Cross-border freight between the U.S. and its NAFTA neighbors hit record highs in March, topping $144.8 billion—up 8.4 % versus March 2024. Of that, U.S.– Mexico trucking reached $77.3 billion, the strongest monthly total since 2019. Q2 forecasts show steady 1.5 % growth in freight demand. But rising volumes strain ports, drive detention fees, and amplify supply chain friction can cause:
🚫 Delays at ports
🚫 Lack of inland coverage
🚫 Unpredictable carrier handoffs
🚫 Language and customs challenges
These are all still major headaches when shipping to or through Mexico — even for experienced operators.
The good news? These issues are solvable — with the right partner and process.
Know the Key Cross-Border Freight Entry Points
If you’re moving freight into Mexico, you’re likely touching one of these major ports:
- Veracruz: A gateway for auto parts, electronics, and industrial goods
- Manzanillo: One of Mexico’s busiest Pacific ports
- Lázaro Cárdenas: Critical for intermodal and containerized freight
Each location has unique strengths — and risks. Congestion, limited transloading options, or poor intermodal connections can add days to your timeline if you’re not ready.
Understand the Top Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
Let’s break it down:
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Detention Fees | Use a carrier with streamlined drayage + inland delivery services that prevent wait times at ports. |
| Customs Confusion | Partner with bilingual logistics experts who know the import/export landscape. |
| Too Many Hand-Offs | Choose an end-to-end provider — not a patchwork of brokers and carriers. |
| Visibility Gaps | Demand real-time tracking and one point of contact, even across countries. |
Why Is ShipWSL Built for Mexico
At White Star Logistics, we’re not new to North American freight — we’re expanding it. We’ve spent the last decade moving sensitive and high-volume cargo across the U.S. and Canada for partners like Geodis, Bolloré, and Dachser.
Now, we’re bringing that same speed, transparency, and precision to Mexico with:
- Bilingual teams with in-country expertise
- Coverage across all major ports and inland zones
- Cross-border, drayage, transloading, and OTR solutions under one roof
- Technology for full-route visibility and communication
Ready to Scale South? Start Here.
Before you book your next lane into Mexico, let’s get specific about your operation:
Book a Quick 15-Minute Consult
