Shipping to Mexico from the USA
Moving to Mexico from the USA? Household goods can travel by truck across the border or by sea to ports such as Manzanillo and Veracruz. Compare up to 5 free quotes from companies that handle the Mexican customs process.
- Region
- North America & Caribbean
- Main sea ports
- Manzanillo, Veracruz, Lázaro Cárdenas, Altamira (and by road across the border)
- Main airports
- Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Cancún
- Sea transit
- Typically about 1 to 3 weeks port to port
- Shipments
- Household goods, cars, boxes and barrels, commercial freight
Container shipping to Mexico
Most household moves to Mexico go by sea container. You can book a container just for your goods (FCL) or share one with other customers (LCL).
| Option | Space (approx.) | Usually fits |
|---|---|---|
| Shared container (LCL) | Pay per cubic metre or foot | A few rooms, up to about 15 m³ (530 ft³) |
| 20ft container (FCL) | About 33 m³ (1,170 ft³) | 1 to 2 bedroom home |
| 40ft container (FCL) | About 67 m³ (2,390 ft³) | 3 to 4 bedroom home, or household goods plus a car |
Not sure how much you have? Use our moving size calculator.
Air cargo to Mexico
Air cargo (air freight) is the fastest way to ship to Mexico. It is ideal for clothes, documents, electronics and things you need as soon as you arrive. Prices are based on the "chargeable weight": the actual weight or the volume weight, whichever is higher, so air cargo is best for smaller, lighter shipments.
Air shipments to Mexico usually arrive at Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Cancún.
Car shipping to Mexico
Importing a car permanently to Mexico is restricted and depends on the vehicle's age and origin. Temporary import permits have different rules. Check with a customs broker before you ship.
- RoRo: the car is driven onto the ship. Often the cheapest option, but you can't pack belongings in the car.
- Container: more protection, and you can combine the car with household goods.
- To export a car from the USA you need the original title, and the documents must be given to U.S. Customs before the car is loaded.
Shipping boxes and barrels to Mexico
Only sending a few things? Shipping boxes, barrels or excess baggage to Mexico is much cheaper than a full move. Many companies collect from your home and deliver door to door.
Commercial freight to Mexico
Shipping goods for your business? Compare quotes for FCL and LCL freight, pallets and air freight to Mexico, including customs clearance.
How much does shipping to Mexico cost?
Every shipment is different, so prices vary a lot between companies. Your price depends on:
- The volume or weight of your goods
- Shared container, full container or air cargo
- Your pickup location in the USA and the destination city in Mexico
- Packing, insurance, storage and door delivery
- Destination charges such as port fees and customs clearance
- Season and current freight rates
Ask each company what is included, especially destination charges. Compare up to 5 free quotes to find the best price.
How long does shipping to Mexico take?
Sea freight from the USA to Mexico typically takes about 1 to 3 weeks port to port. Door-to-door delivery takes longer because of collection, customs clearance and final delivery. Air cargo usually arrives within a few days to two weeks.
Customs and documents for Mexico
- To import used household goods duty-free (known as "menaje de casa") you usually need a residence visa and a list of your goods certified by a Mexican consulate in the USA before you move.
- Mexican customs clearance must be done through a licensed customs broker; your shipping company will arrange this.
- New items and electronics may be taxed or limited.
Rules change, so always confirm with your shipping company. See also our guide to prohibited items and how to pack.
Shipping companies to Mexico
We are adding verified shipping companies for Mexico. Send one request and up to 5 companies that serve your route will contact you with quotes.
Frequently asked questions about shipping to Mexico
How much does it cost to ship to Mexico from the USA?
The cost depends on how much you ship (volume or weight), the method (shared container, full container or air cargo), your pickup location in the USA, the destination city in Mexico, and extra services like packing, insurance and door delivery. Compare written quotes to know your real price: Movers World gets you up to 5 free quotes with one request.
How long does shipping to Mexico take?
Sea freight from the USA to Mexico typically takes about 1 to 3 weeks port to port. Door-to-door delivery takes longer because of collection, customs clearance and final delivery. Air cargo usually arrives within a few days to two weeks.
Can I ship a car to Mexico?
Importing a car permanently to Mexico is restricted and depends on the vehicle's age and origin. Temporary import permits have different rules. Check with a customs broker before you ship.
What documents do I need to ship to Mexico?
Usually your passport, a detailed packing list and proof of your move such as a visa or residence permit. For a car you also need the title and bill of sale. Your shipping company will confirm the exact list for Mexico.
Is air cargo or sea freight better for shipping to Mexico?
Sea freight is much cheaper for furniture and large shipments, but slower. Air cargo is faster and best for small, urgent or valuable items. Many people combine both: a small air shipment for essentials and the rest by sea.
Shipping to other countries in North America & Caribbean
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Bonaire
- British Virgin Islands
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Costa Rica
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Montserrat
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Martin
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sint Maarten
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- U.S. Virgin Islands