Cross-border freight movements at the U.S.-Mexico border jumped by nearly 45% between 2012 and 2022, when about 13,844 commercial motor vehicles crossed the border every day.
In May of this year, trade between Mexico and the U.S. was valued at $73 billion, making Mexico the United States’ top trading partner for the fifth consecutive month, according to Census Bureau data.
Mexico has emerged as a trade superpower in the 2020s largely as a result of the nearshoring movement, propelled by the U.S.-China trade war, COVID-19 supply chain disruption, and North American manufacturing incentives.
There are constant challenges with cross-border shipping, including congestion caused by stepped-up inspections, complicated compliance documentation, and language barriers. Shippers need logistics providers with the strategies in place to overcome these challenges.
Strategy 1: Leveraging Expertise and Resources for Improved Efficiency
Shippers can leverage the expertise and resources of proven cross-border freight facilitators that employ real-time tracking and monitoring, streamlined documentation and compliance processes, and dedicated account management.
Real-Time Tracking and Monitoring
Real-time tracking and monitoring are essential with cross-border freight shipments. In addition to visibility, real-time tracking and monitoring provide security assurance that cargo is safe while it is in transit.
At RJ Logistics, our team works around the clock to keep you informed on the status of your freight. We require all of our partner carriers to be on MacroPoint to give us real-time visibility to all shipments and provide 24/7/365 updates from pickup to delivery. Our cross-border team provides those updates in both English and Spanish.
Streamlined Documentation and Compliance Processes
Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can leave freight stuck at the border. Streamlining documentation and ensuring compliance with international regulations are essential to keep freight moving across the U.S.-Mexico border.
RJ Logistics has a bilingual team near the border in Laredo, Texas, that is highly skilled in cross-border customs compliance, insurance coverage, rules and regulations, and security considerations.
Dedicated Account Management
A dedicated account manager enhances efficiency in cross-border shipping and improves customer satisfaction. At RJ Logistics, our dedicated account managers utilize advanced technology to quickly provide solutions to cross-border shipping challenges.
Strategy 2: Building Strong Relationships with Cross-Border Freight Companies
Shippers can trust their freight to logistics companies that have strong relationships with carriers that handle cross-border moves. The best logistics companies working at the border carefully vet and select only the best carriers and build long-term partnerships with them and work closely on collaborative planning and coordination.
Selecting Reliable Cross-Border Freight Companies
Working with trustworthy carriers is critical, particularly with often high-value cross-border freight. Electrical machinery reportedly is the top commodity being shipped by truck from Mexico to the United States, followed by computers and vehicles and automotive parts.
Selecting the right mode also is important in cross-border freight movements. Shipping by rail has become increasingly risky. According to FreightWaves, there were 307 recorded cases of theft from rail cars in May, a 99% year-over-year increase.
At RJ Logistics, we thoroughly vet our carrier partners to ensure they are compliant with all regulations and take steps to safeguard freight each and every day.
Collaborative Planning and Coordination
Collaborative planning with cross-border shipping partners results in optimized routes and schedules. Excellent communication and coordination also help reduce bottlenecks and improve efficiency.
At RJ Logistics, we stay up to date on border backlogs and constantly work with shippers and carriers to improve efficiency. We know that Laredo and El Paso, Texas, and Otay Mesa, California, are the busiest ports of entry for trucks at the U.S.-Mexico border, and we are constantly monitoring conditions there.
Long-Term Partnerships
Working with one-and-done carriers is not a good idea, particularly with cross-border freight services. Long-term relationships result in continually improving operations and better communication.
At RJ Logistics, we build carrier partnerships through a detailed vetting process focused on compliance, risk mitigation, safety, flawless execution, equipment, and technology standards.
We provide carriers with dedicated lanes and a single point of contact. Our successful partnerships have led to improved operations at ports of entry all along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Strategy 3: Mastering Cross-Border Regulatory and Compliance Requirements
Cross-border shipping is fraught with challenges. Shippers should trust their cross-border movements to logistics providers that thoroughly understand all regulatory requirements, streamline documentation processes, and are skilled in customs brokerage services.
Understanding Regulatory Requirements
The best cross-border freight service providers are up to date on regulatory changes in North America. (The Biden administration, for example, announced in July a 25% tax on foreign-made steel imports routed through Mexico.)
At RJ Logistics, we know how to effectively manage all compliance procedures in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Streamlining Documentation Processes
Accurate and timely documentation are vital for smooth cross-border operations, which require significantly more paperwork than domestic freight movements. The list of documents needed to haul freight across the Mexican border into the United States includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, carrier information, certificate of origin, and U.S. customs declaration.
RJ Logistics’ cross-border team employs best practices for expertly managing all paperwork in the language required.
Customs Brokerage Services
Customs brokerage services help shippers navigate complex cross-border shipping regulations, thus expediting the clearance processes and reducing delays. At RJ Logistics, we have the knowledge to ensure compliance with all customs processes and international laws, streamlining clearance processes and eliminating delays.
Partner with RJ Logistics for Cross-Border Freight
RJ Logistics is the premier partner for cross-border freight services.
In addition to our Laredo office, we have logistics experts at our headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, and at our facility in Indianapolis. No matter whether your freight is cross-border or domestic, RJ Logistics provides simple solutions to complex problems with state-of-the-art technology, industry-favored customer service, and the drive for mutual success.
At RJ Logistics, we do whatever it takes to deliver for our customers. Whether it’s cross-border shipping, expedited services, or truckload or flatbed freight, RJ Logistics has you covered.
Schedule a call with RJ Logistics today.
