Ocean Freight · United States → Mexico
Ocean Freight from United States to Mexico
24 port combinations connect United States and Mexico in our network. The shortest, Los Angeles → Ensenada, is 79 nautical miles; transit across the lane ranges 1–22 days port to port.
- Distance
- 79 nm
- Transit
- 1–22 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
- Mexico
- Distance
- from 79 nm (146 km)
- Estimated transit
- 1–22 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 | Ensenada | 79 nm | 1–5 days |
| Long Beach | Ensenada | 79 nm | 1–5 days |
| Oakland | Ensenada | 477 nm | 2–6 days |
| Houston | Altamira | 578 nm | 2–6 days |
| Houston | Tampico | 578 nm | 2–6 days |
| Miami | Progreso | 627 nm | 2–6 days |
| Houston | Veracruz | 657 nm | 2–6 days |
| New Orleans | Progreso | 660 nm | 2–6 days |
| Houston | Coatzacoalcos | 712 nm | 2–7 days |
| Houston | Progreso | 724 nm | 2–7 days |
| New Orleans | Coatzacoalcos | 808 nm | 2–7 days |
| New Orleans | Altamira | 825 nm | 2–7 days |
| New Orleans | Tampico | 825 nm | 2–7 days |
| New Orleans | Veracruz | 827 nm | 2–7 days |
| Miami | Coatzacoalcos | 988 nm | 3–7 days |
| Miami | Veracruz | 1,028 nm | 3–8 days |
| Savannah | Progreso | 1,031 nm | 3–8 days |
| Los Angeles | Mazatlán | 1,032 nm | 3–8 days |
| Long Beach | Mazatlán | 1,032 nm | 3–8 days |
| Charleston | Progreso | 1,061 nm | 3–8 days |
| Miami | Altamira | 1,072 nm | 3–8 days |
| Miami | Tampico | 1,072 nm | 3–8 days |
| Los Angeles | Guaymas | 1,256 nm | 3–8 days |
| Long Beach | Guaymas | 1,256 nm | 3–8 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 → Mexico: about 1–22 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 Mexico take?+
Estimated transit is 1–22 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 Mexico?+
The shortest pair is 79 nm (146 km) by sea via the Panama Canal.
How much does ocean freight from United States to Mexico 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.
Other origins in United States to Mexico
Ready to move your cargo?
Send origin, destination and cargo details — we reply with a written quote.