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The short answer

The Mexican shipper loads the freight with a Carta Porte for the move inside Mexico, the Mexican customs broker files the export pedimento, and the U.S. importer's customs broker files the U.S. entry, including any partner agency data. The freight usually crosses in a sealed trailer with a border drayage tractor or an authorized long-haul Mexican carrier, then continues to the U.S. delivery. The shipper should know which of those models was priced.

This page is part of the U.S.–Mexico Freight Shipping Guide.

How the northbound move works

The northbound chain

  1. Mexican pickupThe freight, pickup window and loading equipment are confirmed, and the Carta Porte data for the move in Mexico is ready.
  2. Mexican exportThe Mexican customs broker files the export pedimento for the exporter.
  3. The crossingA border drayage carrier or an authorized long-haul carrier moves the trailer across at the planned port.
  4. U.S. entry and releaseThe U.S. importer's customs broker files the entry and any agency data; CBP releases or holds the freight.
  5. U.S. deliveryThe U.S. carrier picks up the released trailer and delivers to the appointment.

What the shipper needs

The parties, named. The Mexican exporter or seller, the U.S. importer of record, the Mexican customs broker, the U.S. customs broker, and the carriers for each leg. If the U.S. importer is not set up or its broker does not have the documents, trucking alone cannot solve it.

The commercial file, early. Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, the Mexican export pedimento information, USMCA certification data when a preference is claimed, and permits or agency data for regulated products. Food, medical devices, chemicals, vehicles and agricultural goods can need FDA, USDA, EPA or other agency information beyond the basic CBP entry. See Mexico freight documents.

Descriptions that identify the goods. "Materials", "parts" and "equipment" create questions. Use the description the customs brokers will use.

Carrier authority decides the handoff

Mexico-domiciled carriers entering the United States need a USDOT number and FMCSA authority. Some hold authority only for the U.S. border commercial zones; others are approved for long-haul operations beyond them. So a northbound load may:

  • stay in the same trailer and change tractors near the border,
  • use a border drayage provider for the crossing,
  • transload into U.S. equipment, or
  • move through with an authorized long-haul carrier.

Each is legitimate. They are priced differently and carry different risks. See through-trailer vs. transload.

What changes the plan

  • Distance from the Mexican origin to the border, and which crossing the brokers support
  • Equipment type and whether it can cross or must be swapped
  • Regulated goods that need agency review before release
  • Oversize freight, which needs Mexican and U.S. permits for each leg
  • Cargo value and the security controls it calls for
  • Weekend and holiday timing on both sides

Common failure points

  • The U.S. broker receives the invoice after the truck is already in line.
  • The handoff yard, trailer number and seal number are not recorded, so the freight "disappears" between providers.
  • No one is named to confirm U.S. release and authorize the onward move.
  • A delivery date promised before the crossing plan was known.

For each change of carrier, tractor or trailer, record the location, window, carrier names, trailer and seal numbers, condition exceptions and the person who confirms release.

Before requesting a quote

  • Mexican pickup address or city and state
  • U.S. delivery address or city and state
  • Pickup and delivery timing
  • Commodity and packaging
  • Dimensions and total weight
  • Trailer type if known
  • Whether the freight may be transloaded
  • Loading and unloading requirements
  • Customs brokers on both sides, if known
  • Crossing required by the customs plan, if any

Common questions

Can any Mexican carrier deliver anywhere in the United States?

No. FMCSA distinguishes carriers limited to the border commercial zones from those authorized for long-haul operations. Check the authority of the carrier that will run in the U.S.

Can the trailer cross even if the tractor changes?

Yes. That is a common model when the equipment and the participating carriers are set up for it. Confirm the arrangement for your load.

Is USMCA paperwork the same as customs clearance?

No. Origin certification can support a claim for preferential treatment. It does not replace the export pedimento or the U.S. entry.

Get a northbound quote

Send the Mexican origin, U.S. destination, freight details, equipment, timing and whatever you know about the brokers and crossing.

Request a Freight Quote

Official sources

Last verified: 27 September 2026 against the official sources listed.