Getting your products from a United States or Canadian origin to one of the U.S./Mexican gateways is the easy part. Crossing the border into Mexico and getting it delivered to the consignee is another matter.

      Today, the key to shipping into or out of Mexico is developing a relationship with a licensed and bonded international transportation broker who has both the U.S. and Mexican carrier base to get the job done properly at the least cost to all concerned.

      Mexican customs officials pay close attention to documentation. There is no room for error, both in terms of accuracy and timing, on any of the documents that the exporter must prepare, such as the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and the shipper’s export declaration.

      Regardless whether the shipment is moving in-bond or domestic, all export documents should be forwarded by overnight courier service to the U.S. customhouse broker or freight forwarder selected by the consignee. Documents should be sent on the day the shipment leaves the origin point. Original export documents should not be trusted to truck drivers for delivery to anyone.

      The border crossing scene is complicated, primarily owing to so many different parties involved. Eighty percent of the commerce between the United States and Mexico moves via truck. To illustrate the process, let’s follow a van load of freight all kinds (F.A.K), 45,000 pounds from Los Angeles, to the Laredo/Nuevo Laredo gateway...

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