For shippers, managing the movement of truckload freight across the U.S.-Mexican border can be challenging and time-consuming. Documentation, compliance with trade regulations, and coordination with government agencies are among the factors that demand careful attention, as even small oversights can lead to costly delays or penalties.

But with the right knowledge and preparation, shipping between the U.S. and Mexico doesn't have to be difficult. Here are three tips to help shippers manage cross-border shipping requirements for a more streamlined experience.

1. Choose the Right Transportation Partner

An experienced and knowledgeable transportation partner can make all the difference when it comes to managing the requirements for cross-border shipping to and from Mexico.

With all its moving components, cross-border shipping requires a transportation provider that is efficient and can address potential issues quickly. These providers will have a proven track record of on-time and damage-free cross-border deliveries, knowledge of customs procedures and trade regulations, and strong relationships with government agencies on both sides of the border.

A Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) certification is an indicator of a quality transportation partner, demonstrating that their business adheres to the highest security standards set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. CTPAT-certified partners are also granted customs privileges when entering the U.S. from Mexico, allowing them to clear their freight faster at the border.

Equally as important is finding a transportation partner that can handle the equipment and compliance requirements for the type of freight being moved. This is especially true for specialty freight, such as oversized and hazmat, which require carriers to have specialized equipment or certifications.

2. Prepare Documentation Ahead of Time

Thorough preparation is essential when it comes to the documentation required to ship freight between the United States and Mexico. The level of accuracy and completion can be the difference between clearing customs or facing delays and potential fines.

While not required, using a customs broker to facilitate documentation preparation and submission can be an invaluable asset during this process, especially for less experienced shippers. Their comprehensive knowledge of freight regulations and compliance criteria in both Mexico and the U.S. can help avoid errors that hold up the shipping process.

The specific documents needed vary by shipment specifications and whether the freight is moving north or southbound at the border. A licensed customs broker can verify and help complete the documentation needed such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading (BOL).

A common (but not required) form for cross-border shipments is the Certification of Origin for goods that qualify for USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) tariff exceptions. There are also commodity-based documents such as material safety data sheets (MSDS) for hazmat and permits for agricultural and oversized freight.

3. Know What to Expect at Customs

Customs clearance is one of the most critical stages in cross-border shipping, where U.S. Customs and Border Patrol or Aduana (Mexico customs) verify if the requirements have been met and the freight is allowed to cross the border.

It is helpful for shippers to have a general understanding of what to expect at customs. It’s normal to temporarily lose visibility of freight while it is processed through customs.

At customs, documentation is carefully examined by border officials to determine if the information is complete and consistent with the freight being moved. If cleared, the crossing carrier continues across the border and drops the freight off at a secured yard where it’s held for dispatch to its destination.

Sometimes, trucks are selected for random inspections. This is done at both U.S. and Mexico customs and can cause unexpected delays. When this happens, customs officials will break the seal on the truck to view the contents. Once it is determined the load is compliant, the carrier will be free to finish crossing the border.

The time it takes to clear customs will vary based on several factors including wait time at the border, random inspection selection, type of commodity and more. An experienced transportation provider will be able to give more context on expected timing for each shipment.