Shipping Goods to Mexico Doesn’t Have to be Complicated

Shipping freight between Mexico and the U.S. seems like it should be a fairly easy task, right?

Unfortunately, it is a rather in-depth process that involves a lot of documentation. Certain paperwork must be signed, and regulations must be understood and followed in accordance with federal law. It’s not an impossible task though, as there are numerous shipments that travel across the U.S.-Mexico border on a daily basis. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the numbers were close to $615.9 billion in shipped goods back in 2017.

Those numbers, especially for cross border trucking, seem to rise year after year.

And while it may be a bit of an undertaking to get goods shipped between Mexico and the U.S., it is can be done if you know what steps to take and what to expect throughout the process. By demystifying the entire process, our clients are more likely to be more confident in performing the steps involved. In our experience, more confidence results in less stress and quicker results!

So, if you have goods that need to be shipped across the border, but have no clue where to even begin, we’ve got you covered! We have compiled a list of everything you should know about shipping between Mexico and the U.S.

If you are shipping to Mexico from the U.S.

If you are shipping freight to Mexico, your carrier first takes your load all the way to border. From here, it will be picked up by a carrier that your customer has pre-selected to carry their goods into Mexico.

When this carrier receives the goods, they perform a thorough inspection process, first. This is to ensure the cargo is safe to cross the border and that all the appropriate documentation is accounted for.

Once this step is complete and the carrier is certain that everything is in order, they can now request entry from a Mexican customs agent who will then either grant or deny entry to your freight. This approval is also contingent on a further inspection performed by the Mexican customs agent.

With the approval to cross the border, the Mexican carrier will now transport the goods into Mexico and unload them at their warehouse or distribution center.

At this point, it is just a matter of time before your freight gets delivered to your customer.

If you are shipping from Mexico to the U.S.

Moving your freight from Mexico to the U.S. is done in much the same manner as above. With the obvious difference being that it is done in reverse, basically.

The process starts with a Mexican carrier moving your freight all the way to the border. When they arrive, there will be a Mexican customs agent on-site to present the goods to be exported.

A U.S. customs agent will then intercept the package and begin a clearance process. This usually involves filing certain paperwork and thoroughly inspecting the freight for any dangerous or otherwise illegal contraband. This is one of the more lengthy parts of the process but it is also one of the most important.

When they are able to clear it for entry across the U.S. border, your carrier will pick up the freight and carry it across the border.

The cargo will then either be taken to a warehouse or distribution center to await the journey to your customer.

Final Thoughts

Shipping freight to or from Mexico does not have to be some overly-complicated and stressful endeavor. Sure, it is a fairly complex process that takes a bit of time to complete, but once you understand the steps involved, it helps to demystify it and put you at ease.

Just keep in mind that regulations and other requirements will vary from one country to the next. Understanding what is expected of you and your freight before you even consider shipping internationally will go a long way.

Still not sure where to start? Reach out to us today and let us help get the process moving for you.

We have a team of dedicated experts who specialize in cross-border shipping practices and meeting all Mexico shipping requirements. Our team is available around the clock to handle most of the tougher leg work for you.