Ocean Freight · Mexico → Houston
Ocean Freight from Mexico to Houston
10 port combinations connect Mexico and Houston in our network. The shortest, Altamira → Houston, is 578 nautical miles; transit across the lane ranges 2–18 days port to port.
- Distance
- 578 nm
- Transit
- 2–18 days
- Service
- FCL & LCL
Lane at a glance
Route facts
GoForwarder books full-container (FCL) and consolidated (LCL) space on this lane, coordinates pickup and export in Mexico, and hands the cargo to import clearance and final delivery in United States.
- Origin
- Mexico
- Destination
- Houston (USHOU), United States
- Distance
- from 578 nm (1,070 km)
- Estimated transit
- 2–18 days
- Routing via
- Panama Canal
- Equipment
- FCL 20', 40', 40' HC · reefer · LCL
- Incoterms
- EXW · FCA · FOB · CIF · DAP · DDP
Network
Main port pairs
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altamira | Houston | 578 nm | 2–6 days |
| Tampico | Houston | 578 nm | 2–6 days |
| Veracruz | Houston | 657 nm | 2–6 days |
| Coatzacoalcos | Houston | 712 nm | 2–7 days |
| Progreso | Houston | 724 nm | 2–7 days |
| Manzanillo | Houston | 3,236 nm | 8–14 days |
| Lázaro Cárdenas | Houston | 3,236 nm | 8–14 days |
| Mazatlán | Houston | 3,648 nm | 9–16 days |
| Guaymas | Houston | 3,994 nm | 10–17 days |
| Ensenada | Houston | 4,438 nm | 11–18 days |
How it works
From quote to delivery
- 01
Quote and booking
Send cargo details on WhatsApp; we confirm the rate and book vessel space from Mexico.
- 02
Pickup and export clearance
We coordinate container release, pickup and export customs in Mexico.
- 03
Ocean transit
Sailing Mexico → Houston: about 2–18 days port to port, with tracking until arrival.
- 04
Import clearance
Customs clearance in United States, coordinated with our customs broker partners.
- 05
Final delivery
Drayage from the terminal to your warehouse, with proof of delivery.
Checklist
Documents and cost drivers
Documents to import into United States
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L)
- ISF 10+2, filed 24 h before loading at origin
- CBP entry (Form 7501) through a U.S. customs broker, with customs bond
- USMCA certification of origin when applicable
- FDA / USDA prior notice for regulated goods
- Mexican export pedimento at origin
What drives the price on this lane
- Base ocean freight (per container for FCL, per CBM for LCL)
- Bunker / fuel surcharges (BAF) and peak-season surcharges
- Terminal handling at origin and destination (THC)
- Documentation and B/L fees
- Customs clearance at both ends
- Drayage from the port to the final address
- Cargo insurance
Mexico · DOF
Exchange rate used for Mexican customs
$18.0710 MXN
USD FIX published in the DOF on September 30, 2026
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from Mexico to Houston take?+
Estimated transit is 2–18 days port to port. Direct services sit at the low end; transshipment, peak season or inspections push it to the high end.
How far is Mexico from Houston?+
The shortest pair is 578 nm (1,070 km) by sea via the Panama Canal.
How much does ocean freight from Mexico to Houston cost?+
It depends on container size or volume (CBM), the season and surcharges. Send your cargo details on WhatsApp and we reply with a written quote.
FCL or LCL — which one do I need?+
Below roughly 15 m³, consolidated LCL is usually cheaper. Above that, a 20-foot container starts to pay off; a 40-foot container fits about 67 m³.
What documents do I need to import into United States?+
Commercial invoice; Packing list; Bill of lading (B/L); ISF 10+2, filed 24 h before loading at origin; CBP entry (Form 7501) through a U.S. customs broker, with customs bond.
Do you handle Mexican customs?+
Yes. We coordinate the customs clearance in Mexico with licensed customs broker partners, so freight and customs move under one quote.
From Mexico to other destinations in United States
Ready to move your cargo?
Send origin, destination and cargo details — we reply with a written quote.