BTS: North American Freight Up 19.4% in April


   
Miguel E. Andujar
DTN Refined Fuels Market Reporter

   DAVENPORT, FL (DTN) -- Cross-border freight activity between the United 
States, Canada and Mexico increased sharply in April, supported by higher 
volumes across transportation modes and stronger trade with Mexico, according 
to data published Thursday (6/25) by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

   Total North American transborder freight, which measures the value of goods 
moving across U.S. borders by truck, rail, pipeline, vessel and air, reached 
$150.8 billion in April, up 19.4% from April 2025.

   Freight flows with Mexico totaled $86 billion, rising 23.4% year over year, 
while trade with Canada increased 14.4% to $64.8 billion.

   Truck transportation remained the largest freight mode, carrying $98.4 
billion in cross-border shipments during April, an increase of 18.8% from a 
year earlier.

   Other transportation modes also posted increases. Rail freight climbed 15.6% 
to $16.7 billion, vessel shipments rose 33.2% to $9.7 billion and pipeline 
movements increased 22.3% to $10.9 billion. Air freight recorded the largest 
percentage increase, surging 66.2% to $8 billion.

   For energy markets, pipeline and waterborne movements remained key 
components of cross-border trade. BTS identified Chicago, Port Huron and 
Minneapolis as the leading pipeline connection regions for U.S.-Canada energy 
freight flows, while El Paso, Hidalgo and Laredo led energy pipeline 
connections with Mexico.

   Among waterborne energy routes, Port of Houston, Port Arthur and Texas City 
ranked among the top southern border connections, underscoring the Gulf Coast's 
continued role in North American energy trade.

   Laredo, Texas, remained the largest overall freight gateway with $33.4 
billion in total transborder trade during April.

   By commodity category, computer-related machinery and parts ranked first at 
$33.4 billion, followed by vehicles at $20.7 billion and mineral fuels, oils 
and waxes at $19.2 billion.

   The BTS TransBorder Freight program tracks monthly and annual cross-border 
freight flows between the United States, Canada and Mexico by transportation 
mode, commodity and geography.




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