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 in this stage typically include the shipper, the approved Mexican third-party carrier, the Landstar agent and Landstar’s Mexico Cross‑Border operations team, which supports border coordination and a Mexican transfer third-party carrier. 

Common documents for this step usually include the layout for the Carta Porte provided by the shipper and the Carta Porte, or Mexican Bill of Lading, created by the 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. 

At this stage, shipment data is reviewed and submitted for export processing, and documentation accuracy is confirmed before the freight arrives at the border. Common documents for this step typically include the Export Pedimento, Carta Porte, commercial invoice, Comprobante Fiscal Digital por Internet (CFDI), if required, and the associated .xml file. 

Step 3: Mexican Export Customs Clearance 

Mexican customs authorities review the shipment’s documentation to verify accuracy and compliance before authorizing export. This stage is managed primarily by the Mexican customs broker, who submits the required information to Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) for validation. Once approved, the shipment is cleared to move toward the border with the 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. 

At this stage, the freight moves through the designated Customs Port of Entry, and border transfer is coordinated using approved providers. Common documents typically include the cleared export Pedimento, Carta Porte and carrier manifest. 

Step 5: U.S. Import Customs Filing 

Import documentation is filed with U.S. Customs either before the shipment reaches the border or upon arrival, depending on the requirements for that load. A U.S. customs broker typically manages this filing on behalf of the importer of record and coordinates directly with U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP) to support accurate and complete shipment data. Key documents at this stage include CBP entry paperwork, the commercial invoice, the Bill of Lading, and a Certificate of Origin when required, along with any additional agency filings tied to the commodity.  

Step 6: U.S. Customs Review and Release 

CBP reviews the shipment upon arrival to verify documentation and determine whether an inspection is required. Depending on the outcome, the load is either released electronically or held for review. Once the shipment is cleared, it moves to a Landstar‑approved facility for the next stage of handling.  

Step 7: Transfer to U.S. Inland Capacity 

After the shipment reaches a Landstar‑approved facility, inland capacity is assigned for final transportation based on equipment needs, destination and timing. This may include a Landstar exclusive owner‑operator or an approved third‑party carrier. If the shipment requires transloading, it will be conducted at a cross-dock facility. 

Step 8: Linehaul and Final Delivery 

Once inland capacity is assigned, the freight moves to the consignee for final delivery. The carrier completes the linehaul and confirms delivery at the destination. Documentation for this stage typically includes the Bill of Lading and the Proof of Delivery.  

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, and your Landstar agent reviews shipment details for alignment with Mexican import requirements. An approved U.S. third-party carrier or a Landstar exclusive owner‑operator handles the initial pickup. The Mexico Cross‑Border operations team supports coordination behind the scenes Key documents at this stage include the U.S. Bill of Lading, commercial invoice and packing list. 

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

When export filing is required, shipment data is submitted through the appropriate U.S. systems before the load moves toward the border. A commercial invoice, Bill of Lading and Certificate of Origin may be needed to complete the process, along with an Automated Export System (AES) filing through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal when applicable.  

Step 3: Linehaul to the Border 

Once pickup and any required export filings are complete, the freight moves from the shipper’s facility to the U.S.–Mexico border. The assigned carrier manages this linehaul segment based on equipment needs and transit timing. This movement positions the shipment for transfer and customs processing at the border. It also ensures the load arrives with all required documents ready for review. 

Step 4: Deliver to Freight Forwarder 

After a trailer interchange inspection at a Landstar‑approved facility, the shipment is delivered to the designated freight forwarder. The forwarder reviews documentation and prepares the load for Mexican import processing. Common documents at this stage include a fiscal‑compliant commercial invoice, the import Pedimento, the packing list and a Certificate of Origin when required. This handoff ensures the shipment is properly staged for customs entry. 

Step 5: Border Drayage and Transfer 

Once the freight and documents are ready, the assigned transfer carrier is notified to begin the border‑crossing process. Crossing documents are issued, and the transfer moves through approved drayage providers toward the designated Customs Port of Entry. This step ensures the shipment is properly aligned with border procedures and timing. Coordinated drayage helps maintain continuity between the forwarder and customs processing. 

Step 6: Mexican Customs Clearance 

Mexican customs reviews the shipment’s documentation to determine whether it can be released or requires inspection. The process may involve validating the Pedimento and supporting documents such as DODA or Aviso de Cruce. Once cleared, the shipment is authorized to continue into Mexico. This step ensures compliance with Mexican import regulations before inland movement begins. 

Step 7: Inland Delivery in Mexico 

After customs release, the freight moves inland to the consignee using the assigned Mexican carrier. The carrier manages final‑mile delivery and confirms receipt at destination. Documentation for this stage typically includes the Carta Porte and Proof of Delivery. This final step completes the shipment lifecycle within Mexico. 

How Landstar Supports Cross-Border Freight

Landstar supports cross‑border freight by giving you a single point of contact through your dedicated agent, backed by a Mexico Cross‑Border operations team that handles process alignment and on‑the‑ground coordination. You also gain access to Landstar’s exclusive owner‑operators and vetted third‑party carriers, along with secure, CTPAT‑compliant infrastructure at key gateways. Throughout the move, teams coordinate documentation, customs requirements and handoffs with discipline and consistency. The result is a flexible, customer‑aligned solution that stays reliable across every stage of the border process. 

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.