Figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) October 23 show that North American transborder freight declined 0.9%, by value, in August 2024 from August 2023. But that figure masked two notable trends – that trade between the U.S. and Mexico is on the rise, while that between the U.S. and Canada is declining; and that truck freight continues to increasingly dwarf rail freight and other modes of transportation between the three countries.

The total value of U.S. transborder freight moved by all modes of transportation in August was $136.7 billion, down 0.9% compared to August 2023. Freight between the U.S. and Canada was $ 63.0 billion, down 6.4% while freight between the U.S. and Mexico was $73.8 billion, up 4.2% year-on-year.

The BoTS said Mexico had continued to lead Canada in freight dollar value over the last 18 months.

Overall, trucks moved $90.7 billion of freight, up 3.3% compared to August 2023, in contrast to $16.9 billion of freight moved by rail, which was down 4.3%. Oceangoing vessels moved $9.8 billion of freight, down 17.2% compared to August 2023. Pipelines moved $8.9 billion of freight, down 9.0% compared to August 2023, while air moved $4.7 billion of freight, down 8.8%, year on year.

Detroit, Port Huron, and Buffalo are the top truck ports for U.S. freight flows with Canada, while Laredo, El Paso, and Otay Mesa are the top truck ports with Mexico. Detroit, Port Huron, and International Falls are the top rail connection ports for U.S. freight flows with Canada, while Laredo, Eagle Pass, and El Paso are the top rail connection ports with Mexico. Chicago, Port Huron, and Minneapolis are the top pipeline connection regions for U.S. energy freight flows with Canada. El Paso, Hidalgo, and Laredo are the top pipeline connection regions with Mexico. Port of Boston, Arthur, and Portland are the top water port connections for U.S. energy flows with Canada. Port of Houston, Arthur, and Texas City are the top water port connections for U.S. energy flows on the Southern border.