Through-Trailer vs. Transloading: How to Choose Which Mexico Cross-Border Service is Right for You

When you need to move truckload freight across the U.S./Mexico border, you have two service options:

1. Transloading
2. Through-trailer

Both transloading and through-trailer are safe and secure ways to get your product over the border (whether northbound or southbound), so how do you choose which service is right for your freight? 

Cross-border Mexico freight can be complex, so we'll try to make it simple in this post.

We'll walk through the step-by-step process for both transloading and through-trailer, then outline the pros and cons of each so you can choose the best option for your freight. 

What Is Transloading in Mexico Cross-Border Shipping?

Transloading is the process of transferring freight from one trailer to another during a border crossing. It is sometimes referred to as "cross-docking" as well. 

It will typically involve four unique providers: a Mexico-based carrier, a crossing carrier (aka drayage or border carrier), a transload facility, and a U.S.-based carrier. 

To make it simple, many shippers work with an experienced 3PL to coordinate and manage the entire process, allowing the shipper to only work with one provider. 
 

Step-by-Step Overview of the Transload Process:

Note: the example below is northbound, but a southbound shipment operates the same way, only in reverse. 

1. A Mexico carrier picks up the freight at the shipper, then takes it to a secure yard near the border and drops the trailer. 
2. A crossing carrier then takes the trailer across the border, clears customs, and unloads at a nearby transload facility.
3. A U.S. carrier arrives at the transload facility.
4. The transload facility transfers the product to a U.S. carrier's trailer.
5. The U.S. carrier makes the final delivery.

Transload cross-border service involves 2 trailers and 4 providers (3 drivers and 1 transload facility). 

What is Through-Trailer in Mexico Cross-Border Shipping? 

With through-trailer service, the freight stays in same trailer throughout the entire cross-border shipping process.

But that doesn't mean it only involves one driver. Let's look at a couple common misconceptions about through-trailer vs. transloading. 

2 Common Misconceptions about Through-Trailer Service

1. The same driver makes the pick up and final delivery.
   FALSE: Though the trailer that picks up the freight in Mexico will be the same trailer at delivery in the U.S., three different drivers (often from different trucking companies) will move the trailer from origin to destination: Mexico driver, crossing driver and U.S. driver. 
2. The trailer will not be opened (seal will remain intact). 
   FALSE: Though the freight will not be fully offloaded and moved into a different trailer, U.S. or Mexico Customs will still (most likely) inspect the trailer. This means breaking the seal, opening up the doors, and sometimes, removing freight for a closer look. 

"Many companies think by choosing a through-trailer solution their product will be safer moving because the seal on the trailer is not broken. The reality is, due to government regulations at the border, both methods could require the seal to be broken.” 

- Kyle Toombs, VP of Operations for Mexico & Canada, Coyote Logistics

Step-by-Step Overview of the Through-Trailer Process:

Note: the example below is northbound, but a southbound shipment operates the same way, only in reverse. 

1. A Mexico carrier with a trailer interchange agreement with a U.S. carrier picks up the freight at the shipper in Mexico, and drops the trailer in a secure yard near the border.
2. A border drayage driver (crossing driver) takes the trailer across the border, clears customs, and drops it in their U.S. partner carrier’s secured yard (just north of the border). 
3. The U.S. carrier dispatches a driver who makes the final delivery.

Through-trailer service involves 1 trailer and 3 drivers (often from different trucking companies).

3 Benefits of Transloading Your Cross-Border Freight

When choosing a cross-border service, shippers often automatically assume through-trailer service is the better option without fully considering the upside of transloading. 

It makes sense — less freight handling and the same trailer, what's not to like? But transloading is every bit as safe and secure as through-trailer, and often more efficient.

Let’s look at some of the ways transloading can help your cross-border supply chain.

1. More (& More Flexible) Carrier Capacity

With transloading, you access the full capacity of two independent carrier bases—any Mexico carrier can be paired with any U.S. carrier on a shipment. This allows for increased options and superior flexibility.

For through-trailer service, you’re limited to carriers that have an interchange agreement with a counterpart carrier on the other side of the border. This is a significantly smaller capacity pool, which can limit your options.

2. Mitigate Delays at the Border:

With the superior flexibility provided by transloading, it’s easier to source carriers on both sides of the border who can pick up and deliver within your desired time frame.

Through-trailer shipments are reliant on the limited capacity of the two carriers in the interchange agreement, which can lead to delays at the border.

This is becoming increasingly common with the imbalance of northbound vs. southbound freight.

3. Reduced Shipping Costs

A larger capacity pool on both sides of the border means more carriers and potentially more efficient options. With transloading service, you can source carriers whose networks sync up with yours, driving more cost-effective rates.

What Freight Works Best for Through-Trailer Service?

Experienced, specialized transloading facilities located near major border crossings can handle virtually any product.

That said, freight loaded on pallets or slip sheets works best, particularly raw materials, food and beverage, and consumer packaged goods.

Flatbed shipments, over-dimensional product, and any freight that requires specialized loading is usually better off with through-trailer service.

Why Not Choose Both? 

Every shipper's cross-border supply chain is different, with unique requirements and challenges. The ideal service doesn't just change from one shipper to the next, but even different shipments within your own network. 

That's why it's important to worth with Mexico freight specialists that can help you decide which cross-border solution makes the most sense for each opportunity. 

When you work with a provider that can offer reliable transloading or through-trailer service, you get the best balance of cost, service and security. 

Related: Watch Coyote's VP of Operations for Mexico & Canada discuss how to balance cost, service and security in Mexico cross-border shipping in this on-demand webinar.