Last updated: October 12, 2026
Houston energy and heavy-equipment companies ship pipe, valves, pumps, compressors, drilling tools, spare parts and machinery to Mexico, and bring back returning equipment and goods made there. Eilan Trade Solutions clears at Houston and in the Laredo and Nuevo Laredo corridor, including the Colombia bridge, with its own warehouse in Laredo. More than 30 years of experience.
From Houston to Mexico
- U.S. export. Electronic Export Information (EEI) when the value per commodity line is over $2,500, and an export-control review when the equipment calls for it.
- Steel and pipe. Many steel products need an automatic import notice and sector registration in Mexico, and some carry antidumping duties depending on origin. See steel and construction materials.
- Energy project equipment. Standards, permits and classification are confirmed before shipping. See energy project equipment.
- Heavy machinery, new or used. Used machinery has its own rules in Mexico; they are checked before the unit leaves the yard.
- Equipment that goes in and comes back. When equipment enters Mexico for a project and returns, we check whether a temporary import fits better than a permanent one.
- Chemicals and oversize loads. Hazardous materials and oversize cargo cross at the Colombia bridge.
From Mexico to Houston
- Section 232. The United States applies tariffs of up to 50% on steel, aluminum, copper and many derivative products, even when the goods qualify under USMCA. It is calculated before you buy or fabricate.
- USMCA origin. For other goods, proving origin avoids duty. See USMCA rules of origin.
- U.S. equipment coming back. U.S.-origin equipment that returns without having been processed can enter duty-free if it is documented from the day it leaves.
- Equipment returning from repair or from a project. The entry is tied to the original export so duty is not paid twice.
If you sell delivered in Mexico
Many Houston suppliers sell to Pemex, its contractors and other energy-sector buyers with delivery inside Mexico. If that is your case, you do not need your own importer in Mexico: we take care of the Mexican import, the crossing and the delivery, with the operation properly documented. See our trading company (comercializadora) service.
The route
- Before loading. Tariff classification in both countries, permits and route set from the invoice, packing list and spec sheets.
- Houston to Laredo. Flatbed, van or specialized equipment. Freight landing at the Port of Houston for Mexico can move in-bond to Laredo.
- Laredo warehouse. Transload, consolidation of several suppliers into one shipment, and storage while the pedimento is completed.
- Crossing. World Trade Bridge for general freight; Colombia bridge for hazardous materials and oversize loads.
- Delivery in Mexico. Trucking to the plant, the yard or the project site.
How Eilan helps
- Clearance at the Port of Houston, Houston Intercontinental (IAH), and Laredo and Nuevo Laredo.
- Customs brokerage in the United States and in Mexico: one file for both sides.
- 200,000 sq ft of warehouse space in Laredo with our own team, bonded storage and hazmat handling.
- CTPAT and OEA certified.
- A program for high-volume shippers: see the corporate program.
Frequently asked questions
Where does oversize or hazardous freight cross?
In the Laredo area, at the Colombia bridge. The route, permits and documents are confirmed before the load leaves Houston.
Does Mexican steel pay U.S. duty even if it qualifies under USMCA?
Yes. Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and their derivatives apply even when the goods are USMCA-originating.
Can you consolidate equipment from several suppliers?
Yes. We receive at the Laredo warehouse, consolidate, and cross one shipment on one pedimento when the operation allows it.
Request a quote
Tell us what equipment you move, where it ships from and where it is going. Request a quote or call +1 (956) 717-4150, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Central.