Most delays at the border are not caused by traffic or inspections. They come from paperwork that is incomplete, late, or does not match the cargo. The good news: documents are the part of a cross-border shipment you fully control. This checklist covers what shippers are usually asked for, so your freight keeps moving.
The core documents
Every shipment is different, and your customs broker has the final word on what applies to your goods. These are the documents you will normally need:
- Commercial invoice — describes the goods, their value and the parties involved.
- Packing list — what is in each package, with weights and dimensions.
- Bill of lading — the contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier.
- Pedimento — the customs entry filed by your Mexican customs broker (agente aduanal).
- Entry summary — the import filing on the US side.
Do not forget the Mexican transport document
For the part of the trip that runs on Mexican roads, the cargo is generally accompanied by the electronic Complemento Carta Porte, a tax document (CFDI complement) that describes the goods, the route and the carrier. Your carrier normally issues it, but it can only be accurate if you provide accurate data: product descriptions, quantities, weights and the full origin and destination addresses.
Make the documents match the cargo
Customs compares what is on paper with what is on the truck. Before pickup, check that:
- Product descriptions are specific enough to be classified. "Parts" or "samples" is not a description.
- Quantities, weights and values are identical on every document.
- Names and addresses match between the invoice, the bill of lading and the customs entry.
- The tariff classification (HS code, fracción arancelaria in Mexico) is correct. The first six digits are international; the rest is country-specific, so confirm it with your broker.
Who prepares what
| Document | Usually prepared by |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Shipper / exporter |
| Packing list | Shipper / exporter |
| Bill of lading | Carrier |
| Pedimento | Mexican customs broker |
| Entry summary | US customs broker / importer |
Five mistakes that cause delays
- Vague or generic product descriptions.
- Weights on the invoice that do not match the packing list or the scale ticket.
- Consignee or shipper details that differ between documents.
- Sending documents when the truck is already at the border instead of before pickup.
- Changing the shipment (quantity, product, destination) without updating the paperwork.
Work with your customs broker early
Send your broker the draft documents before the cargo is ready to leave. Fixing a typo on Tuesday is far cheaper than fixing it at the bridge on Friday. If you need storage or cross-docking before the crossing, our Laredo warehouse can hold the cargo while paperwork is finalized.
How On Time International helps
Our team reviews the documentation with your customs broker before pickup, so problems are caught before the cargo reaches the border. See how we run the Monterrey–Laredo corridor, or request a quote and tell us what you are shipping.
