Ocean Freight in Mexico
We manage your ocean cargo from the port of origin to final delivery. Consolidated cargo and full container loads through Mexico's main ports.
What ocean freight is and how it works in Mexico
Ocean freight is the shipment of goods by vessel between international ports. It's the most common mode for importing and exporting large volumes of cargo. Mexico's main entry ports are Manzanillo, Veracruz, Altamira, and Lázaro Cárdenas.
At 2DL we coordinate your ocean freight from booking the vessel space to delivery at your plant, including customs clearance on arrival. We handle both full container load (FCL) and cargo consolidated with other goods (LCL), depending on the volume you need to move.
What's included
- Quoting and booking vessel space for Mexico and international destinations
- Full container load (FCL) and consolidated cargo (LCL)
- Coverage in Manzanillo, Veracruz, Altamira, and Lázaro Cárdenas
- Coordination with freight forwarders and agents at origin
- Customs clearance integrated on arrival
- Bill of Lading management and complete ocean documentation
How we quote and manage ocean freight
When quoting ocean freight with 2DL, we evaluate the weight, volume, and type of goods to decide whether FCL or LCL makes more sense. With that decided, we quote with the shipping lines available on the route and present options with transit time and an itemized rate. The price you see includes local charges at origin; destination charges and customs clearance are quoted separately so you have full clarity on the total import cost.
Once you approve, we coordinate with the origin agent to book the space and issue the bill of lading. On arrival in Mexico, customs clearance is coordinated as part of the same operation, so you don't manage the handoff between the freight provider and the customs broker.
FAQ: ocean freight
FCL or LCL for importing from China?
If your cargo exceeds 10-12 m³ or 8,000 kg, a 20' container in FCL is more economical. Below that, consolidated LCL is the better option. With frequent but small shipments, LCL with regular consolidation gives good costs per accumulated volume.
How long does an FCL from Shanghai to Manzanillo take?
Direct transit: 28-35 days. With transshipment (common on LCL routes) it can extend to 35-45 days. During peak port congestion, October-January, add 7-14 more days.
Do I need cargo insurance separately?
It's not mandatory, but if your cargo is worth more than $5,000 USD, insurance (0.5-1.5% of declared value) is a low cost against the risk of loss or damage in transit. We quote it alongside the freight if you need it.
What documents do I need to import by ocean freight?
Commercial invoice, packing list, and an original or express-release bill of lading. If your goods require a prior permit or a NOM (Mexican product standard), that paperwork needs to be handled before the vessel reaches port.
What cargo ocean freight fits best
Ocean freight works for medium-to-high volume imports where transit time isn't critical: electronics, textiles, machinery, industrial inputs, non-perishable food. For urgent cargo where air freight's cost is justified by the value of the goods or the delivery deadline, we also quote air freight as an alternative. If you have regular monthly cargo from the same origin, we can negotiate contract rates with shipping lines to reduce your cost per container.
Have ocean cargo that needs coordination?
Tell us origin, destination, volume, and Incoterm. We'll quote it in under 24 hours.