Basic Knowledge of Mexico Shipping Routes

I. Key Ports of Mexico

The most frequently mentioned ports in cross-border e-commerce are Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas.

1. Port of Manzanillo (Port Code: MXMAN)

As Mexico’s largest trading port and one of its top three ports, Manzanillo is located on the west coast, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. Its geographical location makes it a hub for trans-Pacific trade. The port handles millions of tons of cargo annually, including various commodities and chemicals. It features 11 docks and locks, capable of accommodating ships of all sizes.

• Features: Large cargo throughput, relatively stable customs system, and strong government control—making it the most stable port in the long run. It operates in a standardized manner, though problem-solving can be more difficult when issues arise.

• Infrastructure: Covers an area of 437 hectares, with 19 operational berths, including bulk cargo terminals, international container terminals, oil terminals, and passenger terminals.

2. Port of Lázaro Cárdenas (Port Code: MXLCS)

Situated on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Lázaro Cárdenas is one of the largest seaports in the region and a major port on Mexico’s maritime routes. It is only 620 kilometers from Mexico City and connected to Mexico’s main railway freight lines, boasting a well-developed transportation network.

• Features: Relatively smaller scale, strong local gang influence, and weaker government control compared to Manzanillo. While issues may occur, there is more flexibility in problem-solving with a wider range of solutions.

• Infrastructure:

• Container Terminals: 6 deep-water berths equipped with 12 post-Panamax quay cranes, handling over 3 million TEUs annually and capable of accommodating 4 large container ships simultaneously.

• Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) Terminals: 2 dedicated Ro-Ro berths, designed to handle 500,000 vehicles yearly with a fully automated vehicle scheduling system. It is a major terminal for Mexico’s auto exports (with dedicated logistics zones for Volkswagen, General Motors, etc.).

II. Direct China-Mexico Maritime Routes

1. Routes TLP8 (OOCL) & WSA8 (COSCO)

• Hub Ports: Centered on Shanghai and Ningbo.

• Direct Destinations: Key Mexican ports of Ensenada and Manzanillo.

• Service: Provides weekly, high-frequency container shipping with low transit time fluctuations for trade between China, Mexico, and the Pacific Rim.

• Carriers: COSCO, OOCL.

• Port Call Sequence: Shanghai → Qingdao → Ensenada → Manzanillo → Yokohama → Shanghai.

• Transit Time: 21 days.

2. M2X – Mexico Express

• Carrier: CMA.

• Port Call Sequence: Shekou → Ningbo → Shanghai → Tianjin → Qingdao → Busan → Manzanillo → Lázaro Cárdenas.

• Transit Time: 32 days (Shekou to Manzanillo).

3. MEX Route

• Carrier: T.S. LINES.

• Port Call Sequence: Shanghai → Qingdao → Busan → Manzanillo.

• Transit Time: 25 days (Shanghai to Manzanillo).

4. WSA2 Route

• Carrier: EMC.

• Port Call Sequence: Shekou → Hong Kong → Ningbo → Shanghai → Manzanillo.

• Transit Time: 25 days (Shekou to Manzanillo).