Ocean Freight · United States → Lázaro Cárdenas
Ocean Freight from United States to Lázaro Cárdenas
11 port combinations connect United States and Lázaro Cárdenas in our network. The shortest, Los Angeles → Lázaro Cárdenas, is 1,281 nautical miles; transit across the lane ranges 4–16 days port to port.
- Distance
- 1,281 nm
- Transit
- 4–16 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 United States, and hands the cargo to import clearance and final delivery in Mexico.
- Origin
- United States
- Destination
- Lázaro Cárdenas (MXLZC), Mexico
- Distance
- from 1,281 nm (2,372 km)
- Estimated transit
- 4–16 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Lázaro Cárdenas | 1,281 nm | 4–8 days |
| Long Beach | Lázaro Cárdenas | 1,281 nm | 4–8 days |
| Oakland | Lázaro Cárdenas | 1,679 nm | 4–10 days |
| Seattle | Lázaro Cárdenas | 2,498 nm | 6–12 days |
| Miami | Lázaro Cárdenas | 2,972 nm | 8–14 days |
| New Orleans | Lázaro Cárdenas | 3,108 nm | 8–14 days |
| Houston | Lázaro Cárdenas | 3,236 nm | 8–14 days |
| Charleston | Lázaro Cárdenas | 3,297 nm | 8–14 days |
| Savannah | Lázaro Cárdenas | 3,307 nm | 8–15 days |
| Norfolk | Lázaro Cárdenas | 3,517 nm | 9–15 days |
| New York / New Jersey | Lázaro Cárdenas | 3,714 nm | 9–16 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 United States.
- 02
Pickup and export clearance
We coordinate container release, pickup and export customs in United States.
- 03
Ocean transit
Sailing United States → Lázaro Cárdenas: about 4–16 days port to port, with tracking until arrival.
- 04
Import clearance
Customs clearance in Mexico, 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 Mexico
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L)
- Pedimento (import declaration) filed by a licensed Mexican customs broker
- MVE — Electronic Value Declaration (Manifestación de Valor Electrónica)
- Importer registered in the Padrón de Importadores (SAT)
- Certificate of origin (USMCA or other FTA) to claim a preferential tariff
- NOM compliance / permits when the tariff code requires them
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
- Mexican import duties and taxes: IGI, DTA and 16% VAT
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 United States to Lázaro Cárdenas take?+
Estimated transit is 4–16 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 United States from Lázaro Cárdenas?+
The shortest pair is 1,281 nm (2,372 km) by sea via the Panama Canal.
How much does ocean freight from United States to Lázaro Cárdenas 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 Mexico?+
Commercial invoice; Packing list; Bill of lading (B/L); Pedimento (import declaration) filed by a licensed Mexican customs broker; MVE — Electronic Value Declaration (Manifestación de Valor Electrónica).
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.
Ready to move your cargo?
Send origin, destination and cargo details — we reply with a written quote.