger shippers will work with a third-party logistics company. An experienced 3PL should have working relationships with multiple freight brokers, insurance companies, and foreign representatives within the logistics space. This provides them with the flexibility to create a freight coverage program that is best suited for their clients.
Are There Reduced Tracking Updates Because of Shipping into Mexico?
To be honest, it depends on which carrier you use.
Most of the larger professional carriers that ship freight to Mexico frequently have no restrictions on tracking updates. They use advanced satellite tracking or GPS technology for real-time visibility, streamlining data directly to the customer. This not only provides peace of mind but also increases transparency and ensures the freight arrives as scheduled.
Final Thoughts
If you've noticed, there is one thing that all of these issues can benefit majorly from; partnering with an experienced 3PL.
Redwood's Open 4PL approach has helped a wide range of clients move their freight safely and efficiently to Mexico and other international destinations.
If you have questions about any international shipping, we are here to help.
Want to know a little bit more before contacting us? No problem, we've made this video to explain our process.
FAQs
What are the main steps for shipping freight to Mexico?
Shipping freight to Mexico usually involves four steps: routing the freight to a local terminal, delivering export documents, filing paperwork with U.S. Customs, and completing the border handoff for delivery. The shipment route depends on the port of entry, and a freight forwarder or 3PL often manages the cross-border process and broker coordination.
Where does LTL freight typically cross into Mexico from the U.S.?
LTL freight commonly crosses into Mexico through El Paso, Texas for Juarez, Laredo, Texas for Nuevo Laredo, or Mexicali for freight headed to Baja California. The entry point usually depends on the shipment’s final destination, and that routing affects which terminal handles the freight first.
Who pays duties and taxes when shipping freight to Mexico?
The importer of record is usually responsible for filing taxes and paying duties. In practice, many shippers use a 3PL so they can receive clear reports that estimate the tax and duty amount before the freight is routed for delivery.
Is freight to Mexico covered if it gets damaged or lost?
Yes, freight to Mexico can be covered for damage or loss, but coverage depends on the carrier and the program in place. Some larger LTL carriers offer protection up to $2 per pound, and additional coverage up to $5,000 per shipment may be available in some cases.
Can you track freight shipments into Mexico in real time?
Often, yes. Many larger carriers that regularly handle shipments into Mexico use satellite tracking or GPS-based visibility tools that provide real-time updates directly to the customer. Tracking availability depends on the carrier, but professional cross-border providers typically offer strong visibility.
Why do shippers use a 3PL for freight to Mexico?
Shippers use a 3PL for freight to Mexico because cross-border moves involve documents, customs filing, duty estimates, insurance options, and broker coordination. A 3PL can manage those pieces and often has relationships with freight brokers, insurers, and foreign representatives that make the process more flexible.
What happens at the border when freight enters Mexico?
At the border, a freight broker on the Mexican side should be notified so they can meet the carrier and Customs officials. They personally verify the shipment for entry after the required paperwork has been submitted and approved, which helps move the freight through the handoff process.
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