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Freight Shipping to Mexico - Cross-Border Logistics

  • C-TPAT Certified & FAST-Lane Access

  • 8 Major Border Crossings Covered

  • Escort & 24/7 Monitoring

  • All 32 Mexican States Served

Simplify Your Cross-Border Freight Shipping to Mexico

Freight shipping to Mexico means moving truckloads of commercial goods over the road from U.S. origins to Mexican destinations-but it’s not a simple domestic run. True cross-border shipping requires navigating dual-country customs clearance, bonded carriers, and coordinated border crossings. Mexico is America’s trading partner, with $872.8 billion in bilateral trade; 73.6% moves by truck, and roughly 30,000 commercial vehicles cross daily. Whether you need LTL for smaller loads or FTL for dedicated capacity, every shipment must comply with USMCA rules, file a Mexican Pedimento customs declaration, and work with two licensed brokers (one on each side). Most cross-border freight funnels through Laredo, the busiest gateway. Shipping freight to Mexico serves U.S. manufacturers, distributors, retailers, maquiladora operators, and e-commerce sellers sending products to Mexican customers or facilities. The nearshoring boom has driven record volumes, making reliable freight to Mexico more critical than ever. With IGT, your shipment moves door-to-door under one point of contact-no surprises, no gaps in visibility.

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Benefits of Shipping Freight to Mexico With IGT

  • Navigating customs is the primary hurdle for freight to Mexico. IGT Logistics provides a single point of contact to manage the complex coordination between U.S. and Mexican brokers. We handle essential documentation, including the Pedimento and Carta Porte, ensuring your cross-border shipments clear the border without costly administrative delays.

  • Security is at the heart of our freight shipping to Mexico. As a C-TPAT certified partner, we adhere to the highest international security standards. This certification grants our clients access to "FAST" lanes at major border crossings, significantly reducing wait times and ensuring your time-critical cargo moves efficiently across the border.

  • Address first-time shipper anxiety with our proactive approach to cargo security. We mitigate the risks of theft through a vetted carrier network and advanced tracking systems that provide pallet-level visibility throughout transit. From 24/7 monitoring to specialized escorts for high-value loads, we prioritize the physical safety of every shipment.

  • Maximize your profitability by leveraging our deep understanding of USMCA regulations. We guide B2B shippers through the nine specific data elements required for a Certificate of Origin, ensuring your qualifying goods enter Mexico duty-free. Partnering with IGT means optimizing your logistics spend while staying fully compliant with the latest international trade agreements.

Our Complete US-to-Mexico Freight Solutions

Freight shipping from USA to Mexico demands customs compliance, cargo security, and cross-border coordination. At IGT Logistics, we handle everything from pickup to final delivery as a true partner. Whether LTL, FTL, flatbed, step deck, oversize, or refrigerated, we move through Laredo with door‑to‑door visibility.

FTL gives you dedicated, no‑stop capacity. LTL lowers costs via smart consolidation with daily departures. Our heavy haul specialists manage permits and escorts. Reefers keep perishables at precise temperatures, while expedited service with 24/7 monitoring delivers urgent freight shipping to Mexico in hours, not days. No gaps. No guesswork.

Cross-Border Freight Services for Every Shipment

Whether you need LTL consolidation or dedicated FTL capacity, IGT handles every shipping freight to Mexico scenario. From maquiladora supplies to finished goods, we deliver reliable LTL, full truckload, expedited, temperature-controlled, flatbed, hazmat, and intermodal solutions-all with seamless border coordination and real-time visibility.

Modes

Heavy Haul

When your shipment pushes past standard weight limits, you need more than a truck—you need a plan. Our heavy haul freight transport solutions manage every detail, from securing specialized permits to coordinating escorts and selecting the right multi-axle equipment. We move massive machinery, industrial components, and construction materials safely and compliantly, ensuring your project stays on schedule.

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Temperature-Controlled Freight

Protecting sensitive cargo is non-negotiable. As a trusted logistics company, we provide precise temperature-controlled freight shipping for perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and fresh produce. Our fleet of modern reefers maintains consistent conditions from pickup to delivery, helping you protect product integrity, meet compliance standards, and exceed vendor scorecard expectations every time.

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Drop Trailer

Efficiency matters when you have loading and unloading constraints. Our drop trailer freight shipping services allow you to load at your own pace without tying up a driver. We drop a trailer at your location, and you fill it on your schedule. Once ready, we pick it up and move it—giving you flexibility and eliminating detention charges.

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Power Only

Sometimes you have the trailer, you just need the truck to pull it. Our power-only freight services connect you with qualified tractors to haul your owned or rented equipment. This solution is ideal for moving specialized trailers, portable buildings, or when you need to reposition assets. You get the muscle; we handle the rest.

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High Value Transport

Electronics, medical devices, aerospace components-when the stakes are high, standard shipping isn't enough. Our high-value freight logistics includes enhanced security, real-time monitoring, and specialized handling protocols. We treat every high-ticket shipment with white-glove care, ensuring it arrives safe, secure, and exactly as expected.

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Same Day Freight Delivery

When "urgent" doesn't begin to cover it, we deliver. Our same-day freight transportation services prioritize your most time-critical loads with dedicated vehicles and expedited routing. We monitor your shipment 24/7, fighting the clock to ensure production lines keep running and deadlines are met-not missed.

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Hazmat Transportation

Shipping hazardous materials requires precision, expertise, and unwavering compliance. Our hazmat logistics transportation services ensure your dangerous goods are classified, packaged, and documented correctly. We partner with certified carriers who understand the regulations, so you can ship with confidence and zero compliance worries.

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Drayage Services

Bridges the gap between ocean and road. Our drayage logistics transportation moves containers seamlessly from rail ramps and ports to your final destination. We coordinate chassis, manage terminal appointments, and clear containers quickly, reducing dwell time and keeping your supply chain fluid.

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Freight Shipping to Mexico (upon request)

Expanding south? We make cross-border freight shipping simple. Our team manages the complexities of Mexican logistics, including customs documentation, cargo insurance, and carrier coordination. Whether you need LTL or full truckload, we ensure your freight clears the border efficiently and reaches its destination.

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Freight Shipping to Canada (upon request)

Shipping north requires a partner who knows the rules. Our freight shipping services to Canada handle all cross-border requirements, from customs paperwork to provincial regulations. With a deep network of Canadian carriers, we provide seamless door-to-door solutions that keep your freight moving without border delays.

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How Cross-Border Shipping to Mexico Works

Navigating international logistics involves managing two distinct customs systems and dual-language requirements. While the process often appears daunting to first-time shippers, IGT Logistics streamlines every phase. We serve as your single point of contact, coordinating between all authorities to ensure your goods move efficiently across the border without administrative friction.

Quote, Book & Prepare Documents

Start by providing your shipment details to receive an all-in rate that covers the entire journey. Our team immediately begins preparing essential paperwork, including the Spanish commercial invoice and USMCA Certificate of Origin. We ensure every data element is accurate to facilitate a seamless transition through the upcoming border crossing.

US Pickup & Export Filing

After booking, a carrier collects your cargo from your US facility. For shipments valued over $2,500, we manage the mandatory Electronic Export Information filing through the automated export system. This proactive compliance ensures that your freight shipping to Mexico is legally registered before reaching the international boundary, maintaining total visibility.

Customs Clearance & Border Crossing

At the border, an authorized agente aduanal submits the Pedimento through the official VUCEM portal. Once duties are settled, a drayage carrier moves your trailer across the bridge. Here, ANAM utilizes an automated selection mechanism to determine if the load requires a physical inspection or immediate release.

Mexican Domestic Transport

Once cleared, your cargo is transferred to a Mexican carrier for the final leg. We issue the mandatory Carta Porte 3.1 digital waybill to accompany the goods, ensuring legal transit within the country. Our GPS tracking continues throughout this stage, providing reassurance and security for your freight to Mexico.

Final Delivery & Confirmation

We complete the door-to-door process with a secure delivery at your specified destination in Mexico. Upon arrival, you receive electronic proof of delivery immediately. IGT Logistics then provides a single, consolidated invoice for the entire operation, eliminating the complexity of managing separate bills from multiple international and domestic carriers.
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Eight Major Border Crossings – We Ship Through All of Them

Navigating the 2,000-mile US-Mexico frontier requires deep geographical expertise. We optimize your supply chain by selecting the ideal border crossing based on your specific freight profile and real-time port conditions. To expedite transit, we utilize FAST and C-TPAT certified lanes, ensuring your freight to Mexico bypasses standard congestion via priority processing.

  1. Laredo, TX (World Trade Bridge)

As the primary artery for North American trade, Laredo handles the highest volume of commercial trucks. This crossing is the gold standard for industrial components and consumer goods, offering robust infrastructure and a high concentration of experienced customs brokers to facilitate massive trade flows daily.

  1. Laredo, TX (Colombia Solidarity Bridge)

Located just northwest of the main city, the Colombia bridge serves as a critical alternative for avoiding downtown Laredo traffic. It is preferred for hazardous materials and oversized loads, providing a streamlined environment for specialized equipment that requires additional clearance space or specific safety protocols.

  1. El Paso, TX (Ysleta-Zaragoza)

El Paso is the strategic choice for the maquiladora industry, particularly for electronics and automotive manufacturing. Its location makes it the most efficient gateway for cargo originating from the Western United States or Midwest destined for the major industrial hubs in Chihuahua.

  1. Otay Mesa, CA

Serving the San Diego-Tijuana region, Otay Mesa is the vital link for California-based shippers. This border crossing is essential for high-tech manufacturing and perishable goods, offering sophisticated facilities that manage the unique regulatory requirements of the California-Baja California economic corridor.

  1. Nogales, AZ (Mariposa Port)

Nogales is a powerhouse for the agribusiness sector, acting as the main entry point for produce and agricultural equipment. Its modern infrastructure is designed to handle time-sensitive temperature-controlled shipments, ensuring that climate-critical freight maintains its integrity while moving into the Mexican state of Sonora.

  1. Pharr, TX (Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge)

Pharr serves as a key gateway for energy-related cargo and general manufacturing. Its proximity to the industrial parks in Reynosa and Monterrey makes it a high-utility crossing for shippers looking to balance speed with direct access to the northeastern Mexican manufacturing belt.

  1. Brownsville, TX (Veterans International Bridge)

Brownsville is the southernmost crossing in Texas, often utilized for steel, heavy machinery, and commodities tied to Gulf maritime trade. It provides an excellent entry point for freight destined for Matamoros and the coastal regions of Tamaulipas, avoiding the inland congestion of larger ports.

  1. Eagle Pass, TX (Camino Real)

Eagle Pass is a rapidly growing logistics hub that offers a quieter, efficient alternative to El Paso or Laredo. It is increasingly favored for rail-to-truck transfers and heavy industrial equipment, providing a direct route toward the central Coahuila region with significantly lower wait times.

Crossing (US / Mexico)

Annual Trade

Key Markets Served

Notes

Laredo / Nuevo Laredo, TX

$340B (40% of all US-MX trade)

Midwest, Great Lakes ↔ Monterrey, Bajío, Mexico City

#1 commercial crossing; World Trade Bridge; I-35 corridor; 6M+ truck crossings/year

El Paso / Ciudad Juárez, TX

$106B

Southwest ↔ Chihuahua maquiladoras

Electronics, auto parts, medical devices

Otay Mesa / Tijuana, CA

$55–60B

West Coast ↔ Baja California

Electronics, aerospace, medical devices, consumer goods

Eagle Pass / Piedras Negras, TX

$47B

Texas, Southeast ↔ Coahuila

Fastest-growing crossing; automotive; CPKC rail

Hidalgo-Pharr / Reynosa, TX

$40B

South Texas ↔ Tamaulipas maquiladoras

Electronics, agriculture

Nogales / Nogales, AZ

$36B

Arizona, West ↔ Sonora

#1 fresh produce gateway; mining, agriculture

Brownsville / Matamoros, TX

$15–20B

South Texas ↔ Tamaulipas

Agriculture, food processing, light manufacturing

Calexico / Mexicali, CA

$15–20B

Southern California ↔ Baja California

Agriculture, electronics, aerospace

Transit Times from Major US Cities to Mexico

Predictability is the cornerstone of a lean supply chain. At IGT, we understand that B2B shippers require more than just estimates; you need data-rich timelines to coordinate production schedules and distribution. Our optimized routing and strategic border crossing selections allow us to offer a consistent transit time for every freight shipping to Mexico project. Whether you are shipping automotive parts to Monterrey, electronics to Guadalajara, or consumer goods to Mexico City and Querétaro, our logistics specialists provide the transparency needed to eliminate first-time shipper anxiety.

Estimated Cross-Border Transit Times:

Origin (US) → Destination (Mexico)

FTL Transit

LTL Transit

Dallas, TX → Monterrey, NL

1–2 days

3–4 days

Houston, TX → Querétaro, QRO

2–3 days

4–5 days

San Antonio, TX → Mexico City, CDMX

2–3 days

4–6 days

Los Angeles, CA → Mexico City, CDMX

3–5 days

5–7 days

Los Angeles, CA → Tijuana, BC

Same day–1 day

2–3 days

Chicago, IL → Guadalajara, JAL

4–5 days

5–7 days

Atlanta, GA → Puebla, PUE

4–5 days

5–7 days

New York, NY → Monterrey, NL

4–5 days

5–7 days

Note: Transit times are door‑to‑door for FTL shipments with standard customs clearance. C‑TPAT and FAST lanes can reduce border crossing delays by 30–50%. Actual times may vary due to cargo type, seasonal volume, or Mexican customs (ANAM) inspection levels. Contact IGT for expedited or LTL‑specific estimates.

Customs Clearance & USMCA Compliance for Mexico Freight

Two Customs Systems, Two Brokers

Navigating the legalities of freight shipping to Mexico requires a dual-sided approach. Every southbound load involves two distinct customs clearance events: the U.S. export filing and the Mexican import entry. To manage this effectively, B2B shippers must coordinate with both a U.S. customs broker and a Mexican agente aduanal. At IGT, we synchronize these efforts by managing all digital data transmissions through VUCEM, ensuring that communication between both agencies is seamless to prevent border idling and costly delays.

The Pedimento - Mexico's Customs Declaration

The Pedimento is the most vital document in Mexican trade, serving as the official fiscal record submitted to ANAM. Generated by the agente aduanal, this document proves that all taxes and duties have been paid and that the shipment is legally entering the country. Accuracy is paramount, as errors in the Pedimento can lead to severe fines or even vehicle seizure. Furthermore, every shipment must be accompanied by a Carta Porte supplement to validate the legal movement of goods across Mexican federal highways.

USMCA Compliance & Duty Savings

To secure duty-free status, your cargo must strictly satisfy USMCA Rules of Origin. Simply stating a product is American-made is insufficient; you must provide a comprehensive Certificate of Origin that includes all nine mandatory data elements. Correct USMCA certification is a powerful tool for cost reduction, potentially saving B2B shippers over $1,700 for every $10,000 in freight value. By utilizing these trade benefits, we help you eliminate the general import tax and reduce the DTA to a nominal flat fee, while ensuring you remain fully compliant and pay only the required IVA.

Why Choose IGT for Freight Shipping to Mexico

Not every broker handles freight shipping to Mexico with true end‑to‑end control. IGT stands apart with security certifications, in‑house customs coordination, bilingual specialists, and a proven Mexican carrier network. We don't just move freight to Mexico - we protect it, clear it, and deliver it without surprises.

  • C‑TPAT certified, FAST enrolled, OEA/AEO mutual recognition, and a bonded carrier on both sides. Fewer inspections, faster crossings, and verified supply chain security – credentials most competitors don't display.

  • In‑house team handles U.S. CBP export filing and Mexican agente aduanal Pedimento processing simultaneously. No miscommunication between brokers, no finger‑pointing, and no avoidable delays at the border.

  • We determine if your goods qualify for duty‑free treatment under USMCA, prepare the nine‑element Certificate of Origin, and file it correctly. Avoid unnecessary duties that erode your margins – thousands saved per shipment.

  • Cargo security includes C‑TPAT vetted carriers, real‑time GPS, geofenced routing, armed escorts available, no‑night‑driving protocols, secure yards, panic buttons, and tamper‑detection seals. Your freight is protected on every mile.

  • Spanish‑speaking logistics coordinators, customs specialists, and driver communicators eliminate translation delays. No misunderstandings with Mexican carriers, brokers, or consignees – just clear, fast coordination.

  • One carrier, one tracking number, one invoice from U.S. pickup to Mexican delivery. No interline finger‑pointing, no split billing between U.S. and Mexican carriers – just clean, predictable billing.

  • From Tijuana to Cancún, from Monterrey to Oaxaca. Major industrial corridors, maquiladora zones, and interior destinations - no geographic limits, no “we don't go there.”

  • Live shipment location from U.S. pickup through customs clearance and Mexican delivery. Automated milestone alerts and 24/7 visibility - no blackout at the border. You always know where your freight is.

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Freight Shipping to Mexico

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Cargo Security on Every Mile of Mexican Highway

Cargo theft in Mexico exceeds 24,000 incidents annually, with 82% involving violence and over $386 million in losses. High‑risk corridors like Highway 150D (Mexico City–Puebla–Veracruz) and the states of México, Puebla, Guanajuato, and Jalisco see the highest concentration of hijackings. 71% of thefts involve GPS jamming devices that blind standard tracking. Shipping freight to Mexico without layered security is a calculated risk we won’t let you take.

IGT builds cargo security into every mile. We use C‑TPAT‑vetted carriers, redundant GPS tracking with jam‑resistant units, and geofencing that alerts our team if a truck deviates from its assigned route. No‑night‑driving protocols keep loads off dangerous roads after dark, and we enforce toll‑road‑only policies to avoid vulnerable secondary highways. Secure parking at certified yards, panic buttons in cabs, and ISO 17712 high‑security seals are standard. For high‑value or sensitive freight, armed escort (custodia) is available. From border crossing to final delivery, your shipment is protected by countermeasures that most brokers never mention - because they don’t offer them. We do.

FAQ

Freight shipping to Mexico typically takes 1–5 days for FTL or 3–7 days for LTL, depending on the origin and destination. For example, a shipment from Dallas to Monterrey usually arrives in 1–2 days FTL, while Los Angeles to Mexico City takes approximately 3–5 days. You should allow an additional 24–48 hours for transit time related to border customs clearance.

To ship freight to Mexico, you must provide a commercial invoice in Spanish, a Bill of Lading, and a detailed packing list. You also need a Pedimento filed by your broker and a USMCA Certificate of Origin for duty-free status. Additionally, a digital Carta Porte waybill is mandatory for all transport within Mexican territory.

Yes, you generally require two brokers: a US customs broker to manage the export filing and a licensed Mexican agente aduanal for the import. Mexican law mandates using an agente aduanal for commercial imports to ensure the Pedimento is filed correctly. IGT coordinates both parties to provide you with a single point of contact.

Import duties (IGI) are often 0% for duty-free USMCA-qualifying goods. However, a Customs Processing Fee (DTA) applies, which is a flat fee of approximately $20 for USMCA goods versus 0.8% for others. Additionally, IVA (VAT) is applied at a standard rate of 16%, though it may drop to 8% in specific border regions.

The USMCA agreement eliminates import duties and significantly lowers the DTA fee for qualifying goods. This can result in savings exceeding $1,700 on a $10,000 shipment when compared to non-qualifying freight shipping to Mexico. IGT’s compliance team helps verify your eligibility to ensure you capture these regulatory savings.

With over 24,000 incidents reported annually, cargo theft is a significant risk that requires professional mitigation. IGT manages this for your freight to Mexico by utilizing C-TPAT certified carriers, 24/7 GPS monitoring, and geofenced routing. We also implement no-night-driving policies and offer armed escorts for high-value shipments.

The specific border crossing depends on your cargo's origin and final destination. Laredo, TX, is the most common hub, handling roughly 40% of all trade between the US and Mexico. Other primary gateways include Otay Mesa for California routes and El Paso for mid-region shipments, all of which IGT manages daily.

The Pedimento is the official electronic customs declaration required for all commercial imports into Mexico. It is generated by the Mexican customs broker and contains vital data such as tariff classifications and tax calculations. Legal entry for shipping freight to Mexico is impossible without a validated and cleared Pedimento.

Yes, you can ship hazmat goods, provided you have the necessary SCT permits and SEMARNAT documentation. Mexico requires international UN labeling codes rather than US "NA" numbers, and your commercial invoice must include a full chemical breakdown.

For freight shipping from USA to Mexico, LTL is most economical for loads under six pallets. FTL offers better rates per pound for larger volumes, while intermodal rail can reduce costs by 10–25% on long-haul lanes. Ensuring your goods are duty-free via USMCA is the most effective way to eliminate unnecessary overhead.

Services

Full Truckload (FTL)

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When you need to ship something and want to be sure it gets there safely, full truckload service is an option. With truckload freight shipping service, your cargo is the only thing on the truck, so it won't get mixed up with other things. It is more secure because your freight is handled less. Full truckload service is perfect for shipping things that need to get somewhere fast.

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Expedited Freight

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Our freight service gets your cargo to where it needs to go without any stops. We use equipment to handle shipments that need to go directly to their destination. Our freight shipping service tracks everything so we can deliver quickly. It gives you results, and you can track your freight in real time from when it leaves to when it arrives.

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Oversize and Overweight

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Oversize freight is a big deal and needs to be planned out. We take care of all the permits and pick specialized trailers. We make route plans for freight services and work with certified carriers. We handle machinery and project cargo, paying attention to weight limits and regulations so your oversize freight shipment gets there without problems.

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Dry Van

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Dry vans deliver dependable service for standard freight, including boxed goods and palletized items. This option is a strong choice for retail shipments needing consistency and cost-effective solutions. We partner with reliable carriers to ensure pickups occur as scheduled, we secure products during shipment, and all deliveries arrive on time.

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Reefers

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Reefers are shipments that need to be kept at a specific temperature so products do not get damaged. Reefer trailers are used for food, medicines, and other temperature-sensitive items. We make sure equipment is available and check the conditions of the products regularly. We stay in touch to ensure your freight arrives safely with the Reefers.

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StepDeck and Flatbed

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StepDeck and Flatbed are options for big cargo that does not fit in a regular trailer. You can load from the side, top, or rear, which is useful for steel and building materials. We ensure StepDeck and Flatbed shipments are safe by planning how to secure the cargo, choosing the right equipment, and coordinating the schedule.

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Conestoga

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Conestoga is a kind of covered Flatbed. It gives weather protection with the flexibility of an open deck. The sliding tarp system keeps cargo from touching the tarp, making it easier and safer to load. If you have items that can be damaged by weather but need accessibility, Conestoga is a good choice.

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Less-Than-Truckload

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Not every shipment fills an entire trailer. When yours doesn't, LTL gives you a smarter way to move it. Your freight travels alongside other cargo, sharing space while staying clearly identified. We track every LTL shipment from pickup through every transfer point. It's the right fit for pallets or partial loads that don't need dedicated equipment.

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IGT Logistics

2001 York Rd Suite C60, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Cross‑Border Freight Insights for Smarter Shipping to Mexico

Explore our latest articles designed to help you master freight shipping to Mexico. From customs compliance and USMCA duty savings to border crossing strategies and cargo security, these resources provide the actionable insights you need to optimize your Mexico logistics and keep your supply chain moving efficiently.

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