Case study UK to Mexico City

Quick Summary

A UK-based customer booked an economy air freight service to send a pallet of electronic components to a manufacturing facility in Mexico City. Before collection, two issues were identified: the customer used incorrect commodity (HS) codes on the commercial invoice and declared the pallet as stackable despite it not meeting stackable packing requirements. Both were corrected in time, avoiding airline surcharges, customs delays, and additional costs.

The Situation

A UK manufacturer urgently needed to send a pallet of electronic modules to a business address in Mexico City. Due to time constraints and the relatively light weight of the shipment, the customer selected economy air freight using our online booking system, choosing the next available flight. The shipment consisted of one pallet measuring 120 × 100 cm and weighing approximately 280 kg. The customer completed the commercial invoice themselves, but entered generic HS codes, which did not accurately reflect the goods being shipped. They also declared the pallet as stackable, even though the images they later provided showed that it lacked a flat, rigid surface, had some uneven carton heights and minor overhang — meaning it did not meet stackable standards. These errors could have resulted in customs delays in Mexico, additional duties, or the airline placing the cargo on hold and applying non-stackable surcharges.

The Challenge

• Wrong commodity codes would trigger customs queries or duty mismatches.


• Declaring the pallet as stackable without proper crating or a flat load surface could lead to airline penalties or refusal to load.


• The pallet needed to depart on the originally booked flight for the customer to meet their delivery deadline.

What the Customer Did Right

• Chose the correct freight method (air freight) for time-sensitive cargo.


• Booked online and supplied full collection and delivery details.


• Sent pallet photos when requested, allowing issues to be flagged before collection.

How Pallet2Ship Resolved It

Our team reviewed the commercial invoice and immediately spotted the commodity code issue. We advised the customer to update the HS code to match the electronic components being shipped — this ensured smoother export and import clearance.

After receiving pallet images, we identified that the load could not be classed as stackable. For a pallet to be considered stackable, it must be crated or have a firm, level top surface capable of supporting another pallet — this one did not.

We contacted the customer straight away and advised them to repack the pallet using a rigid top board and secure wrapping, and to update the booking to non-stackable to avoid surcharges.

Once repacked and approved, the pallet was collected as planned and uplifted on the next available flight.

Results

• No airline surcharge for incorrect stackability.


• No customs delay caused by incorrect HS codes.


• Shipment departed on schedule and reached Mexico City handling terminal as planned.


• Customer avoided additional handling fees and potential 2–3 day delays.

What to Do vs What Not to Do

Do This

• Use correct HS codes and confirm with your supplier or tariff database


• Only declare a pallet as stackable if it is crated or has a flat, rigid top


• Send pallet photos in advance for approval


• Choose air freight only for goods within airline size and weight limits

Avoid This

• Don’t use generic or guessed commodity codes


• Don’t declare stackable if boxes are uneven or unsecured


• Don’t wait until collection to fix packing issues


• Don’t send oversized or very heavy pallets via air freight