The Complete Guide to Shipping to and from Mexico
Everything You Need to Know About Shipping to Mexico
Mexico is the United States’ most important trading partner — and the US-Mexico freight corridor is one of the most complex, highest-volume trade lanes in the world. If you’re shipping to or from Mexico for the first time, or trying to improve an existing supply chain, this guide gives you the foundation you need.
We cover every major aspect of Mexico freight: modes of transport, ports and border crossings, the customs process, USMCA compliance, practical tips, frequently asked questions, and a glossary of the terms you’ll encounter in this market.
Section 1: Modes of Transport
Air Freight — Speed When It Counts
Air cargo is the right choice for high-value, time-sensitive, or perishable goods. Mexico's main cargo airports — AIFA and AICM (Mexico City area), Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana — serve all majo
Ocean Freight — For Volume and Long Haul
Ocean freight is the primary mode for cargo arriving from Asia, Europe, and South America, and for high-volume bilateral shipments where cost outweighs speed. Mexico's four primary container ports han
Cross-Border Trucking — The Backbone
Trucking accounts for over 70% of all US-Mexico trade by value. It's the default mode for most bilateral freight because of its speed, flexibility, and door-to-door capability. FTL (full truckload) mo
Section 2: The Mexico Customs Process
All commercial imports into Mexico are processed by SAT (Servicio de Administración Tributaria) — Mexico’s tax and customs authority. Here’s the essential overview:
The pedimento is Mexico’s official customs declaration — the document that forms the basis of every commercial import. It must be filed by a licensed agente aduanal (customs agent) and includes the tariff classification, declared value, origin, duties owed, and SAT regime (definitive import, IMMEX temporary import, etc.).
Required Documents (Standard Imports)
- Commercial invoice (detailed, specific product descriptions)
- Packing list (reconciling to the invoice)
- Bill of lading, air waybill, or truck waybill
- COVE (electronic value certificate, transmitted pre-arrival)
- Certificate of origin (if claiming USMCA or other preferential rates)
- Regulatory permits (product-specific, where required)
Section 3: USMCA Basics
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced NAFTA in 2020. It provides duty-free treatment for goods that meet its rules of origin — meaning sufficient North American content.
To claim USMCA preference:
1. Your goods must meet the applicable rule of origin (tariff shift, regional value content, or both)
2. A valid certification of origin must be on file with the importer
Section 4: Tips for First-Time Shippers to Mexico
1. Classify your product before you ship.
The fracción arancelaria (Mexico’s tariff code) determines your duty rate and whether regulatory permits are needed. Get this right before your first shipment.
2. Use specific descriptions on your commercial invoice.
“Auto parts” or “electronics” will create problems. SAT requires specificity — “aluminum die-cast door handle brackets” or “50W LED driver boards.” Vague descriptions cause delays.
Glossary of Key Mexico Freight Terms
Agente Aduanal — Licensed customs agent authorized by SAT to file pedimentos and represent importers before Mexican customs authorities.
COFEPRIS — Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios — Mexico’s health regulatory agency. Regulates food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.
COVE — Comprobante de Valor Electrónico — An electronic document transmitted by the US exporter to SAT declaring the commercial value of goods prior to Mexico arrival.
Fracción Arancelaria — Mexico’s tariff code (harmonized system code) used to classify goods for duty calculation and regulatory purposes. Equivalent to the US HTS code.
Key Trade Metrics
Ocean Freight
Truck & Border
Mexico Customs
Nearshoring
Frequently Asked Questions
For large volumes, FCL ocean freight is typically the most cost-effective. For smaller loads, LCL consolidation or cross-border LTL truck is usually cheaper. Air freight is reserved for urgent or high-value cargo.
Mexico customs is administered by SAT. Every commercial import requires a pedimento — a formal customs entry document filed by a licensed customs broker. Duties, IVA (16%), and in some cases IEPS are assessed based on the HS code.
Yes. Commercial imports to Mexico require a licensed Mexican customs broker (agente aduanal) to file the pedimento. We coordinate this as part of our service.
USMCA (formerly NAFTA) is the trade agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada. Qualifying goods can enter Mexico at 0% tariff if they meet the rules of origin. We prepare certificates of origin as part of our compliance service.
Freight Services
Ocean Freight Mexico
FCL and LCL through Manzanillo, Veracruz, Altamira & Lázaro Cárdenas with full customs clearance.
Air Freight Mexico
Time-sensitive cargo via Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana. Express and standard.
Cross-Border Trucking
FTL and LTL across Laredo, El Paso/Juárez, Tijuana/Otay Mesa, and all major US-Mexico crossings.
Mexico Customs Clearance
Pedimento filing, SAT compliance, import duty calculation, and documentation management.
USMCA Trade Compliance
Rules of origin analysis, certificates of origin, and preferential duty claims.
Door-to-Door Mexico
Complete origin-to-destination freight — pickup, customs clearance, and inland delivery.
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