Understanding how shipping to Canada and Mexico differs can improve your logistics plans.
Below, we examine key factors like carrier markets and customs processes.
1. Mexico’s Carrier Market is Twice as Fragmented as Canada’s
Mexico’s carrier market is highly fragmented, with around 178,000 for-hire carriers.
Over 80% of these carriers operate fleets of one to five trucks.
In comparison, Canada has about 88,000 trucking companies.
When shipping to Mexico, you must work with more carriers, making your supply chain and logistics management more complex.
Coordinating shipments with multiple small carriers can increase cross-border shipping challenges between Canada and Mexico.
2. Most Canada-U.S. Shipments Use Through Trailers.
Most Canada-U.S. shipments use through-trailers.
This keeps freight on the same trailer across the border.
It simplifies transportation and boosts efficiency.
With one driver per shipment, supply chain management improves.
Through-trailers reduce delays and enhance logistics services.
Waggon provides reliable through-trailer options for your cargo needs.
Using through-trailers ensures your shipments move smoothly and efficiently across borders.
3. Few Carriers in Mexico Carry Cargo Insurance, but Brokers Can Provide It.
Few carriers in the Mexico carrier market carry cargo insurance.
In Canada and the U.S., carriers must have insurance by law.
To protect your shipments crossing the Canada vs. Mexico border, use freight brokers like Waggon.
We provide cargo insurance for less-than-truckload and container shipments.
This ensures your goods are safe during international shipping.
4. Canadian Customs Clearance is Typically Smoother.
Canadian customs clearance is typically smoother than Mexico’s.
You only need a customs broker on the importing side.
This reduces paperwork and speeds up the process for shipments crossing the Canada-U.S. border.
Canadian customs are efficient, helping freight move quickly through warehouses and transload facilities.
With streamlined procedures, your shipments face fewer delays.
This reliability is crucial for B2B shippers using less-than-truckload (LTL) services.
By partnering with a trusted customs broker, you ensure seamless intermodal transport.
Experience faster transit times with Canadian National and Canadian Pacific railroads supporting your logistics needs.
5. Mexico-U.S. Border Crossings Generally Take Longer.
Mexico-U.S. border crossings take longer than Canada’s.
Trucks may wait 2 to 5 hours to clear customs.
In 2025, over 6 million trucks will cross through Laredo, Texas.
This crossing handles more than half of all Mexico-U.S. truck traffic.
With only 22 crossing points, delays are common.
Freight forwarders can help reduce wait times at busy ports.
Use customs brokers or third-party logistics providers to streamline the process.
Experience the efficiency of Waggon Cross-border freight Services.
We deliver your freight on time, every time — Contact us today to ensure your shipping needs are met with precision and reliability.
