If you’re a business owner looking to expand your customer base or an individual sending a gift to a friend or family member, navigating the ins and outs of Mexico cross-border shipping can be overwhelming.
Don’t worry — with the right information and a bit of preparation, you can ensure a smooth and successful shipment.
What Is Mexico Cross-border Shipping?
Mexico cross-border shipping transports goods or products from the United States to Mexico or vice versa.
The shipment will need to clear Mexican customs before it can be delivered to its final destination.
Shippers are required to provide a series of documents complying with any relevant Mexican regulations and tariffs.
How Do You Ship Cross-border to Mexico?
First, choose a reliable logistics provider that specializes in international shipping and navigating customs requirements. Always compare competitive rates and look for carriers that give you tracking information throughout the shipment process.
Next, you’ll need to prepare your shipment for transit. Properly package and label your items, including all the required documentation stated above. Once your shipment is ready, you’ll need to submit the required paperwork to Mexican customs. This paperwork may be a customs declaration, bill of lading, plus other documentation required for your specific shipment.
When your shipment arrives at the Mexican border, it will be inspected, assessed, and checked to see if you comply with Mexican regulations. Finally, once your shipment has cleared customs, it can be delivered to its final destination in Mexico.
Requirements for Shipping to Mexico
Requirements set by the Mexican government may vary depending on the type of product you are shipping, the value of the shipment, and the shipping method you choose.
Here are some of the general requirements you need to know:
- Customs documentations
- Harmonized System (HS) codes
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading
- Licenses and permits (phytosanitary certificate, FCC certification)
- NAFTA Certificate of Origin (if applicable)
Contact a local carrier like Jansson, an independent agent of Landstar, to assist you with requirements you may be having trouble with.
Types of Mexico Cross-border Shipping
Shipping to Mexico can be done through different methods with each type having its own set of criteria and constraints. Below are some of the most popular Mexico cross-border shipping methods:
- Full Truckload (FTL): Shipments that weigh more than 10,000 pounds or need a full truckload are appropriate for FTL shipping.
- Less Than Truckload (LTL): LTL shipping is suited for shipments that weigh less than 10,000 pounds.
- Air Freight: Air freight is suitable for shipments that require fast delivery.
- Ocean Freight: Ocean freight is used for shipments that weigh over 100 pounds.
Make sure to carefully assess which method is perfect for your shipment needs.
How We Can Help You
Jansson, an independent agent of Landstar, has been in operation since 2012. We have extensive experience in cross-border shipping and offer shipping services for flatbeds, hazmats and more.
We ship internationally specifically from the United States to Mexico. Our team of trusted workers make sure that your shipment arrives smoothly and without damage.
Among the advantages of working with Jansson for US-Mexico border crossing shipments:
- Landstar is C-TPAT, FAST and CSA certified;
- We offer door-to-door services
- Landstar boasts secure drop yards at all key border crossings.
With access to Landstar’s industry-leading cross-country freight resources, we can get your load from Mexico to the US, to Canada, and all the way back.
Final Thoughts
Shipping from Mexico to the US can be a complicated process. Thankfully, this doesn’t need to mean abandoning the Mexico-US shipping lane!
Jansson has experts on hand to take the hassle out of shipping goods across the Mexico-US border by providing freight transportation and custom brokerage services.
Do you need to expand or maintain your supply chain effectively across North America? Jansson can help you out. Click below to get a free quote, or email us at rates@janssonllc.com for more information.
