Multiple deep-sea options — Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas and Ensenada on the Pacific; Veracruz and Altamira on the Gulf, giving weekly main-line calls from Asia, Europe and the U.S.
Digital paperwork, done right — our platform auto-populates the pedimento and 16 % IVA calculation so SAT clearance never stalls. (trade.gov)
Rapid inland reach — direct rail corridors move boxes from Lázaro Cárdenas to Mexico City and Monterrey in < 48 h; bonded trucking links Manzanillo to Bajío auto plants overnight.
Air-freight fallback — AICM handled 81 000 t of cargo in the first four months of 2025 (+6.5 % YoY), giving 3- to 5-day door-to-door speed when production runs late. (mexicobusiness.news)
Most inbound freight—auto parts, home appliances, chemicals—moves FCL into Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas, Veracruz or Altamira to minimise per-unit cost and avoid devanning delays.
Start-ups and U.S. near-shoring suppliers ship < 15 m³ on weekly LCL consolidations that devan in bonded depots at Manzanillo and Veracruz—often 40–60 % cheaper than paying for unused FCL space.
Popular modes: FCL dominates industrial supply chains; LCL is booming for small U.S. businesses replenishing Mexican assembly plants.
Major ports / airport served: Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas, Veracruz, Altamira; urgent air via Mexico City (AICM).
Typical cargo: Automotive parts, electronics, machinery, processed foods.
Transit-time snapshots:
Country-specific challenge: Strict SAT audits on customs value and a 16 % IVA; have HS codes and import licenses validated in advance.
Alternative option: Air freight via AICM (and the new AIFA cargo airport) cuts door-to-door to 3–5 days for high-value electronics and urgent spares.
Container shipping rates to Mexico
Asia-Pacific services berth Manzanillo first, then Lázaro Cárdenas; Atlantic rotations call Veracruz and Altamira after Houston or New Orleans. Cross-dock rail moves cargo to Mexico City, Querétaro and Monterrey in ≤ 48 h.
Common commodities
Restricted / Prohibited
Used clothing (permit required), firearms, certain chemicals without COFEPRIS/SEDENA licence, counterfeit brands.
Most industrial goods face 0–15 % duty plus 16 % IVA on the CIF value; our quote tool shows both automatically.(trade.gov)
Yes—under 15 m³ you avoid paying for empty FCL space, saving 40–60 %.
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended—add door-to-door cover at checkout.
Reserve space 6–8 weeks ahead to dodge roll-overs and congestion surcharges at Manzanillo.