Last updated: October 10, 2026
Laredo is the busiest land trade crossing between the United States and Mexico. A warehouse in Laredo is more than storage: it is where freight is inspected, consolidated, moved to a different truck or mode, and prepared for customs clearance. This guide explains which warehouse and 3PL service fits each case and how it connects to customs.
Which service your freight needs
- Cross-dock. Freight comes in and goes out the same day or the next, from one truck to another, without being stored. It fits when the U.S. and Mexican carriers are different and clearance is ready.
- Transload. A change of mode or equipment: rail to truck, ocean container to dry van, hopper car to super sack. Common for resin, grain, steel and bulk cargo.
- Storage. Freight stays for days or weeks while documents, permits or delivery appointments are completed. Inventory is controlled by reference.
- Bonded warehouse. Foreign goods stored in the United States without paying duty until they are withdrawn for consumption, or with no duty if they are re-exported. The maximum period is five years.
- Consolidation and deconsolidation. Several suppliers into one shipment to Mexico, or one container split into separate deliveries. See the e-commerce and retail guide.
- Pick and pack, labeling and inspection. Order preparation, NOM labels before crossing, counts, photos and a pre-inspection so the pedimento matches what actually ships.
In-bond: moving freight without paying U.S. duty
Freight that only crosses the United States on its way to Mexico, or that arrives at one port and clears at another, can move in-bond under the carrier’s or the warehouse’s bond without paying U.S. duty. The most common types are IT (immediate transportation to another port for clearance), T&E (transportation and exportation) and IE (immediate exportation). Each in-bond must be opened, arrived and closed with CBP on time; an in-bond left open leads to penalties.
Why it matters that the warehouse and the broker are one team
- A real pre-inspection. The people who classify the goods can see, count and weigh them before the pedimento is filed.
- Less idle time. Freight does not wait for a third party to report that it arrived: the same team receives, documents and schedules the crossing.
- One file. Warehouse receipt, U.S. entry or in-bond, Mexican pedimento and Carta Porte, coordinated.
- One party responsible. If what was received does not match what was declared, it is resolved before the crossing, not at the customs inspection.
Eilan’s capacity in Laredo
- 200,000 sq ft of warehouse space in Laredo, Texas, with our own team on site.
- Bonded warehouse and in-bond moves: we create, arrive and close them.
- Cross-dock, transload, storage, consolidation, pick and pack and labeling.
- Hazardous materials (hazmat).
- Inventory control and receipts by reference.
- Customs brokerage on both sides: the U.S. entry and the Mexican pedimento on the same shipment, plus cross-border trucking.
- CTPAT and OEA certified.
What we need to know
- Type of goods, packaging, weight and dimensions, and whether it is hazmat.
- Volume: pallets, cartons or containers per week or month.
- Origin and final destination, and who arranges trucking on each side.
- Service required: cross-dock, transload, storage, bonded warehouse or in-bond.
- Expected time in the warehouse.
Related guides: U.S. customs bond, IMMEX Annex 24, Corporate Program.
Frequently asked questions about Laredo warehousing and 3PL
What does a 3PL in Laredo do?
It receives, stores, consolidates and prepares your freight at the border on your behalf. At Eilan the same team also handles customs clearance on both sides.
What is the difference between cross-dock and transload?
In a cross-dock the freight moves from one truck to another without being stored. In a transload the mode or the equipment changes, for example rail to truck or ocean container to dry van. See cross-dock in Laredo, Texas.
What is a bonded warehouse?
It is a warehouse authorized by CBP where foreign goods are stored without paying duty until they are withdrawn for consumption or re-exported. The maximum period is five years.
Can my freight wait in Laredo until the Mexican pedimento is ready?
Yes. Freight can stay in storage or in the bonded warehouse while documents, permits or delivery appointments are completed, and it crosses when the pedimento is ready. For freight moving under bond, see our in-bond guide.
Do you handle hazardous materials?
Yes. Our Laredo warehouse receives hazardous materials. Tell us the hazard class and UN number of your product so we can confirm handling.
Request a quote
Send us your shipment details and the service you need. Request a quote or call +1 (956) 717-4150, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Central.