Air Freight Shipping from/to Mexico

Air freight is the fastest way to move goods between Mexico and global markets, especially for time-sensitive, high-value, or regulated cargo. With major air cargo flows linked to automotive and aerospace parts, electronics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce shipments, Mexico relies on predictable capacity and efficient customs processes.

Air freight from/to Mexico is commonly used when speed, reliability, and tight delivery windows matter. Pricing is typically based on chargeable weight (the higher of actual vs. volumetric weight). You can estimate costs using the Air Freight Calculator, validate shipment dimensions with the Cubic Meter Calculator, and check lane-specific lead times using the Transit Time Calculator. Before booking, confirm responsibilities and cost splits using Incoterms.

Standard documentation usually includes an Air Waybill (AWB), Commercial Invoice, and Packing List. Certain regulated categories may require additional permits or clearances depending on product type and direction of shipment. If cargo is restricted (for example batteries, aerosols, chemicals, or regulated pharma), it may require classification under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), review the Beginner’s Guide to IATA Regulations before tendering cargo.

iContainers lets you compare routes, book air freight online, and manage documentation in one place, helping you ship to and from Mexico faster, with transparent pricing and expert customs support.

Get an Air Freight Quote from/to Mexico

Instant Online Rates

Get real-time quotes for air freight shipments to and from Mexico with just a few clicks. Compare multiple airlines and routes, and book the most convenient option instantly through our digital platform. If you’re still validating weight vs. volume, run a quick scenario in the Freight Cost Calculator and confirm dimensions with the Cubic Meter Calculator before booking.

How to Book Air Freight with iContainers

1. Request your online quote.
2. Select your preferred route and airline.
3. Upload shipment details and required documents (use our Air Freight Shipping Documents checklist if you’re missing anything).
4. Confirm and pay securely online.

Customs Clearance and Tracking Support

We support air freight customs clearance in Mexico and destination countries. From customs processes to product-dependent compliance documentation for regulated categories, our team helps you stay compliant and reduce clearance delays. For smoother processing, ensure your AWB, commercial invoice, and packing list match shipment contents and values, and review common requirements in Customs Clearance & Duties. You also get end-to-end shipment tracking for complete visibility.

Air Freight Services from/to Mexico

Shipping Large Cargo and Pallets (LCL by Air)

Mexico’s exports often involve palletized or temperature-sensitive shipments, such as:

• Automotive parts and machinery from Monterrey and northern states.
• Electronics and semiconductors from Guadalajara and Tijuana.
• Fresh avocados, berries, and mangoes from Michoacán and Jalisco.
• Aerospace products from Querétaro.
• Textiles and apparel from Puebla.

Air Express

If your shipment to/from Mexico requires urgent delivery, our air express service is ideal for small parcels, documents, and time-critical shipments with priority handling via hubs like Mexico City (MEX), Guadalajara (GDL), and Monterrey (MTY). For heavier cargo and pallets, standard air freight typically offers better cost efficiency—see Air Freight vs Air Express to choose the right service by size, urgency, and customs complexity.

Typical Transit Times for Air Freight Mexico Routes

These are typical transit ranges and can vary by flight frequency, cut-off times, capacity constraints, customs processing, and any additional screening required for restricted cargo. For lane-specific estimates by season, use the Transit Time Calculator.

• Mexico City (MEX) → Miami: ~2 business days
• Monterrey (MTY) → Chicago: ~2–3 business days
• Guadalajara (GDL) → Los Angeles: ~2 business days
• Mexico City (MEX) → Madrid: ~3–4 business days
• Monterrey (MTY) → São Paulo: 3–5 business days
• Mexico City (MEX) → Shanghai: 5–7 business days

Main Airports in Mexico for Air Freight

• Mexico City International Airport (MEX): The country’s largest air cargo hub, handling perishables, electronics, and machinery.
• Guadalajara International Airport (GDL): Specialized in electronics and IT equipment, major hub for western Mexico.
• Monterrey International Airport (MTY): Important for industrial exports, automotive, and heavy machinery.
• Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO): Growing hub for aerospace and manufacturing exports.
• Cancún International Airport (CUN): Key for seafood, perishables, and tourism-related cargo.

Air Freight Costs from/to Mexico

Weight, Volume, and Cargo Type Factors

Air freight costs are based on chargeable weight (actual vs. volumetric). Use the Cubic Meter Calculator to validate volume, then estimate and compare options using the Air Freight Calculator or the Freight Cost Calculator. Automotive, aerospace, and electronics shipments can involve security screening and special handling, while medical devices and pharma may require additional compliance checks that affect total pricing.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Mexico’s export calendar impacts costs:

• Avocado exports (Jan–May, around Super Bowl): Major demand spikes.
• Berry season (Oct–June): Increased volumes via Guadalajara.
• Holiday season (Nov–Dec): Higher surcharges globally.
• Automotive and electronics demand cycles: Stable but peak around new product launches.

Customs Duties, Surcharges, and Local Fees

In addition to freight charges, shipments may include:

• Duties and taxes set by SAT.
• Agricultural inspection fees (SENASICA).
• Handling and security fees at airports.
• Fuel surcharges.

Documentation & Packaging Requirements

Documents Checklist for Air Freight from/to Mexico

Always required (most shipments):

• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List

Often required (product-dependent):

• Import/export declarations and local customs documentation
• Certificates of origin (trade agreement–based or buyer requested)
• Permits/licenses for regulated categories (where applicable)
• ISPM-15 compliance for wooden packaging and pallets (where applicable)
• IATA Dangerous Goods (DGR) documentation for restricted cargo (when applicable)

For a full overview of documents commonly required for air shipments, see Air Freight Shipping Documents.

Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice

Every shipment requires:

• Air Waybill (AWB): Contract between airline and shipper.
• Commercial Invoice: Required for customs clearance.
• Packing List: Mandatory for exports.

Packaging Standards for Palletized Cargo

• ISPM-15 certified pallets for compliance.
• Refrigerated packaging for perishables (avocados, berries, seafood).
• Shrink-wrap/strapping and clear labeling for customs.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Mexico follows IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air cargo, along with national customs rules and product-specific controls. Restrictions are often product-dependent, so cargo classification and documentation should be confirmed before booking.

• Prohibited (examples):Explosives, narcotics, undeclared dangerous goods.




• Restricted / may require additional checks (examples):

  • Batteries, aerosols, chemicals: may require DGR classification and airline acceptance under IATA rules.
  
  
  • Pharmaceuticals and medical categories: may require permits or additional compliance documentation depending on product type.
  • Sensitive or controlled items: may require additional customs declarations and clearance depending on category and destination.