The Mexico 101 Guide

This is the main accessorial you'll deal with in cross-border, and it’s $50-150/day after free time (usually 2-3 days).

What triggers it:

• Missing or late documents
• Inspection holds
• Broker backlog at the port

How to prevent surprises:

• Align on free time expectations up front
• Confirm the broker is ready before dispatch
• Keep an escalation contact list for shipper and customs broker

Driver detention at facilities

The old conventional wisdom was that Mexican facilities wouldn't pay detention until 5-6+ hours, but that's changing. Many facilities now offer 4 hours free, and it's becoming increasingly common to match the U.S. standard of 2 hours.

There's no hours-of-service enforcement in Mexico, so the detention math works differently than you're used to. But don't assume facilities will let drivers sit all day without compensation—ask about their policy.

Drop trailers make repeat lanes easier

Pro tip: Carriers strongly prefer drop trailer if they'll be loading at that facility consistently.

If you can negotiate drop trailer with your customer, your carriers will love you for it — and you'll have better capacity options. This is especially true for repeat lanes. A carrier who can drop and go is a carrier who wants your freight.