What's the Cheapest Way to Ship to Mexico?

Shipping to Mexico from the US tends to be pretty affordable. This is because Mexico is a partner in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and an increasingly popular shipping destination.

For merchants, Mexico is an ideal destination for cross-border shipping. Compared to domestic shipping, though, it can be a challenge to find the cheapest way to ship to Mexico. This is because international shipping affords more shipping carrier options, plus varied fees around import duties and taxes.

This is why Easyship offers free tools like our International Shipping Rate Calculator for Mexico and our Import Tax and Duty Calculator for Mexico. In just a few clicks you’ll have direct access to the cheapest ways to ship to Mexico from anywhere in the world.

Use this article to learn the cheapest way to ship to Mexico, including any import duties.

Understanding International Shipping to Mexico

Overview of International Shipping Services

International shipping services are the backbone of global trade, enabling businesses and individuals to send packages across borders efficiently. When shipping to Mexico from the US, you have several options to choose from, each with its own set of advantages. Air freight is ideal for urgent deliveries, offering fast transit times but at a higher cost. Ocean freight, on the other hand, is more economical for large shipments, though it takes longer. Parcel shipping is perfect for smaller packages, providing a balance between cost and delivery speed. Lastly, land transportation can be a cost-effective option for shipments that don’t require the speed of air freight. Understanding these services helps you select the best method based on your package size, weight, delivery speed, and budget.

Related: Air Freight vs. Sea Freight

The Importance of Choosing the Right Shipping Options

Selecting the right shipping options is essential for a smooth and efficient shipping process. When shipping to Mexico, you need to consider several factors to ensure your package arrives on time and complies with all customs regulations. Delivery speed is a critical factor; express services are faster but more expensive, while economy options are slower but cheaper. Additionally, understanding customs regulations and shipping restrictions is crucial to avoid delays and fines. By carefully choosing your shipping options, you can ensure a hassle-free delivery experience, avoiding potential complications that could arise during the shipping process.

Easyship's Shipping Rate Calculator helps you compare all of the available shipping options to find te perfect balance between cost and delivery speed.

How Long Does It Take to Ship to Mexico?

Whether you’re choosing an express courier or postal service, your customers will probably be asking how long does it take to ship to Mexico? It’s a good question. It will largely depend on the origin country and the type of service they choose. Understanding the customs procedures for international shipments is crucial to avoid delays when shipping to Mexico.

For example, express couriers like UPS, FedEx or DHL can deliver packages to Mexico in 1-3 business days. But that speed will come at a cost. For luxury customers, the cost might be worth it, but for more budget minded customers, they will likely choose a longer delivery time. With a more balanced postal service like FedEx® International Connect Plus, a light package can make it to Mexico from the USA from anywhere between 2-5 days, for a reasonable fee.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship to Mexico?

There are a few key variables that determine the cost of shipping packages to Mexico from the United States or any other country. You should always understand these three variables:

• Package weight
• Package dimensions
• Delivery timeframe

The lighter and smaller the package, the cheaper it will be to ship, no matter how long a delivery time you choose. But delivery time is key! If you want a package fast, it’s going to cost more money. As a merchant, you are going to want to give your customers the choice between the cheapest, fastest and best value. Ensuring that your shipment complies with customs regulations can help avoid unexpected costs and delays.

With Easyship’s simple integration, you can show your customers shipping rates directly in your store’s checkout and increase your checkout conversion rates by as much as 200%.

Factors Affecting Shipping Costs

Shipping costs can vary widely based on several factors. When shipping to Mexico, it’s important to understand what influences these costs to make informed decisions. Key factors include the size and weight of your package, the delivery speed you choose, the shipping method, and any applicable customs duties. Smaller, lighter packages are generally cheaper to ship, while faster delivery speeds and premium shipping methods can increase costs. Additionally, customs duties based on the value and type of goods can add to the overall expense. By understanding these factors, you can better estimate your shipping costs and choose the most cost-effective options.

How to Calculate Shipping Costs for Mexico

Calculating shipping costs for Mexico involves a few straightforward steps. Here’s a guide to help you through the process:

1. Determine the package size and weight: Measure the length, width, and height of your package, and calculate its weight. Accurate measurements are crucial for an accurate cost estimate.
2. Choose a shipping method: Decide whether air freight, ocean freight, or parcel shipping best suits your needs. Each method has different cost implications.
3. Determine the delivery speed: Select a delivery speed that meets your requirements, such as express, standard, or economy. Faster delivery speeds typically cost more.
4. Calculate customs duties: Determine the customs duties applicable to your package based on its value and type. This can vary depending on the goods you’re shipping.
5. Compare prices: Use tools like Easyship’s shipping rate calculator to compare prices from different shipping carriers. This helps you find the best option for your needs.

By following these steps, you can accurately calculate shipping costs for Mexico and make informed decisions about your shipping options, ensuring a cost-effective and efficient shipping process.

Do FedEx, USPS, UPS & DHL Ship to Mexico?

Short answer, yes! The major express couriers of FedEx, UPS and DHL all offer a variety of shipping services to Mexico at a range of prices, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding the best solution for your customers.

FedEx and Flat Export currently have some of the most affordable rates for shipping to Mexico, so they are generally going to be a great option for budget minded merchants. Here are a few of the popular services you can consider.

• DHL Express Worldwide
• USPS Priority Mail International
• UPS Worldwide Saver
• FedEx International Economy®

When shipping internationally, it is important to understand the regulations and provide accurate documentation to ensure smooth customs clearance.

What's the Cheapest Shipping Option from the USA to Mexico?

If you're a merchant based in the United States, you're going to want to make sure you offer your customers the cheapest shipping to Mexico. That's the name of the game these days!

The Easyship shipping rates calculator offers a quick, transparent way to compare couriers so you can find the cheapest way to ship to Mexico.

Simply put in where you're shipping from by entering your shipment's country of origin and zip code. Then, simply enter the destination country and the weight of the parcel.

For this example, let's send a 5 lb. package from New York City to Mexico.

In this example, FedEx® International Connect Plus direct is going to be the cheapest shipping to Mexico, with FedEx International Economy® coming in just behind it. 

As you can see there are plenty of options for affordable shipping to Mexico to meet the needs of your customer. These are just estimates, you need to keep taxes and duties in mind as they will add to the overall shipping cost.

With all that in mind, here are a few tips on how you can cut your shipping costs quickly and affordably.

1. Choose properly-sized packaging
2. Offer a variety of delivery timeframes
3. Use a multi-carrier strategy 
4. Partner with a fulfillment center or warehouse
5. Outsource your shipping
6. Ship boxes by cubic weight
7. Use kitting to cut shipping costs
8. Buy packing material in bulk or reuse packaging

How to Send a Package to Mexico: A Quick Guide

When you’re sending a package to Mexico, there are several steps that you need to keep in mind to make sure it’s successful, especially if you are shipping cross-border from the United States.

• Choose Your Shipping Courier: The first major decision you need to make is whether you’re going to use a public courier like the United States Post Office or a private express courier like FedEx, UPS or DHL.
• Check Shipping Restrictions & Prohibited Items: You will not be able to ship alcohol, tobacco, firearms, currency, fresh food, seeds, plants or explosives to Mexico. You should also check with the courier you choose about any potential restrictions they might have.
• Determine the Size and Weight of Your Package: This will determine the ultimate cost of shipping a package to Mexico. You will want to check the courier you are shipping with to make sure your package meets their size requirements. For example, with the USPS the maximum combined length and girth is 108 inches. There will also be additional fees for oddly shaped packages, so you will need to take all of this into account before proceeding.
• Securely Package Your Goods: You’ll want to select a cardboard or corrugated fiberboard box to ship your goods. Depending on the goods you’re shipping, you’ll want to secure them in the box with packing peanuts, bubble wrap or other cushioning materials, all of which are essential shipping supplies for an eCommerce business. When your goods are packed, use packing tape to make sure that your package is secure on the top, bottom and sides.
• Mark Package As Fragile if Necessary: If your goods could be damaged in transit, then you will need to write fragile (frágil in Spanish) on the box.
• Fill Out Bill of Lading and Customs Forms: If you are shipping to Mexico from the United States you will need to fill out the customs forms, which will include the contents of the package, and their value. The category the goods fall under will determine the duties that will need to be paid. With Easyship, all of the required customs forms are created and ready for you to print.
• Understand the customs process: Proper preparation and documentation can expedite the customs process, minimizing handling times and reducing potential delays.
• Buy Shipping Insurance: If you are shipping valuable goods, then you’ll want to consider purchasing shipping insurance. With Easyship, you can easily add shipping insurance to any order, which will cover up to USD$10,000.

How to Ship to Mexico With Easyship: International Shipping Services

With Easyship merchants gain access to multiple solutions for shipping to Mexico, including USPS, APC, SkyPostal, DHL and more! Through our platform, you can automate your workflow with handy shipping rules and navigate the complexity of international shipping with pre-filled customs forms, access discounted shipping rates up to 91%, and keep your customers satisfied with a streamlined delivery experience with our impeccable global tracking systems. Choosing the right shipping carrier is crucial for ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.

Sign up for a free Easyship account today and let us help you make an informed decision on the cheapest way to ship to Mexico and beyond.

Shipping to Mexico FAQ

What are the customs duties and taxes I need to pay when shipping from the US to Mexico?

When shipping to Mexico, import duties are required for orders exceeding $50 USD, with duty rates varying by product category, including 0% for electronics like mobiles and computers, 10-20% for health, beauty, and fashion items, and up to 15% for home appliances, decor, and toys.

How long does standard shipping from the US to Mexico take?

A 3-pound package from NY to Mexico can take anywhere from 2-25 business days depending on the courier service. FedEx® International Connect Plus is currently one of best options for shipping to Mexico from the US and will only take 2-5 days.

Is USPS reliable in Mexico?

Yes, USPS offers reliable shipping services to Mexico.

Are there any restrictions when shipping to Mexico?

When shipping to Mexico, restricted or prohibited items include alcohol, animals, chemicals, currency, drugs, explosives, firearms, fresh food, plants, seeds, and tobacco. Ensure compliance with customs regulations before shipping. Learn more in our Shipping to Mexico guide.