Shipping to Mexico From the U.S. - Customs and Process

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 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! In this blog post, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about shipping between Mexico and the U.S., including the step-by-step process for both directions.

When shipping to Mexico from the U.S.

Here's what to expect:

1. Carrier delivers to the border – Your carrier takes your load all the way to the border.

2. Handoff to Mexican carrier – A carrier that your customer has pre-selected picks up the goods.

3. Inspection process – The Mexican carrier performs a thorough inspection to ensure the cargo is safe to cross the border and that all the appropriate documentation is accounted for.

• Customs approval – The carrier requests entry from a Mexican customs agent, who performs a further inspection before granting or denying entry to your freight.

5. Transport and delivery – With approval to cross the border, the Mexican carrier transports the goods into Mexico and unloads them at their warehouse or distribution center for final delivery 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.

Here's how the process works when shipping from Mexico to the U.S.:

1. Mexican carrier delivers to the border – A Mexican carrier moves your freight all the way to the border.

2. Export presentation – When they arrive, a Mexican customs agent on-site receives the goods to be exported.

3. U.S. customs clearance – A U.S. customs agent intercepts the package and begins the clearance process, which 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—particularly when heightened inspections are in effect—and it is also one of the most important.

4. Border crossing – Once they are able to clear it for entry across the U.S. border, your carrier picks up the freight and carries it across the border.

5. Warehouse and delivery – The cargo is then 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 Redwood today and let our cross-border shipping experts 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.