Listed below are some of the questions we are asked most frequently regarding shipping to/from Mexico. If you have additional questions, please contact your local ABF representative.

Do I need a freight forwarder and/or a broker?
Yes, you need a freight forwarder in the United States and a Mexican Customs Broker on the Mexican side.

How do I find a broker?
Contact your local ABF representative for a list of brokers within your area. Then contact the broker directly for the best price and service.

What paperwork do I need?
Please see previous section on "Paperwork Requirements for Shipments to and from Mexico". Also, as the phases of NAFTA progress, your broker will be able to provide you with all the necessary information and paperwork needed to cross your shipment into Mexico.

On through-service shipments what will I be billed for?
ABF will bill you for the transportation cost from the U. S. point of origin to the border, then from the Mexican entry point to the final destination. For freight originating in Mexico, ABF will bill you for the transportation cost from the Mexico point of origin to the border, then from the U. S. entry point to the final destination.

Does this cost include the crossing of the shipment from the U.S. into Mexico or from Mexico into the U. S.?
No, you must make arrangements with your broker to have your shipment crossed into Mexico and tendered to our Mexican alliance partner. For freight originating in Mexico, you must make arrangements with your broker to have your shipment crossed into the United States and tendered to ABF.

What are the terms of payment on through-service shipments?
On U. S. origin freight, you may ship prepaid or collect from point of origin to final destination in Mexico, or prepaid to the border and collect beyond. On Mexico origin freight, you may ship prepaid or collect from point of origin to final destination in the U. S., or prepaid to the border and collect beyond.

Can ABF handle my in-bond shipments?
Yes, we are a bonded carrier.

How does cargo liability work?
ABF offers more protection for your Mexican LTL shipments than most other carriers. The U.S. portion of a Mexican shipment is covered just as any other domestic move. For the Mexican portion, ABF's liability will not exceed $0.50 per pound per lost or damaged package, unless the shipper has requested excess liability coverage. Additional LTL liability coverage (and coverage for truckload shipments) may be purchased at an additional cost. Please see your local ABF representative for details.