Mexico Shipping

• How does freight go across the border?
• Who chooses the customs broker?
• What type of freight is prohibited or restricted?
• What additional fees apply at the border?
• How can customers track a shipment after it leaves the U.S.?
• How can I get a rate for a Mexico shipment?
• Why do I have to install a Java applet to my computer to get a Mexico rate quote?
• Who is Estes Logística?

Need more answers? Send us your question and we'll be happy to help.

How does freight go across the border?

Southbound freight travels through Estes’ U.S. network to the U.S./Mexico border where the Mexico broker U.S. agent coordinates crossing with the Mexico Customs broker. Once the freight is cleared by Mexico Customs, a drayage carrier delivers the shipment to Estes Logística’s designated carrier in Mexico, who delivers the freight to the ultimate consignee in Mexico.

Pickups for northbound freight are coordinated by Estes Logística’s Mexico City team, the Estes Laredo terminal or corporate customer care. Shipments are routed though the Mexico LTL network to the U.S. border and delivered to the Mexico Customs broker/U.S. agent to arrange border crossing. The Mexico broker arranges drayage to move the shipment across the border and deliver it to a nearby Estes terminal or to a freight forwarder chosen by the shipper. The freight is then routed through the Estes LTL network for delivery to the consignee.

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Who chooses the customs broker?

Generally, the consignee chooses the customs broker and instructs the shipper to show the name and contact information of the customs broker in the body of the BOL. If needed, the Laredo terminal will provide a list of brokers, but Estes will not recommend one broker over another.

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What type of freight is prohibited or restricted?

We will not haul items listed in our Rules Tariff, Items 485, 485-10 and 350.

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What additional fees apply at the border?

Broker fees, drayage fees and duties are all payable by the importer/consignee directly to the broker. Terms of sale between the seller and buyer will ultimately determine who is responsible for broker and related charges.

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How can customers track a shipment after it leaves the U.S.?

The tracking process is similar to that for domestic LTL. Basic shipment tracking is available on our home page as well as from within the Quick Tools sidebar on any page within our site. More detailed information is available when you track the freight through your My Estes account.

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How can I get a rate for a Mexico shipment?

A link to the Mexico Rate Inquiry application is available from the Quick Tools sidebar from any page within our site. This application allows our analysts to provide you with a quote using an online chat option. Or, you can simply call 1-866-ESTES4U (1-866-378-3748) and press 413 to get a Mexico rate quote. (If calling from Mexico, please dial 011-52-555-5292-7241.)

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Why do I have to install a Java applet to my computer to get a Mexico rate quote?

Due to the complexity of rating a Mexico shipment, our pricing analysts must work with you first-hand to provide a quote. The Java applet allows us to communicate with you through "Go-To Assist," which is our online chat tool. Downloading this applet will allow our analysts to send rate quotes to you directly as soon as possible. If you prefer not to download the Java applet to your computer, you can simply call 1-866-ESTES4U (1-866-378-3748) and press 413 to get a Mexico rate quote. (If calling from Mexico, please dial 011-52-555-5292-7241.)

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Who is Estes Logística?

Estes Logística is a subsidiary of Estes Express Lines. It is located in Mexico so that shippers have the advantage of in-country representation on both sides of the border. The team at Estes Logística ensures deliveries and pickups in Mexico are handled properly and that shipments enter and leave the country seamlessly.

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