For many businesses, moving freight across the U.S.–Mexico border feels like sending cargo into a black box: you know it leaves the warehouse, and you hope it clears customs, but the in-between is a mystery.
At PCR, we believe transparency is key to building trust. That’s why we’re pulling back the curtain and walking you through what really happens during a cross-border shipment—from origin to destination.
Let’s follow a real-life scenario: a shipment of high-value auto parts moving from a supplier in Monterrey, Mexico, to a plant in San Antonio, Texas.
6:30 AM – Cargo is Picked Up from the Warehouse
Our truck arrives at the supplier’s facility in Monterrey. The goods are prepped and palletized according to PCR’s loading checklist. A customs broker confirms that all documentation is complete, including:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- U.S. customs declaration
- Properly assigned HS codes
The PCR driver verifies seal integrity, photographs the cargo, and logs the departure digitally. The truck begins its journey toward Nuevo Laredo.
11:15 AM – Arrival at PCR’s Nuevo Laredo Facility
Upon arrival, the trailer is directed to our secure staging yard. Here, we conduct:
- Visual inspection
- Weight and manifest confirmation
- Pre-customs scanning if required
This is also when we execute what’s known as pedimento validation—ensuring all digital submissions to Mexican customs match the physical cargo.
12:45 PM – Transfer to U.S.-Bound Truck
Once everything is cleared on the Mexican side, the cargo is transloaded—carefully moved from the Mexican carrier to a U.S.-licensed carrier (as required by cross-border law). PCR handles this handoff in-house to minimize delays and avoid third-party miscommunication.
2:30 PM – Customs Clearance at the World Trade Bridge
The shipment approaches the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas. Thanks to our direct proximity (just 4 miles away), this step happens fast.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reviews the digital entry and, if all is in order, clears the shipment with minimal delay. Should an inspection be required, PCR’s customs compliance team is on standby to assist immediately.
3:45 PM – Cargo Enters the U.S. and Proceeds to Final Delivery
Once cleared, the shipment continues to San Antonio. PCR’s tracking system updates the client in real time, with GPS location, estimated time of arrival, and digital proof of delivery when complete.
By 6:00 PM, the cargo arrives at the client’s facility—less than 12 hours from pick-up to delivery.
What Made This Border Crossing Smooth?
- ✅ Pre-cleared paperwork: No surprises for customs
- ✅ Strategic warehousing: Minimal travel time to the border
- ✅ Same-company transloading: Faster handoffs and fewer errors
- ✅ 24/7 customs compliance team: Ready for anything
- ✅ Real-time visibility: No blind spots in the supply chain
Avoid the Guesswork. Partner with PCR.
At PCR, we don’t just move cargo—we manage every step of the cross-border journey with speed, clarity, and care. Whether you’re shipping automotive parts, electronics, or e-commerce goods, we tailor the solution to your needs and keep you informed at every checkpoint.
📞 Contact PCR today
+1 956 795 0801 | +1 956 795 0214
📧 Email:
🌐 Website: www.pcrinternational.com