Tijuana, Mexico
Air freight in Tijuana
Ziem Logistics books air freight to and from Tijuana via Tijuana (TIJ). We arrange pick-up and delivery in the Tijuana area and prepare the customs entries before the cargo flies. For air freight to and from Mexico we issue our own air waybills.
Airports, seaports and connections in Tijuana
- AirportTijuana
TIJ - AirportSan Diego
SANcross-border - SeaportEnsenada and road to the US
Tijuana International Airport (TIJ), officially General Abelardo L. Rodríguez, lies directly on the US border, and the Cross Border Xpress bridge connects its terminal with San Diego for passengers. For cargo, Tijuana's export industry often uses US gateways: San Diego International Airport (SAN) and the larger Los Angeles International Airport are reached by truck through the Otay Mesa commercial crossing. Sea freight for Baja California is handled at the port of Ensenada, south of Tijuana, while larger volumes are routed through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in the United States.
The Otay Mesa commercial crossing handles most truck freight between Tijuana and San Diego, with the Otay Mesa East crossing being developed nearby. Federal Highway 1D runs south along the coast to Ensenada, and Highway 2D east to Tecate and Mexicali. The Mesa de Otay industrial district sits next to the border and the airport. We arrange pick-up and delivery across Tijuana, Tecate and Rosarito, with cross-border trucking through trusted road partners.
Operational logistics facts for Tijuana
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Otay Mesa commercial crossing | Cross-border truck freight to and from San Diego | Direct road link from Tijuana plants to US gateways |
| Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) | Mexican domestic and international air connections | Airport located on the border next to the Mesa de Otay industrial district |
| Tijuana medical-device cluster | Medical devices, electronics, aerospace parts | Regulated healthcare goods documented in one shipment file |
| Port of Ensenada | Container and general cargo for Baja California | Mexican seaport option within Baja California |
Industries in Tijuana and how we support them
Tijuana is one of the world's largest locations for medical-device manufacturing, with plants producing catheters, surgical instruments and diagnostic products. Electronics assembly, aerospace components and televisions add to the export base, most of it produced for the US market under maquiladora structures. Medical devices need careful documentation and sometimes temperature-controlled handling. Ziem Logistics supports these plants with air freight on our own air waybills, Next Flight Out for line-down parts, On-Board Courier for critical components and cross-border road freight. Customs clearance in Mexico is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
Time-critical air freight in Tijuana
For time-critical shipments we compare two options: Next Flight Out via Tijuana (TIJ) on the first suitable flight, or an On-Board Courier who hand-carries the goods to the Tijuana area. In both cases the customs entries are prepared in advance.
Our own air waybills in Mexico
We issue our own air waybills for shipments to and from Mexico. We book directly with the airline, control the shipment data and can make changes without waiting for a third party.
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 into Tijuana or via San Diego and Los Angeles?
Both options exist. TIJ is useful for Mexican domestic and some international connections, while many export and import lanes run via SAN or LAX with trucking across the border at Otay Mesa. We compare routings and customs steps when we quote.
Can you ship medical devices from Tijuana on your own air waybills?
Yes. Ziem Logistics has direct airline access and issues its own air waybills. For medical devices we agree packaging, temperature requirements and documentation with the shipper before booking.
Can an On-Board Courier deliver urgently to a plant in Mesa de Otay?
Yes. An On-Board Courier hand-carries the part on a passenger flight and delivers it to the plant, with the routing chosen according to available flights and the customs steps at the border.
How do I get a quote for air freight to or from Tijuana?
Send us the origin, destination, goods description, weight and dimensions. Our operations desk replies with a routing via Tijuana (TIJ) and an itemised quote.