Cross‑border freight shipping between the U.S. and Mexico involves multiple regulatory, documentation and transportation steps. This guide outlines the northbound and southbound freight lifecycle, from origin pickup through customs clearance and final delivery. 

Landstar’s Mexico Cross-Border Services support this process through a dedicated agent model, exclusive owner-operator network, vetted third-party carriers and enterprise Mexico Cross‑Border Operations team. 

Below is a practical overview of how cross‑border freight typically moves — northbound and southbound — and what to expect at each stage. 

How Does Cross‑Border Freight Shipping Work? 

Cross‑border freight moves through a defined lifecycle that includes: 

  • Origin pickup 
  • Export and import customs processing 
  • Border transfer 
  • Inland delivery 

While northbound and southbound shipments follow a similar structure, southbound freight generally requires additional documentation and compliance review. 

Process at a Glance: U.S.–Mexico Cross‑Border Freight Lifecycle 

Phase 

Northbound (Mexico → U.S.) 

Southbound (U.S. → Mexico) 

Origin Pickup 

Freight is loaded at the shipper’s facility in Mexico using an approved Mexican third-party carrier. 

Freight is loaded at the U.S. shipper’s facility using an approved U.S. third-party carrier or a Landstar exclusive owner-operator. 

Export Preparation 

Export documentation is prepared and transmitted to Mexican Customs Broker prior to border arrival. 

U.S. export filing is completed when required, based on shipment value or regulatory controls. 

Export Customs Clearance 

Mexican Customs Broker reviews documentation and files export documents (pedimento) with Mexican Customs (Aduana). Mexican Customs validates pedimento and returns to Mexican Customs Broker with authorization to export. 

N/A 

Linehaul to Border 

Freight is drayed to the border through approved providers. 

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

Import Customs Filing 

U.S. import documentation is filed with U.S. Customs Prior to arrival. 

Freight Forwarder at border receives merchandise for inspection documentation, document processing, and pedimento payment and validation. 

Border Transfer 

Shipment crosses the border using approved drayage and secure transfer processes. 

Shipment crosses the border using approved drayage and secure transfer processes. 

Import Customs Clearance 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reviews the shipment and authorizes release. 

Mexican customs reviews documentation, duties and regulatory requirements before release. 

Inland Transportation 

Freight is released to a Landstar exclusive owner-operator or approved third‑party carrier for inland delivery. 

Freight is released to approved Mexican third-party carrier for inland delivery. 

Final Delivery 

Shipment is delivered to the U.S. consignee and receipt is confirmed. 

Shipment is delivered to the Mexican consignee and receipt is confirmed. 

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