U.S-Canada Cross-Border Freight on the Rise

• June 26, 2020
• Madeline S.

Great news for U.S. and Canadian trucking companies: Cross-border freight between the two countries is on the rise. The number of trucks crossing the U.S.-Canada border dipped during COVID-19, but now those numbers are surging.

Cross-border freight has been picking up, especially for trucks arriving from the U.S. The number of trucks crossing the Canadian border from the U.S. rose by 14% last week compared to the previous week, according to Canada Border Services Agency. The jump in traffic is due to Canada and the U.S. reopening their economies. The resumption of auto manufacturing in both countries is also likely helping.

This is the highest level of trucks crossing the border since late March. These numbers are still down 22% compared to a year ago, but this is still a positive sign that things are recovering after the COVID-19 slowdown. However, a return to pre-pandemic levels is not expected to happen in the short-term.

In addition to increased cross-border traffic, freight volumes in both countries have been increasing as well. Freight volumes in Canada are approaching levels not seen since mid-March.

This news comes just as Canada and the U.S. reportedly plan to extend the closure of the border to non-essential traffic. There have been talks of allowing immediate family members of citizens to pass through, but the majority of travel would still be restricted. The border has been closed since March in response to COVID-19, however commercial vehicles have been allowed to travel freely.

The trucking industry still has a long recovery ahead, however things are beginning to look up. The U.S. and Canada have been gradually reopening their economies, which will have a positive impact on the industry.

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