Northbound Freight Process: Mexico → United States 

Step 1: Pickup at Origin in Mexico 

Freight is loaded at the shipper’s facility in Mexico using approved Mexican third-party carrier. Your Landstar agent coordinates pickup timing and documentation to support downstream customs and border requirements. 

Key participants 

• Mexican shipper 
• Approved Mexican third-party carrier 
• Landstar agent 
• Landstar Mexico Cross‑Border operations team (supports border coordination) 
• Mexican Transfer third-party carrier 

Common Documents 

• Layout for Carta Porte provided by shipper 
• Carta Porte (Mexican Bill of Lading) created by Mexican carrier 

Step 2: Mexican Export Preparation and Pre‑Border Filing 

Export documentation is prepared by the shipper and transmitted to the Mexican Customs Broker prior to arrival at the border. 

What Happens 

• Shipment data is reviewed and submitted for export processing 
• Documentation accuracy is confirmed before border arrival 

Common Documents 

• Export Pedimento 
• Carta Porte 
• Commercial invoice 
• Comprobante Fiscal Digital por Internet (CDFI), if required 
• .xml file 

Step 3: Mexican Export Customs Clearance 

Mexican customs authorities review documentation and authorize export. 

Key participants 

• Mexican customs broker 
• Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) 
• Approved Mexican carrier 

Step 4: Drayage to the Border and Border Crossing 

The shipment is drayed to the border and transferred through approved crossing processes. During border transfer and customs processing, Landstar’s Mexico Cross‑Border operations team works behind the scenes to help, coordinate crossing with transfer carrier. 

What happens 

• Freight moves through the designated Customs Port of Entry 
• Border transfer is coordinated using approved providers 
• Common documents 
• Cleared export Pedimento 
• Carta Porte 
• Carrier manifest 

Step 5: U.S. Import Customs Filing 

Import documentation is filed with U.S. Customs prior to or upon arrival. 

Key participants 

• U.S. customs broker 
• Importer of record 
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 

Common documents 

• CBP entry documentation 
• Commercial invoice 
• Bill of Lading 
• Certificate of Origin, if required 
• Other agency filings, if applicable 

Step 6: U.S. Customs Review and Release 

CBP reviews the shipment and releases it electronically or following inspection. 

What happens 

• Shipment is either released or selected for inspection 
• Once released, shipment is delivered to Landstar approved facility 

Step 7: Transfer to U.S. Inland Capacity 

Once it arrives at Landstar approved facility, inland capacity is assigned for final transportation. 

Key participants 

• Landstar exclusive owner-operators or other approved third‑party carrier 
• Cross‑dock facility, if transloaded 

Step 8: Linehaul and Final Delivery 

Freight moves to the consignee and delivery is confirmed. 

Common documents 

• Bill of Lading 
• Proof of Delivery (POD) 

Southbound Freight Process: United States → Mexico 

Southbound freight typically involves more documentation and regulatory review, particularly on the Mexican import side. 

Step 1: Pickup at Origin in the United States 

Freight is loaded at the U.S. shipper’s facility. Your Landstar agent reviews shipment details to align with Mexican import requirements. 

Key Participants 

• U.S. shipper 
• Approved U.S. third-party carrier or Landstar exclusive owner-operator 
• Landstar agent 
• Landstar Mexico Cross‑Border operations team (supports border coordination) 

Common Documents 

• U.S. Bill of Lading 
• Commercial invoice 
• Packing list 

Step 2: U.S. Export Filing (When Required) 

Export data is filed with U.S. authorities when applicable. 

Common documents 

• Automated Export System (AES) filing through Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal, if required 
• Commercial invoice 
• Bill of Lading 
• Certificate of origin if required 

Step 3: Linehaul to the Border 

Freight moves from the shipper to the U.S.–Mexico border. 

Step 4: Deliver to Freight Forwarder 

After trailer interchange inspection at Landstar approved facility, shipment is delivered to the designated Freight Forwarder.  

Common documents 

• Fiscal‑compliant commercial invoice 
• Import Pedimento 
• Packing list 
• Certificate of origin, if applicable 

Step 5: Border Drayage and Transfer 

Assigned transfer carrier is notified of freight and documents ready for border crossing.  

What happens 

• Transfer carrier is issued crossing documents 
• Transfer occurs through approved drayage providers 
• Transfer proceeds to designated Customs Port. 

Step 6: Mexican Customs Clearance 

Mexican customs reviews documentation and authorizes release or inspection 

What may be required 

• Pedimento – DODA or Aviso de Cruce 

Step 7: Inland Delivery in Mexico 

Once cleared, freight moves inland to the consignee. 

Common documents 

• Carta Porte 
• Proof of Delivery 

How Landstar Supports Cross‑Border Freight 

• A dedicated Landstar agent as your single point of contact 
• A Mexico Cross‑Border operations team that supports agents with border execution through process alignment, localized insight and on-the-ground coordination 
• Access to Landstar exclusive owner-operators and vetted third‑party carriers 
• Secure, CTPAT‑compliant infrastructure at key gateways 
• Disciplined coordination across customs, documentation and handoffs 
• Flexible solutions aligned to customer requirements 

FAQs

1. How does U.S.–Mexico cross‑border freight shipping work?

U.S.–Mexico cross‑border freight moves through a defined process that includes origin pickup, export filing, customs clearance, border transfer and inland delivery. While northbound and southbound shipments follow similar steps, southbound freight typically requires additional documentation and regulatory review. 

2. What is the difference between northbound and southbound cross‑border freight?

Northbound freight moves from Mexico into the United States and involves export clearance in Mexico and import clearance in the U.S. Southbound freight moves from the U.S. into Mexico and generally requires more documentation, including fiscal‑compliant invoices and regulatory permits. 

3. What documents are required for cross‑border freight shipping?

Cross‑border freight shipments commonly require a Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list and export or import Pedimento. Additional documents, such as certificates of origin or regulatory permits, may be required depending on shipment type and direction. 

4. How long does cross‑border freight shipping take? 

Transit time depends on freight type, documentation readiness, customs review and border conditions. Delays most often occur due to incomplete or inaccurate paperwork. 

5. What causes cross‑border shipping delays? 

Common causes of cross‑border delays include incomplete or inaccurate documentation, missing permits, customs inspections and misaligned pickup or border timing. Early preparation and coordination can help reduce these risks. 

6. Who coordinates the cross‑border shipping process at Landstar? 

At Landstar, customers work with a dedicated agent who serves as a single point of contact. The agent coordinates communication across carriers, customs brokers and border facilities throughout the shipment lifecycle.