Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Cross-Border Freight Value Down More Than 8%

The value of freight moved between the U.S. and its neighbors Canada and Mexico fell in August, totaling $92.4 billion, thanks largely to the drop in fuel and oil prices moved by pipeline and vessel.

Evan Lockridge
Evan LockridgeFormer Business Contributing Editor
October 29, 2015
Cross-Border Freight Value Down More Than 8%

Percent change in value of U.S.-NAFTA freight flows by mode: August 2014 - 2015. Graphic: U.S. DOT

2 min to read


Percent change in value of U.S.-NAFTA freight flows by mode: August 2014 - 2015. Graphic: U.S. DOT

The value of freight moved between the U.S. and its neighbors Canada and Mexico fell in August, totaling $92.4 billion, as all modes of transportation carried less value of freight than a year earlier.

Ad Loading...

A new U.S. Transportation Department report says the 8.1% decline from the same time in 2014 came as there were large decreases in the value of commodities moved by pipeline and vessel due to the reduced prices for mineral fuel.

Ad Loading...

In August compared to a year earlier, the value of commodities moving by truck decreased by 1.8%, while rail dropped by 8.4%.

A decline in the value of freight shipments does not necessarily mean there was a lower volume of freight transported, notes the department.

Trucks carried 63.6% of U.S.-North American Free Trade Agreement freight and was the most heavily utilized mode for moving goods to and from both U.S.-NAFTA partners. Trucks accounted for $29.7 billion of the $49.8 billion of imports, or 59.6% and $29.1 billion of the $42.7 billion of exports, or 68.3%.

Rail remained the second largest mode by value, moving 15.5% of all U.S.-NAFTA freight.

U.S.-Canada Freight Falls Even More

Ad Loading...

The value of U.S.-Canada freight totaled $48 billion in August 2015, down 13.6% from August 2014, as all modes of transportation carried less value of U.S.-Canada freight than a year earlier, due to lower mineral fuel prices. Mineral fuels are a large share of freight carried by pipeline and vessel, which were down 35.1% and 40.2%, respectively, year-over-year.

In August, the top commodity category for all modes transported between the U.S. and Canada was vehicles and parts, of which $5.5 billion, or 61.1%, moved by truck.

Trucks carried 58.1% of the $48 billion of freight to and from Canada, followed by rail at 15.8%.

U.S.-Mexico Sees More Truck Freight

The value of U.S.-Mexico freight totaled $44.5 billion in August 2015, down 1.4% from a year ago, but two out of five transportation modes, rail and truck, carried more U.S.-Mexico freight by value.

Ad Loading...

The top commodity category for all modes transported between the U.S. and Mexico in August was electrical machinery, of which $8.2 billion, or 92.3%, moved by truck.

Year-over-year, the value of U.S.-Mexico rail freight rose 3.2%, the largest percentage increase of any mode. Freight carried by truck increased by 1.5%.

Trucks carried 69.6% of the $44.5 billion of freight to and from Mexico, followed by rail at 15.1%.

More Fleet Management

Illustration showing generic graphs and stylized trucking fleet
Fleet Managementby StaffMarch 24, 2026

ACT: Trucking Volumes Rise, Capacity Tightens as Fuel Prices Cloud Outlook

ACT Research data shows volumes hitting a four-year high and supply-demand balance strengthening, but higher oil prices are undercutting tariff relief and tempering optimism.

Read More →
People looking at Wabash display at TMC
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 23, 2026

Wabash Teams Physical Security With Digital Tech For Better Cargo Visibility

The patent-pending cargo solution integrates a digitally connected cargo door and an intelligent locking system with the TrailerHawk.AI technology platform.

Read More →
Cyberstop column header depicting images related to cybersecurity and rising oil prices
Fleet Managementby Ben WilkensMarch 20, 2026

From Diesel Prices to Cyberattacks: How the Iran War Is Affecting Trucking

The impact of the Iran conflict extends beyond fuel costs, bringing more fraud and cybersecurity risks to the trucking industry.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
ATA President Chris Spear.
Fleet Managementby Jack RobertsMarch 17, 2026

ATA’s Spear Warns Fuel Prices, Trade Policy, and Global Conflict Could Stall Trucking Recovery

Speaking at the TMC Annual Meeting in Nashville, ATA President Chris Spear said trucking faces mounting pressure from rising fuel prices, geopolitical instability, and uncertainty around trade policy.

Read More →
Illustration of author headshot with black-and-white old-fashioned rig in the background

New Entrants, Chameleon Carriers, and Safety: Is It Too Easy to Start a Trucking Company?

More than 100,000 new trucking companies enter the industry each year, but regulators manage to audit only a fraction of them. That churn creates opportunities for inexperienced startups — and for “chameleon carriers” that shut down after safety violations and reappear under new identities. Read more from Deborah Lockridge in this commentary.

Read More →
Panel discussion
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeMarch 12, 2026

Fleet Managers Invited to Apply for Exclusive HDT Exchange Event

HDTX is an intimate event that connects heavy-duty trucking fleet managers with industry suppliers through small-group discussions, educational sessions, and structured one-on-one meetings.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
DAT iPhone Widget.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 12, 2026

DAT Launches iPhone Widget to Help Owner-Operators Find Loads Faster

New DAT One feature shows top-paying loads directly on an iPhone’s home screen, helping carriers react faster to spot-market opportunities.

Read More →
Optimal Dynamics Scale screen shot
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 12, 2026

Optimal Dynamics Launches AI System to Help Carriers Choose Better Freight

Optimal Dynamics says its new Scale platform uses AI agents and optimization to help carriers find and secure freight that improves network balance and profitability.

Read More →
DAT March 2026 trucking conditions.
Fleet Managementby Jack RobertsMarch 12, 2026

DAT: Flatbed Demand Climbs as Van and Reefer Rates Soften

DAT Freight & Analytics data shows tightening flatbed capacity, easing produce markets, and softening van and reefer rates.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
YouTube thumbnail with Mike Roeth of NACFE saying "NACFE's Messy Middle: Which Fuel Wins?"
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMarch 11, 2026

Run on Less “Messy Middle” Data Shows Multiple Paths Forward for Truck Powertrains [Watch]

NACFE's Run on Less - Messy Middle project demonstrates the power of data in helping to guide the future of alternative fuels and powertrains for heavy-duty trucks.

Read More →