Cross-border deliveries and transportation between various countries have been carried out for more than a century now. However, the rules for these transportations have changed constantly over time. Dry van trucking across the US-Mexico border is a key part of inland international transportation, as dry vans are the standard trucks for moving palletized goods, supplies, and raw materials.
According to the report of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, an increase of about 8.4% is seen in the cross-border US freight shipments in March 2025 as compared to the total percentage of March 2024. This is surely a huge lapse and requires attention to detail. So, if you are interested in getting your vehicles into the cross-border delivery business, this blog is especially helpful for you for sure.
Table of Contents
What is a Cab Card?
A cab card plays a key role in cross-border transportation. It is the official document that proves a vehicle’s commercial registration under the International Registration Plan (IRP), and it must always travel with the truck. Any vehicle registered for commercial transportation, including those moving freight across the U.S.-Mexico border, requires a valid cab card to operate legally. Without it, carriers risk delays at customs, fines, or even being pulled out of service.
This requirement applies to all types of equipment used in cross-border trucking. Dry vans, for example, are one of the most common trailer types because of their availability and versatility for the industries trading between the U.S. and Mexico. Obtaining proper advice on dry van trucking services helps you have your cab card in order and ensures these loads move smoothly across the border, minimizing legal and operational risks.
Basic Things to Consider for Dry Van Trucking Deliveries across US-Mexico Borders
Dry van trucking deliveries across the US-Mexico border are carried out in a cycle through a particular process. To make this process effective, the following are some basic things you should consider for the smooth functioning of your dry van trucking deliveries across the US-Mexico border:
- Always Keep Yourself Complied with Cross-Border Legalities
The cross-border legalities of dry van trucking deliveries are very different from the normal deliveries. That is why aligning yourself with the cross-border legalities regarding cross-border dry van trucking services is very important. This way, your truck will not get stuck in any legal formalities and will remain active on the road for a longer time.
- Keep all the Required Documents Updated
Documents should be kept safe and updated in 2 different forms. One of them is the soft copy, in the form of PDFs and other digital backups on OneDrive, etc. The other form of saving updated documents is hard copies. Always keep a printout or Xerox of your necessary documents collected in a folder.
- Make Sure to be Prepared for Regular Inspections
If you are following the whole cross-border delivery process properly, then getting the best cross-border dry van trucking services becomes easier. Also, this way, you will not have to worry about getting caught in the inspections. That is why it is important to always be ready for any inspections, whether sudden or regular, by following the rules sincerely.
- Getting Licensed for Cross-Docking Facilities is Important
Along with the registration for regular transportation, you should also get your vehicle licensed for cross-docking facilities.
This way, your vehicle will not get into any trouble after crossing the border and will enjoy all the benefits, such as quick transferring support for goods, reduction in the storage time, and complete streamlining of the transportation process.
Steps to Implement Dry Van Trucking Deliveries across US-Mexico Borders
The following are some effective steps to implement to make cross-border trucking deliveries smoother:
- Keep Close Watch on the Cross-Border Rules and Regulations
Even if there are some specific cross-border rules and regulations to be followed, they may be changed or updated at any time.
Keeping close watch on any updates regarding the cross-border rules and regulations will help you in keeping away from legal troubles. Also, this will benefit your vehicle in redeeming all the cross-border facilities.
- Maintain a Proper Schedule According to the Border-Crossing Timetable
To be able to follow all the timings of the cross-border deliveries and transportations properly, get yourself an accurate cross-border transportation timetable. Schedule your packing and delivering time accordingly so that your vehicle is never late for its delivery.
- Remain in Touch with the Changing Cross-Border Trade Policies
The trade policies of cross-border trade for the US-Mexico and even other countries are very different from the deliveries done internally. That is why they keep updating according to the situations, weather conditions, implied taxes, and even the responsible authorities. Make sure to always remain updated with the current affairs so that you don’t miss out on any cross-border delivery updates.
- Don’t Skip the Tracking and Security Step while Trucking
Regular tracking of vehicles is very important to avoid any unpleasant situations. Also, this is to ensure the complete security of your vehicle throughout the delivery process.
- Choose Interline Partnerships Wisely
Make a wise choice regarding your interline partners so that no errors occur on both sides. With proper interline partners, communication is smooth, and any changes or updates get noticed quickly. So, the importance of interline partners is huge to keep your cross-border deliveries functioning smoothly.
Follow the above steps to make dry van trucking deliveries across the US-Mexico border smoother and much more efficient.
Conclusion
The overall process of cross-border trucking between the U.S. and Mexico is designed to be simple and effective. Among the equipment options, dry vans stand out because they are the most common trailer type for the industries operating between both countries. Their standardization makes customs inspections easier, capacity more readily available, and transfers across the border more efficient.
Still, keeping operations consistently smooth requires following all regulations, maintaining updated delivery schedules, and being prepared for occasional delays. With UTB Logistics as your logistics and transportation partner, you can count on reliable planning and support to keep your cross-border freight moving forward without unnecessary surprises.