Mexico
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Saltillo
Saltillo is a major automotive and truck manufacturing location close to Monterrey.
Services in Saltillo
- Air freight in SaltilloAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in SaltilloFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in SaltilloImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Saltillo
- AirportMonterrey
MTY - AirportSaltillo
SLW - SeaportAltamira and road to the US border
Plan de Guadalupe International Airport (SLW) in Ramos Arizpe, next to Saltillo's automotive plants, has limited scheduled cargo service, so most international air freight for Saltillo is handled through Monterrey International Airport (MTY), a short drive east. Large volumes move by road to and from the United States through Nuevo Laredo and Laredo, Texas, or through Piedras Negras. For ocean freight, the Gulf port of Altamira is the nearest container port, while Manzanillo serves trade with Asia.
The Saltillo–Monterrey highway links the two industrial centres, and Highway 57 runs north to Piedras Negras and south to San Luis Potosí and Mexico City. Toll roads connect Saltillo with Nuevo Laredo via Monterrey and west towards Torreón. Rail lines serve the Ramos Arizpe and Derramadero industrial areas. We arrange pick-up and delivery across Saltillo, Ramos Arizpe, Arteaga and Derramadero.
Industries in Saltillo and how we support them
Saltillo and Ramos Arizpe form one of Mexico's main automotive and truck manufacturing areas, with General Motors in Ramos Arizpe, Stellantis plants producing pickups and engines, and Daimler Truck producing heavy trucks. Around them are suppliers of castings, plastics, electronics and steel components, while Coahuila also has a strong steel industry. Ziem Logistics supports these supply chains with air freight on our own air waybills via MTY, Next Flight Out for line-down parts, On-Board Courier for critical components and sea freight via Altamira or Manzanillo. Customs clearance is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
Operational logistics facts for Saltillo
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monterrey International Airport (MTY) | Main air gateway for Saltillo | Wider airline choice within short trucking distance |
| Ramos Arizpe and Derramadero industrial areas | Cars, pickups, heavy trucks, engines, suppliers | Inbound tooling and parts handled in one shipment file |
| Nuevo Laredo and Piedras Negras crossings | Cross-border road freight to and from the US | Short road distance from Saltillo plants to Texas |
Customs clearance in Mexico
Ziem network
Customs clearance in Mexico is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
For air freight to and from Mexico we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in Mexico need an RFC tax ID and registration in the Padrón de Importadores.
Frequently asked questions
Do you fly cargo to Saltillo via SLW or MTY?
Most international air freight arrives at Monterrey (MTY), where airline capacity is larger, and is trucked to Saltillo. SLW is used only when a suitable routing exists. We confirm the airport and cut-off with every booking.
Can you get an urgent engine or truck part to a Ramos Arizpe plant?
Yes. We book Next Flight Out to MTY with customs data lodged in advance, or send an On-Board Courier who hand-carries the part to the plant. Road delivery from MTY is arranged with trusted partners.
Do you handle heavy or oversized air cargo for Saltillo?
Yes, within the limits of the available aircraft. Heavy tooling or machinery may need freighter capacity, so we check dimensions and weight with the airline before booking and plan road transport from the airport accordingly.
Who clears imports for automotive plants in Saltillo?
Clearance with the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures. We prepare the shipment data, the pedimento is filed on that basis, and you deal only with Ziem Logistics.
Can Saltillo suppliers import steel or parts under IMMEX?
Yes, if the company holds an IMMEX authorisation, inputs for export production can be imported temporarily. Steel products can be subject to additional measures, so we check the tariff classification and any requirements before the goods ship.
Where is cross-border road freight for Saltillo cleared?
Road freight from the United States is normally cleared at the border crossing, such as Nuevo Laredo or Piedras Negras, before continuing to Saltillo. We prepare the documents in advance, because clearance depends on complete and consistent data.