1

Mexico Transport Cost Indicator Report

a quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service

 www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis

Summary: What Happened

Transportation Costs and Farm Prices Pushed Up Grain Landed Cost to Mexico in First Quarter 2021

Given Mexico’s status as a nearby, major importer of U.S. grain, the United States has a vested interest in sustaining 

low transportation and landed costs for U.S.-Mexico routes. Efficient costs for shipping U.S. grain to Mexico 

help sustain the competitiveness of U.S. grain in Mexico, as well as globally. As of April 15, 2021, Mexico’s total 

commitments were 13.28 million metric tons (mmt) of U.S. corn (see May 13, 2021 Grain Transportation Report

(GTR), table 13); 4.56 mmt of U.S. soybeans (see May 13, 2021 GTR, table 14); and 3.56 mmt of U.S. wheat (see 

May 13, 2021 GTR, table 15). U.S. grain is transported to Mexico either by cross-border land movements or by 

seaborne movements to Mexican ports for inland distribution. This article examines the costs of transporting U.S. 

grain to Mexico over land to Guadalajara (land routes) and by sea to Veracruz (water routes), tracking changes over 

time (see table 1).

Quarter-to-quarter transportation costs. Total transportation costs for U.S. corn, soybeans, and wheat increased 

from fourth quarter 2020 to first quarter 2021 (quarter to quarter). By the water routes, shipping costs increased 

with rising truck and ocean freight rates.1 After major economies started reopening in January and February, strong 

trade of both grain and iron ore drove the increase in ocean freight rates for shipping bulk commodities (GTR, 

April 15, 2021). By the land routes, shipping costs rose with higher rates for truck and rail (public tariff, plus fuel 

surcharge). Truck rates rose partly because of higher diesel fuel prices (see May 13, 2021 GTR, fig. 13). Rail rates 

increased partly because of rising fuel surcharges (see May 13 GTR, fig. 7).

Year-to-year transportation costs. From first quarter 2020 to first quarter 2021 (year to year), higher truck, barge, 

and ocean rates drove rising total costs of shipping U.S. corn, soybeans, and wheat to Mexico by the water routes. 

Meanwhile, by the land routes, lower rail tariff rates pushed down costs of shipping all grain (corn, soybeans, and 

wheat) to Mexico.

1

 Water routes typically involve truck transportation to barge to oceangoing vessel, or truck to rail to oceangoing 

vessel.

Content

Summary: What Happened? 1

Quarterly Bulk Grain and

Soybeans 5

Subscription Information 13

Related Websites 13

Data Sets 13

First Quarter 2021

(January, February, March)

Published August 2021

Contact Informati

Surajudeen Olowolayemo, Coordinator/

Ocean Bulk Shipments

Jesse Gastelle, Rail/Fruit and

Vegetables Analyst

April Taylor, Container Shipments/ Fruit 

and Vegetables Analyst
2

Mexico Transport Cost Indicator Report

Quarter-to-quarter landed costs. From quarter to quarter, landed costs increased for all grains shipped via both 

routes. For both the land and water routes, landed costs rose with higher transport costs and higher farm values 

(table 1 and figs. 1 and 2). The transportation share of landed costs ranged from 11 percent to 24 percent for the 

water routes and from 19 percent to 35 percent for land routes (see table).

Year-to-year landed costs.From year to year, landed costs increased for waterborne corn, soybeans, and wheat 

because of higher transportation costs and farm values. For all grains shipped by land routes, rising landed costs 

were mainly driven by higher farm values.

U.S. Exports to Mexico: According to USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service, Mexico imported 3.29 mmt of 

U.S. corn, 1.23 mmt of U.S. soybeans, and 0.79 mmt of U.S. wheat in first quarter 2020. Quarter to quarter, U.S. 

inspections for export to Mexico declined 4 percent for corn and 14 percent for soybeans, but increased 17 percent 

for wheat. Year to year, U.S. inspections destined to Mexico rose 5 percent for corn, 10 percent for soybeans, and

4 percent for wheat.

Ocean Freight Rates: Ocean freight rates for shipping bulk grains to Mexico increased quarter to quarter, year 

to year, and from the 4-year average. In the first quarter—via 25,000 ton-capacity vessels from the U.S. Gulf to 

Veracruz, Mexico—the cost of shipping a metric ton (mt) of grain averaged $22.56 per mt. This was up 30 percent 

quarter to quarter, up 38 percent year to year, and up 39 percent from the prior-4-year average. The cost of 

shipping in a 35,000-40,000 ton-capacity vessel averaged $19.19 per mt. This amounted to a 33-percent increase 

quarter to quarter, 41-percent increase year to year, and 38-percent increase from the prior-4-year average. Dry 

bulk trade, including grain remained strong during the quarter, supporting the rates. 

Railroad: In first quarter 2021, railroads transported 36,363 carloads of grain and oilseeds to Mexico, up 1 percent 

quarter to quarter and up 3 percent year to year. Tariff rail rates per grain car averaged $7,685, unchanged quarter 

to quarter and year to year, and up 2 percent from the prior-3-year average. Fuel surcharges per railcar averaged 

$177, up 42 percent quarter to quarter, down 28 percent year to year, and down 10 percent from the prior-3-year 

average. Overall, rail transportation costs (tariff rates plus fuel surcharges) were up 1 percent quarter to quarter, 

down 1 percent year to year, and up 2 percent from the prior-3-year average.

Fruit and Vegetables

In first quarter 2021, total reported imports of fruits and vegetables by refrigerated truck from Mexico were 

3.55 million tons, a 17-percent increase from year to year. The sum of the top five commodities increased by 

185,000 tons, or 15 percent. At 371,000 tons—a 25-percent increase from year to year—avocadoes were the 

largest reported refrigerated truck import from Mexico by volume. 

Truck rates for shipments crossing the Arizona border into Mexico and traveling 501-1,500 miles averaged $3.16 

per mile, up 12 percent quarter to quarter and up 25 percent year to year. Rates for shipments crossing the TexasMexico border and traveling 501-1,500 miles averaged $2.93 per mile, up 2 percent quarter to quarter and up 

18 percent year to year. 

Diesel fuel prices for Texas-Mexico border crossings averaged $2.68 per gallon for the quarter. Diesel fuel prices for 

Arizona-Mexico border crossings averaged $3.02 per gallon. Truck availability for Texas-Mexico border crossings 

was adequate throughout the quarter. On average, truck availability for Arizona-Mexico border crossings fluctuated 

from adequate to shortage throughout the quarter. 
3

Mexico Transport Cost Indicator Report

2021

Water route (to Veracruz) Land route (to Guadalajara)

1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg. 1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg.

US$/metric ton US$/metric ton

Corn

Origin IL IA

Truck 13.66 13.66 4.88 4.88

Rail1 95.30 95.30

Barge 20.87 20.87

Ocean2 19.19 19.19

Total transportation cost 53.72 53.72 100.18 100.18

Farm price3 180.44 180.44 185.82 185.82

Landed cost4 234.16 234.16 286.00 286.00

Transport % of landed cost 22.9 22.9 35.0 35.0

Soybeans

Origin IL NE

Truck 13.66 13.66 4.88 4.88

Rail1 97.77 97.77

Barge 20.87 20.87

Ocean2 19.19 19.19

Total transportation cost 53.72 53.72 102.65 102.65

Farm price3 442.15 442.15 445.82 445.82

Landed cost4 495.87 495.87 548.47 548.47

Transport % of landed cost 10.8 10.8 18.7 18.7

Wheat

Origin KS KS

Truck 4.88 4.88 4.88 4.88

Rail1 42.07 42.07 81.72 81.72

Ocean2 19.19 19.19

Total transportation cost 66.14 66.14 86.60 86.60

Farm price3 215.20 215.20 215.20 215.20

Landed cost4 281.34 281.34 301.80 301.80

Transport % of landed cost 23.5 23.5 28.7 28.7

1

Rail rates include U.S. and Mexico portions of the movement. Mexico rail rates are estimated based on actual quoted market rates. BNSF 

and Union Pacific quoted rail tariff rates are through rates for shuttle trains. Rail rates include fuel surcharges, but do not include the cost of 

purchasing empty rail cars in the secondary market, which could exceed the rail tariff rate plus the fuel surcharge shown in the table.

2

Source: O’Neil Commodity Consulting, Inc.

3

Source: USDA/NASS

*Due to the closure of several lock and dam facilities on Illinois River between July 1 and October 27, 2020, mid-Mississippi barge rate was 

substituted forIllinois rate as the benchmark for calculating cost index during the closures.

4

Landed cost is total transportation cost plus the farm price.

Table 1. Quarterly costs of transporting U.S. grain and soybeans to Mexico
4

Mexico Transport Cost Indicator Report

Note: IL = Illinois; KS = Kansas

Source: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

Figure 1. First-quarter 2021 water-route shipment costs ($/mt) to Veracruz, Mexico

Figure 2. First-quarter 2021 land-route shipment costs ($/mt) to Guadalajara, Mexico

Barge

$20.87

Rail

$42.07

Ocean

$19.19

Ocean

$19.19

Truck

$13.66 Truck

Farm value $4.88

$180.44

Farm value

$442.15

Farm value

$215.20

0.00

100.00

200.00

300.00

400.00

500.00

IL: Corn IL: Soybean KS: Wheat

Total=$234.16

Total=$281.34

Total=$495.87

Rail

$95.30

Rail

$97.77

Rail

$81.72

Farm value

$185.82

Farm value

$445.82

Farm value

$215.20

0.00

100.00

200.00

300.00

400.00

500.00

600.00

IA: Corn KS: Wheat

Total=$548.47

Total=$301.80 Total=$286.00

Truck

$4.88

Truck

$4.88

NE: Soybeans

Note: IA = Iowa; NE = Nebraska; KS = Kansas

Source: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service 
5

Mexico Transport Cost Indicator Report

Quarterly Bulk Grain and Soybe

Table 2. Quarterly tariff rail rates for U.S. bulk grain shipments to Mexico (US$/car), 2021

Tariff rate/car1 Fuel surcharge per car2

Commodity Origin 

State

Destination 1st 

qtr

2nd 

qtr

3rd 

qtr

4th 

qtr Avg

1st 

qtr

2nd 

qtr

3rd 

qtr

4th 

qtr Avg

Wheat

 MT Chihuahua, CI 7,384 7,384 0 0

 OK Cuautitlan, EM 6,713 6,713 67 67

 KS Guadalajara, JA 7,471 7,471 527 527

 TX Salinas Victoria, NL 4,347 4,347 41 41

Corn

 IA Guadalajara, JA 8,902 8,902 425 425

 SD Celaya, GJ 8,140 8,140 0 0

 NE Queretaro, QA 8,300 8,300 139 139

 SD Salinas Victoria, NL 6,905 6,905 0 0

 MO Tlalnepantla, EM 7,665 7,665 135 135

 SD Torreon, CU 7,690 7,690 0 0

Soybeans

 MO Bojay (Tula), HG 8,547 8,547 401 401

 NE Guadalajara, JA 9,157 9,157 412 412

 IA El Castillo, JA 9,410 9,410 0 0

 KS Torreon, CU 8,014 8,014 274 274

Sorghum

 NE Celaya, GJ 7,772 7,772 367 367

 KS Queretaro, QA 8,108 8,108 84 84

 NE Salinas Victoria, NL 6,713 6,713 68 68

 NE Torreon, CU 7,092 7,092 243 243

1

Rates are based upon published tariff rates for high-capacity shuttle trains. Shuttle trains are available for qualified shipments of 75-110 

cars that meet railroad efficiency requirements. The cost of obtaining empty grain cars in the Secondary Grain Car markets, which in times 

of high demand may exceed the tariff rate plus fuel surcharge, is not included.

2

Approximate load per car = 97.87 mt: corn & sorghum 56 lbs/bu, wheat & soybeans 60 lbs/bu

Sources: www.bnsf.com; www.uprr.com; www.kcsouthern.com
6

Mexico Transport Cost Indicator Report

Table 3. Quarterly tariff rail rates plus fuel surcharges for U.S. bulk grain shipments 

to Mexico, 2021

Tariff1 plus fuel surcharge per:

US$/metric ton US$/bushel2

Commodity Origin 

State

Destination 1st 

qtr

2nd 

qtr

3rd 

qtr

4th 

qtr Avg

1st 

qtr

2nd 

qtr

3rd 

qtr

4th 

qtr Avg

Wheat

 MT Chihuahua, CI 75.45 75.45 2.05 2.05

 OK Cuautitlan, EM 69.27 69.27 1.88 1.88

 KS Guadalajara, JA 81.72 81.72 2.22 2.22

 TX Salinas Victoria, NL 44.83 44.83 1.22 1.22

Corn

 IA Guadalajara, JA 95.30 95.30 2.42 2.42

 SD Celaya, GJ 83.17 83.17 2.11 2.11

 NE Queretaro, QA 86.22 86.22 2.19 2.19

 SD Salinas Victoria, NL 70.55 70.55 1.79 1.79

 MO Tlalnepantla, EM 79.70 79.70 2.02 2.02

 SD Torreon, CU 78.57 78.57 1.99 1.99

Soybeans

 MO Bojay (Tula), HG 91.42 91.42 2.49 2.49

 NE Guadalajara, JA 97.77 97.77 2.66 2.66

 IA El Castillo, JA 96.15 96.15 2.61 2.61

 KS Torreon, CU 84.68 84.68 2.30 2.30

Sorghum

 NE Celaya, GJ 83.17 83.17 2.11 2.11

 KS Queretaro, QA 83.70 83.70 2.12 2.12

 NE Salinas Victoria, NL 69.28 69.28 1.76 1.76

 NE Torreon, CU 74.95 74.95 1.90 1.90

1

Rates are based upon published tariff rates for high-capacity shuttle trains. Shuttle trains are available for qualified shipments of 75-110 

cars that meet railroad efficiency requirements. The cost of obtaining empty grain cars in the Secondary Grain Car markets, which in times 

of high demand may exceed the tariff rate plus fuel surcharge, is not included.

2

Approximate load per car = 97.87 mt: corn & sorghum 56 lbs/bu, wheat & soybeans 60 lbs/bu

Sources: www.bnsf.com; www.uprr.com; www.kcsouthern.com
7

Mexico Transport Cost Indicator Report

Table 4. Quarterly exports of U.S. distillers’ dried grains with soluble (DDGS) to Mexico*

Thousand metric tons 

Year 1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Total

2010 439 399 424 383 1,645

2011 506 430 476 369 1,781

2012 426 388 352 332 1,498

2013 284 329 290 381 1,285

2014 356 420 366 435 1,577

2015 497 276 413 463 1,649

2016 483 467 470 490 1,910

2017 604 475 551 551 2,181

2018 516 516 514 467 2,013

2019 410 574 475 491 1,950

2020 526 344 396 476 1,742

2021 481 481

*Data are for brewers’ and distillers’ dregs and waste, of which Distillers’ Dried Grains with Soluble is a principal component. 

Source: USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS), Feed grains database
8

Mexico Transport Cost Indicator Report

US$/metric ton

Vessel capacity 

(metric ton) 1st qtr 2013 2nd qtr 2013 3rd qtr 2013 4th qtr 2013 Average

25,000 20.19 19.59 20.47 20.01 20.07

35-40,000 17.89 17.58 17.85 17.13 17.61

Vessel capacity 

(metric ton) 1st qtr 2014 2nd qtr 2014 3rd qtr 2014 4th qtr 2014 Average

25,000 20.08 17.48 15.75 16.32 17.41

35-40,000 17.53 15.48 13.56 13.96 15.13

Vessel capacity 

(metric ton) 1st qtr 2015 2nd qtr 2015 3rd qtr 2015 4th qtr 2015 Average

25,000 13.67 14.23 14.59 13.95 14.11

35-40,000 11.63 11.89 12.85 12.12 12.12

Vessel capacity 

(metric ton) 1st qtr 2016 2nd qtr 2016 3rd qtr 2016 4th qtr 2016 Average

25,000 12.34 13.47 15.00 14.85 13.92

35-40,000 10.44 11.65 13.20 13.26 12.14

Vessel capacity 

(metric ton) 1st qtr 2017 2nd qtr 2017 3rd qtr 2017 4th qtr 2017 Average

25,000 16.03 14.85 15.16 16.69 15.68

35-40,000 14.27 12.95 12.98 14.26 13.62

Vessel capacity

 (metric ton) 1st qtr 2018 2nd qtr 2018 3rd qtr 2018 4th qtr 2018 Average

25,000 16.11 16.20 16.68 17.94 16.73

35-40,000 13.97 14.07 14.68 15.63 14.59

Vessel capacity

(metric ton) 1st qtr 2019 2nd qtr 2019 3rd qtr 2019 4th qtr 2019 Average

25,000 16.37 16.65 18.27 17.98 17.32

35-40,000 13.89 14.01 15.50 15.23 14.66

Vessel capacity

(metric ton) 1st qtr 2020 2nd qtr 2020 3rd qtr 2020 4th qtr 2020 Average

25,000 16.37 15.31 17.20 17.40 16.57

35-40,000 13.64 12.41 14.39 14.43 13.72

Vessel capacity

(metric ton) 1st qtr 2021 2nd qtr 2021 3rd qtr 2021 4th qtr 2021 Average

25,000 22.56 22.56

35-40,000 19.19 19.19

Source: O’Neil Commodity Consulting

Table 5. Quarterly ocean freight rate for bulk grain shipments 

from the U.S. Gulf to Veracruz, Mexico
9

Mexico Transport Cost Indicator Report

Fruit and Veget

Table 6. Fruit and vegetable truck rates for shipments between 501 to 1,500 miles crossing 

the U.S.-Mexico border 

US$/mile

Origin/border crossing 1st qtr 2013 2nd qtr 2013 3rd qtr 2013 4th qtr 2013 Average

Nogales, Arizona 2.34 2.59 1.63 2.33 2.22

Pharr, Texas 2.15 2.33 2.02 2.01 2.13

Origin/border crossing 1st qtr 2014 2nd qtr 2014 3rd qtr 2014 4th qtr 2014 Average

Nogales, Arizona 2.46 2.69 1.74 2.31 2.30

Pharr, Texas 2.32 2.53 2.12 2.13 2.28

Origin/border crossing 1st qtr 2015 2nd qtr 2015 3rd qtr 2015 4th qtr 2015 Average

Nogales, Arizona 2.41 2.49 2.71 2.51 2.53

Pharr, Texas 2.26 2.23 2.50 2.27 2.32

Origin/border crossing 1st qtr 2016 2nd qtr 2016 3rd qtr 2016 4th qtr 2016 Average

Nogales, Arizona 2.31 2.43 2.53 2.65 2.48

Pharr, Texas 2.98 2.17 2.24 2.34 2.43

Origin/border crossing 1st qtr 2017 2nd qtr 2017 3rd qtr 2017 4th qtr 2017 Average

Nogales, Arizona 2.05 2.32 2.45 2.38 2.30

Pharr, Texas 2.16 2.21 2.00 2.36 2.18

Origin/border crossing 1st qtr 2018 2nd qtr 2018 3rd qtr 2018 4th qtr 2018 Average

Nogales, Arizona 2.92 3.21 2.75 2.47 2.84

Pharr, Texas 2.95 3.13 2.27 2.34 2.67

Origin/border crossing 1st qtr 2019 2nd qtr 2019 3rd qtr 2019 4th qtr 2019 Average

Nogales, Arizona 2.52 2.7 2.52 2.21 2.49

Pharr, Texas 2.45 2.28 2.04 2.23 2.25

Origin/border crossing 1st qtr 2020 2nd qtr 2020 3rd qtr 2020 4th qtr 2020 Average

Nogales, Arizona 2.53 2.55 2.16 2.81 2.51

Pharr, Texas 2.49 2.25 2.35 2.88 2.49

Origin/border crossing 1st qtr 2021 2nd qtr 2021 3rd qtr 2021 4th qtr 2021 Average

Nogales, Arizona 3.16 3.16

Pharr, Texas 2.93 2.93

Source: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division
10

Mexico Transport Cost Indicator Report

Table 7. Quarterly U.S.-Mexico border crossing fresh fruit and vegetables truck availability

1st quarter 2021

Legend: 1 =Surplus 2 = Slight surplus 3 = Adequate 4 = Slight shortage 5 = Shortage

Truck availability

Mexico border crossings/month January February March

Week ending 1/5 1/12 1/19 1/26 2/2 2/9 2/16 2/23 3/2 3/9 3/16 3/23 3/30

Through 

Nogales, AZ

Tomatoes, Squash, 

Cucumbers, 

Mangoes, Honeydew, 

Watermelons, Mixed 

Fruits, Vegetables, 

5 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 3 3 3 4

Through TX

Vegetables, Limes, 

Mangoes, Onions, 

Tomatoes, Broccoli, 

Mixed Fruits

3 3 3 3 3 3 NA 3 4 4 3 3 4

Note: NA = not available.

Source: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Specialty Crop Program, Market News Division, Fruit and Vegetable Truck Rate Report

Table 8. Top ten commodities shipped by truck to the U.S. from Mexico, 2021

(1,000 metric tons)

Commodity 1st qtr 2021 Rank

Avocados 371 1

Tomatoes 289 2

Cucumbers 272 3

Tomatoes, plum type 267 4

Peppers, bell type 248 5

Squash 190 6

Peppers, other 181 7

Limes 159 8

Lettuce, other 155 9

Strawberries 128 10

Source: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division
11

Mexico Transport Cost Indicator Report

Table 9. Top five commodities shipped by truck to the U.S. from Mexico (10,000 lbs)

Commodity 1st qtr 2014 2nd qtr 2014 3rd qtr 2014 4th qtr 2014 Total 2014

Tomatoes (all varieties) 102,223 75,885 41,364 59,367 278,839

Peppers (all varieties) 61,170 32,403 28,315 49,764 171,652

Cucumbers 25,327 8,7584 3,815 20,131 136,857

Avocados 37,704 25,948 26,937 39,197 129,786

Squash 4,7115 30,353 12,534 37,227 127,229

Subtotal 273,539 252,173 112,965 205,686 844,363

Other 218,822 231,589 126,002 166,317 742,730

Total 492,361 483,762 238,967 372,003 1,587,093

Commodity 1st qtr 2015 2nd qtr 201 3rd qtr 2015 4th qtr 2015 Total 2015

Tomatoes (all varieties) 97,953 71,449 45,992 65,381 280,775

Peppers (all varieties) 44,215 37,154 43,044 49,722 174,135

Cucumbers 59,876 33,752 30,679 47,396 171,703

Avocados 23,537 95,273 7,213 23,195 149,218

Squash 49,684 33,603 15,717 37,875 136,879

Subtotal 275,265 271,231 142,645 223,569 912,710

Other 232,251 250,443 138,828 185,012 806,534

Total 507,516 521,674 281,473 408,581 1,719,244

Commodity 1st qtr 2016 2nd qtr 2016 3rd qtr 2016 4th qtr 2016 Total 2016

Tomatoes (all varieties) 131,455 89,313 51,983 66,534 339,285

Peppers (all varieties) 61,450 40,970 33,631 65,270 201,321

Cucumbers 60,241 37,679 34,993 40,457 173,370

Avocados 21,726 85,723 7,560 33,670 148,679

Squash 48,999 32,842 14,670 39,803 136,314

Subtotal 323,871 286,527 142,837 245,734 998,969

Other 270,078 265,393 157,375 201,602 894,448

Total 593,949 551,920 300,212 447,336 1,893,417

Commodity 1st qtr 2017 2nd qtr 2017 3rd qtr 2017 4th qtr 2017 Total 2017

Tomatoes (all varieties) 107,852 82,194 49,088 73,166 312,300

Peppers (all varieties) 67,566 38,714 31,137 59,172 196,589

Cucumbers 49,565 36,996 32,133 47,015 165,709

Avocados 47,336 32,892 16,064 44,415 140,707

Squash 31,890 68,086 5,264 33,293 138,533

Subtotal 304,209 258,882 133,686 257,061 953,838

Other 291,177 291,747 170,323 205,516 958,763

Total 595,386 550,629 304,009 462,577 1,912,601

Source: Data is obtained from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through USDA, AMS, 

Market News

-continued on page 12-
12

Mexico Transport Cost Indicator Report

Commodity 1st qtr 2018 2nd qtr 2018 3rd qtr 2018 4th qtr 2018 Total 2018

Tomatoes (all varieties) 105,364 79,851 49,278 62,478 296,971

Peppers (all varieties) 74,252 46,390 35,103 57,726 213,471

Cucumbers 55,189 49,914 35,246 49,781 190,130

Avocados 51,964 36,452 14,131 43,288 145,835

Squash 28,829 75,429 6,062 27,782 138,102

Subtotal 315,598 288,036 139,820 241,055 984,509

Other 296,266 281,580 156,781 205,426 940,053

Total 611,864 569,616 296,601 446,481 1,924,562

Commodity 1st qtr 2019 2nd qtr 2019 3rd qtr 2019 4th qtr 2019 Total 2019

Tomatoes (all varieties) 95,760 78,123 55,836 69,366 299,085

Peppers (all varieties) 65,865 45,479 38,006 56,847 206,197

Cucumbers 57,162 25,622 42,135 58,520 183,439

Avocados 24,868 88,165 11,138 30,506 154,677

Squash 48,614 34,729 18,919 41,334 143,596

Subtotal 292,269 272,118 166,034 256,573 986,994

Other 272,760 262,948 182,481 213,013 931,202

Total 565,029 535,066 348,515 469,586 1,918,196

Commodity 1st qtr 2021 2nd qtr 2021 3rd qtr 2021 4th qtr 2021 Total 2021

Tomatoes (all varieties) 119,801 119,801

Peppers (all varieties) 85,890 85,890

Cucumbers 74,254 74,254

Avocados 54,355 54,355

Squash 38,041 38,041

Subtotal 372,341 372,341

Other 338,366 338,366

Total 710,707 710,707

Source: Data is obtained from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through USDA, AMS, 

Market News

Commodity 1st qtr 2020 2nd qtr 2020 3rd qtr 2020 4th qtr 2020 Total 2020

Tomatoes (all varieties) 105,181 82,796 66,804 83,797 334,784

Peppers (all varieties) 72,764 47,080 39,078 60,235 217,633

Cucumbers 58,796 48,461 45,480 63,907 217,195

Avocados 51,075 71,858 12,878 47,328 154,587

Squash 33,236 3,6687 20,722 38,603 150,683

Subtotal 32,1052 28,6882 184,962 293,870 1,074,882

Other 287,121 304,600 191,721 241,370 1,028,093

Total 608,173 591,482 376,683 535,240 2,102,975
13

Mexico Transport Cost Indicator Report

Preferred Citation:

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service. Mexico Transport Cost Indicator Report.

August 2021. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS054.08-2021>

Photo Credit: USDA

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

For assistance with accessibility issues related to this document, please email sharonc.williams@usda.gov.

Subscription Information: 

Please sign up by entering your email address at the following link and selecting your preference to receive 

Transportation Research and Analysis:

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAAMS/subscriber/new?topic_id=USDAAMS_177.

Related Websites:

• U.S. Grain and Soybean Exports to Mexico — A Modal Share Transportation Analysis (PDF)

• Grain Transportation Report

• Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Data Sets (all XLS files):

• Figure 1: First-quarter 2021 water-route shipment costs ($/mt) to Veracruz, Mexico 

• Figure 2: First-quarter 2021 land-route shipment costs ($/mt) to Guadalajara, Mexico

• Table 1: Quarterly costs of transporting U.S. grain and soybeans to Mexico

• Table 2: Quarterly tariff rail rates for U.S. bulk grain shipments to Mexico (US$/car), 2021

• Table 3: Quarterly tariff rail rates plus fuel surcharge for U.S. bulk grain shipments to Mexico, 2021

• Table 4: Quarterly exports of U.S. Distillers’ Dried Grains with Soluble (DDGS) to Mexico

• Table 5: Quarterly ocean freight rate for bulk shipments from the U.S. Gulf to Veracruz, Mexico

• Table 6: Fruit and vegetable truck rates for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles crossing the U.S.-

Mexico border

• Table 7: Quarterly U.S.-Mexico border crossing fresh fruit and vegetables truck availability

• Table 8: Top ten commodities shipped by truck to the U.S. from Mexico, 2021 (1,000 metric tons)

• Table 9: Top five commodities shipped by truck to the U.S. from Mexico (10,000 lbs)