In the current environment of disruptive trade policies, U.S. companies are reimagining and revamping their supply chains to capitalize on nearshoring opportunities.
Particularly in the manufacturing, food & beverage and retail sectors. Reliable, safe and compliant multimodal transport options, including nearshoring, are critical to ensure new supply chain configurations meet expectations. These companies require experienced transportation and logistics providers to help navigate the complexities of this environment, including the unique regulatory compliance requirements associated with moving their products across borders.
More than half (53%) of operations executives in a recent survey from Werner® and Supply Chain Dive’s studioID identified a carrier’s performance in cross-border logistics as extremely important.
Cross-border freight growth (January 2025 vs. January 2024):
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Mexico: 7.9% increase
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Canada: 8.6% increase
While the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and tariffs are ongoing factors, there are many reasons to shift production to Mexico.
Shorter supply chains translate into real advantages for shippers, including same-day communication, easy travel for site visits, shorter lead times, quicker response times to disruptions, better cargo security and improved cargo visibility, all resulting in a more nimble operation.
“As Mexico cements itself as a prime destination for nearshoring and offshore manufacturing, businesses face mounting challenges in cross-border logistics,” said Lance Dixon, SVP of Mexico, Canada, and TCU Divisions at Werner.
This article highlights how companies can optimize their cross-border logistics plans by partnering with transportation and logistics providers that have decades of experience, an emphasis on cargo security, compliance and multi-modal transport, as well as strategic infrastructure.
Cross-border shipping modes
Through-Trailer (or Door-to-Door):
The freight remains in the same trailer from origin to final destination, often with only a tractor swap at the border. This minimizes handling, reduces risk exposure and is ideal for high-value or time-sensitive freight such as automotive or temperature-controlled products.
Transload:
The freight is transferred from a Mexican carrier’s trailer to a U.S.-based carrier’s trailer at a border facility (or vice versa). While this introduces more touchpoints, it can offer cost efficiencies and trailer optimization, especially when combined with the right cross-dock infrastructure and oversight. For Mexico-bound cargo, drivers can take the load to the border even if they aren’t hauling a trailer authorized for transport into Mexico. Conversely, transloading helps to optimize truck and trailer capacity for Mexican carrier partners.
Cross-border logistics challenges in the current environment
As recent events have demonstrated, long-standing trade routes can be disrupted without warning, leaving shippers scrambling to find alternatives to ensure their supply chains remain uninterrupted. Mexico has consistently ranked among the top U.S. trading partners. In 2024, over 80% of Mexico’s total goods exports flowed north, and more than 40% of its total goods imports came from the U.S. That trend is likely to continue as geopolitical uncertainties persist, influencing trade patterns and potentially leading to increased imports from Mexico and Canada, particularly as a means to circumvent tariffs on other nations, such as China.
Nearshoring to Mexico has proved to be a successful strategy for manufacturers in various industries, including automotive, aerospace and electronics. However, it’s important to note that this shift can increase costs and disrupt supply chains, as well as hinder economic growth if not implemented correctly. Companies moving manufacturing to Mexico for the first time or expanding their presence will benefit from having a trusted, experienced logistics provider leading the way.
Customs requirements on both sides of the border, as well as the need for local contacts and expertise, represent some of the potential pitfalls that could result in delays and additional costs due to customs violations.
Mexico’s advantages as a nearshore manufacturing platform:
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2,000-mile border with the U.S.
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48 rail crossings
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5 road crossings
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1–2 days from any point in the U.S.
Potential cross-border pitfalls
Given the complex customs regulations, traffic congestion, cargo security risks, cultural barriers and capacity constraints, mastering the cross-border environment requires expertise, innovation and localized strategies.
Strict customs compliance is the foundation for a successful cross-border strategy, as even minor errors in paperwork can lead to lengthy delays and costly fines. Logistics providers certified in both Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), Mexico’s equivalent, can help expedite border crossings due to fewer cargo inspections. Experience with Mexican customs compliance documentation, such as the Complemento Carta Porte system, helps avoid shipment holds or fines.
As Mexico has become the destination of choice for U.S. manufacturers, rising traffic and shipment volumes are putting pressure on the infrastructure. Highways, customs processing and warehouse capacity have been pushed to the limits. Changes in immigration policies may result in more detailed inspections for drivers and cargo, potentially leading to more congestion and even longer wait times.
Rising freight volumes present attractive targets for cargo theft and tampering. Security breaches, such as cargo theft during dwell time at border facilities or during transload, are a top concern. One of the factors contributing to security risks is the lack of visibility when freight is in Mexico, particularly with partners that operate without integrated tracking systems.
Cultural and communication barriers can be an obstacle to establishing an effective cross-border program. Having bilingual people on the ground can make every step more efficient. Within Mexico, it’s crucial to acknowledge regional differences and establish relationships accordingly.
Shortfalls in these areas may point to a lack of depth and breadth in the logistics provider’s experience.
“Werner mitigates these risks with real-time tracking, secure C-TPAT-certified terminals, bilingual support teams and direct oversight from our four offices in Mexico,” said Dixon.
Step-by-step guide to cross-border shipping
No matter which border you’re crossing, cross-border shipping involves significantly more complexity than domestic moves. Here’s a quick guide to the typical process for moving cargo north and south of the U.S. border.
Step 01: Pre-clearance
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Customs paperwork
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Bill of lading
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Commercial invoice
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Packing list
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Required trade documentation
Step 02: Carrier coordination
Werner or Mexican partners coordinate border handoffs for through-trailer or transload shipments.
Step 03: Customs processing
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U.S. and Mexican customs agencies review shipments
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C-TPAT certification helps expedite this step
Step 04: Final-mile delivery
After clearance, the shipment reaches its final destination via Werner’s fleet or a trusted carrier partner.
Werner’s in-house cross-border compliance experts proactively manage this process, ensuring documents are accurate and timelines are protected. With more than 25 years of regulatory experience, Werner significantly reduces the risk of clearance delays or entry denials.
Best practices in cross-border logistics solutions
Due to the rapid growth in nearshoring demand, transportation and logistics providers may try to position themselves as Mexico experts without having the requisite experience and infrastructure. That means loads could end up impounded for lengthy customs clearance or go missing altogether due to cargo theft.
If you’re looking for a way to separate the marketing hype from a truly experienced provider, understand that cross-border logistics expertise goes beyond simply offering service in Mexico. Whether a shipper requires a comprehensive package that includes transportation, cross-docking, inland ports, warehousing, customs documentation and assistance in a specific area, Werner has the bases covered.
“Werner offers all of these — plus decades of proven results — making us a true power partner for companies navigating the evolving Mexico nearshoring landscape,” said Dixon.
To be genuinely effective in cross-border logistics, a provider needs:
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Regulatory expertise and documentation management
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Flexible multi-modal offerings (dry van, refrigerated, logistics, intermodal)
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Technology-driven visibility and security (real-time GPS, load monitoring)
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Strategic terminal locations (e.g., Laredo, El Paso)
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Infrastructure investment (cross-docks, C-TPAT-certified facilities)
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Bilingual, binational operations teams
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Customer-focused service with 24/7 account management
Ensuring cargo security
As trade volumes increase, managing security becomes a high priority to ensure cargo integrity for every shipment. Enhanced security measures should be part of every transaction. Transportation and logistics providers with long-term experience understand the need to manage risks proactively and will make the necessary investments in technology and processes to secure loads effectively.
Relationships with local partners are critical in generating their support for the safety and security of the supply chain.
Logistics providers can lead the way in risk prevention by approving secure rest stops, mapping high-risk zones and utilizing real-time visibility tools to monitor freight at every stop. Additionally, the need for cargo insurance is an unfortunate reality, as organized theft rings operate with alarming efficiency.
Numerous handoffs along the way increase security risks, making it critical to have insight into every step. The solution is to develop end-to-end visibility with all participants in the supply chain.
Security strategies include:
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Real-time GPS tracking
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Seal integrity protocols
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C-TPAT-certified terminals with surveillance
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Trained cross-border teams
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Reduced dwell time
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Strict vetting of carrier partners
Werner also applies strict access controls and redundant communication with drivers and terminals, especially for high-value and time-sensitive freight.
Navigating to cross-border success
Some shippers require a comprehensive suite of services, while others need expertise in a specific area such as customs management. It’s essential to seek logistics providers with the capability and resources to tailor services to your needs. Werner offers logistics services supporting cross-border freight, including through-trailer and transload modes across industries. Their multi-temperature cross-dock in Laredo and vetted carrier partnerships enable seamless and secure transfers.
Best practices:
Local presence and infrastructure
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Bilingual teams
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Secure cross-dock facilities
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Dedicated terminal operations
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Real-time tracking
Regulatory expertise
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Manage shifting trade requirements
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Proven C-TPAT compliance
Proven record
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Demonstrated reliability and safety
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Long-standing presence in both countries
“With over 25 years of Mexico experience, Werner backs its claims with dedicated infrastructure, regulatory expertise and a strong cross-border customer base,” said Dixon. “We don’t just say we’re experts — we’ve proven it across decades of successful operations.”
While organizations may view nearshoring as a temporary reaction, the benefits are strategic rather than tactical. The most successful organizations embrace nearshoring as a foundational strategy for supply chain redesign that delivers resilience, redundancy and lower landed costs. Companies pursuing nearshoring must understand cross-border complexities and partner with providers that ensure freight moves safely and efficiently.
Learn more about how Werner delivers customized support and unmatched cross-border solutions.
