Port of entry: Laredo, Texas
Customs broker for the Port of Laredo
Laredo is CBP port 2304 in the Laredo Field Office, on the land border with Mexico. Allied CHB files U.S. entries for trucks and rail cars from Mexico at Laredo in ACE under filer code 9AJ.
Port facts
What does CBP port 2304 cover?
- CBP port code
- 2304
- Laredo, Texas
- Modes
- Land and air
- Commercial trucks, rail, passenger vehicles and Laredo International Airport
- Commercial truck crossings
- World Trade Bridge and Colombia Solidarity Bridge
- Both have FAST lanes (CBP FAST lane list).
- Rail crossing
- Railroad
- CBP lists it as open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
- CBP field office
- Laredo
- Also Brownsville 2301, Del Rio 2302, Eagle Pass 2303, Hidalgo 2305 and other ports in South Texas
- Entry deadline
- 15 calendar days after arrival
- 19 CFR 142.2. Goods without an entry become general order merchandise (19 CFR 127.1).
- FDA
- Division of Southwest Imports
- Offices at the World Trade Bridge and the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge II
- USDA APHIS PPQ
- No plant inspection station
- The Texas stations are in Houston and Los Indios.
- USFWS designated port
- No
- Border port for wildlife of Mexican or U.S. origin only (50 CFR 14.16(b))
Where do trucks and trains cross at Laredo?
| Crossing | Traffic | CBP hours |
|---|---|---|
| World Trade Bridge | Commercial trucks, with FAST lanes | Weekdays 7:00 am to midnight; weekends 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Colombia Solidarity Bridge | Commercial trucks, with FAST lanes; passenger vehicles | Commercial: weekdays 8:00 am to midnight; weekends 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Railroad | Rail cars | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Lincoln-Juarez Bridge | Non-commercial vehicles | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Gateway to the Americas | Pedestrians and SENTRI | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Laredo International Airport | Aircraft | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
FAST lanes are for carriers, drivers and importers that are all approved in the FAST and CTPAT programs. Other trucks use the regular lanes.
Which agencies check cargo at Laredo?
| Agency | Office for Laredo | What it means for your cargo |
|---|---|---|
| CBP | Port 2304, Laredo Field Office | Truck and rail cargo release, exams, agriculture checks and penalties. The port page lists a Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures office for Laredo. |
| FDA | Division of Southwest Imports, World Trade Bridge and Lincoln-Juarez Bridge II offices | Food, drugs, medical devices and cosmetics. FDA can examine or sample goods at the bridge. |
| USDA APHIS PPQ | No plant inspection station at Laredo | Fresh fruits and vegetables must be approved for entry from Mexico (7 CFR 319.56). CBP agriculture specialists inspect them at the bridge. |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | Border port under 50 CFR 14.16(b) | Wildlife whose country of origin is Mexico or the United States can enter here, unless it needs a Service permit. Other wildlife must use a designated port. |
What crosses at Laredo, and which rules matter most?
USMCA claims
An originating good can enter with the USMCA rate. The entry shows "S" or "S+" before the HTS number (19 CFR 182.11). The importer must have a certification of origin at the time of the claim (19 CFR 182.12) and keep the records for five years (19 CFR 182.15).
Auto parts and trucks
USMCA does not remove every Section 232 duty. For USMCA medium and heavy trucks that Commerce approves, CBP applies the 25 percent duty to the non-U.S. content only. Read the CBP guidance on trucks.
Fresh produce
FDA needs prior notice no less than 2 hours before a truck arrives, and 4 hours before a train (21 CFR 1.279). Fresh tomatoes from Mexico have been under an antidumping duty order since July 14, 2025, so their entries need AD cash deposits. See produce imports.
In-transit cargo
Some trucks carry goods that only pass through the United States, for example from Mexico to Canada. The cargo moves in-bond and needs advance manifest data too (19 CFR 123.92(a)(1)). See in-transit shipments.
What goes wrong at Laredo, and what should I do?
The e-Manifest is late or does not match
CBP must receive the truck manifest 30 minutes or 1 hour before the truck reaches the port, based on the system used (19 CFR 123.92). The carrier's manifest and the entry must refer to the same shipment. Give the carrier the entry number before the truck leaves.
Cargo crossed by truck but was filed as air
CBP ended the "Flying Trucks" process. Cargo that crosses by truck needs a truck manifest. The transition ends on November 24, 2026. Read the CBP notice on flying trucks.
The Mexican export papers are not ready
Mexico requires a pedimento (customs declaration) for all commercial crossings. A Mexican customs broker (agente aduanal) files it on the Mexican side. Share the invoice with both brokers so the values and descriptions match.
No certification of origin at entry
Without the certification, file the entry at the normal rate. You can claim USMCA later with a post-importation claim within one year of import (19 CFR 182.31).
CBP or FDA holds the truck
CBP can send the truck to the dock for an exam or an agriculture check. FDA can ask for documents or take a sample. Keep the driver's papers, the invoice and the product details ready. See FDA holds and detentions.
How does Allied CHB file an entry at Laredo?
Allied CHB files U.S. entries remotely in ACE under filer code 9AJ at every U.S. port of entry. For Laredo, we file the entry before the truck crosses and give the entry number to the carrier. Your Mexican customs broker handles the Mexican export.
Send the documents before the truck is loaded. For the first entry, sign the power of attorney online.
Commercial invoice and packing list
Carrier name, SCAC and the planned crossing date
USMCA certification of origin
From the importer, exporter or producer, if you claim USMCA.
For food
Manufacturer, FDA registration number and the grower for fresh produce.
Importer of record number and a customs bond
A formal entry needs a bond. See customs bonds.
A signed power of attorney
One time, before the first entry.
Quote on request
How do I get a quote?
Request: Customs entry at Laredo
Quote on request
Questions
Questions about customs at Laredo
What is the CBP port code for Laredo?
2304. CBP lists Laredo, Texas as port 2304 in the Laredo Field Office. The World Trade Bridge, the Colombia Solidarity Bridge, the railroad bridge and the airport all use this code.
Do I need a customs broker in Laredo?
No. A licensed broker with a national permit can do customs business at every U.S. port (19 CFR 111.19). Allied CHB is in Rahway, New Jersey and files Laredo entries in ACE. The truck crossing and any exam stay at the bridge.
Do I need a Mexican customs broker too?
Yes, for the Mexican side. Mexico requires a pedimento for all commercial crossings, and a Mexican customs broker usually files it. The U.S. entry is a separate filing with CBP.
How early must the truck manifest reach CBP?
No later than 30 minutes or 1 hour before the truck reaches the first U.S. port, based on the CBP-approved system used (19 CFR 123.92). The carrier files it. The importer or broker can send part of the data.
How do I claim USMCA at Laredo?
Put "S" or "S+" before the HTS number on the entry (19 CFR 182.11). Have a certification of origin from the importer, exporter or producer when you file. If you missed the claim, you have one year from import to file a post-importation claim (19 CFR 182.31).
Can my truck use the FAST lanes?
Only if the carrier, the driver and the importer are all approved. CBP requires every link in the supply chain to be certified under CTPAT, and the driver to hold a FAST card. See cross-border truck clearance.
Truck crossing at Laredo?
Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com
Last reviewed September 28, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.
Sources
- CBP: Laredo, Texas - 2304
- CBP: Laredo Field Office
- CBP: FAST lanes
- CBP: FAST for commercial vehicles
- FDA: Texas import offices and ports of entry
- USDA APHIS: Plant inspection stations (Program Aid 1942)
- Commerce: Fresh tomatoes from Mexico, antidumping duty order (90 FR 33363)
- trade.gov: Mexico import requirements and documentation
- 19 CFR 123.92 (truck e-Manifest)
- 19 CFR part 182 (USMCA)
- 21 CFR 1.279 (prior notice timing)
- 50 CFR 14.16 (border ports)