In 2024, cross-border freight transport was marked by a dominance of imports from Mexico, how will the tariffs impact this trend?
In 2024, cross-border freight transport was marked by a dominance of imports from Mexico, particularly in the information technology sector, with a specific focus on truck transportation, according to LandLine. The latest figures provided by the Transportation Statistics Office show that, in December 2024, the year ended with cross-border truck freight valued at nearly $78 billion, representing a 6% increase compared to the previous year.
This growth in trucked cross-border freight is largely attributed to activity within and outside the southern border. However, the new administration and tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump could impact the figures achieved in 2024.

Cross-border freight from Mexico and Canada
The increase in the movement of Mexican trucks in 2024 was mainly driven by a 54% growth in information technology-related imports, making it the most important sector. Throughout the year, Mexican truck imports linked to information technology increased in double digits almost every month, with a remarkable 83% increase in September. In contrast, in 2023, information technology imports showed a decrease nearly every month, with a 10% increase in Mexican trucks and less than 1% increase in Canadian ones.
In terms of total cross-border freight, $126.3 billion was moved, a 3.9% increase compared to December 2023. Of this total, $62.4 billion was between the U.S. and Canada, a 2.1% increase compared to December 2023, while freight between the U.S. and Mexico reached $63.8 billion, growing by 5.6%. Over the past 22 months, Mexico has surpassed Canada in terms of freight value.
As for truck transportation, $77.6 billion worth of goods were moved, a 6.0% increase from December 2023. However, rail and ship transport experienced declines, with a 6.2% and 7.6% drop, respectively, compared to the previous December. Pipelines also saw a 2.1% decrease, moving $9 billion in freight, while air cargo increased by 9.7%, reaching $5.1 billion.

Nearshoring and tariffs: what will happen to imports?
The rise in cross-border transportation in 2024 was driven by the growing nearshoring trend, where U.S. companies began shifting from China to Mexico. During this year, record figures were recorded in freight transportation, with 677,000 truck crossings from Mexico to the U.S. in October. Laredo, handling approximately 40% of imports by road, experienced a year-over-year increase of 28.5% in holiday imports. This growth is attributed to Mexico’s nearshoring manufacturing capacity, supported by strong foreign investments, which could continue to favor imports in the coming years.
Overall, the value of cross-border freight reached $126 billion in December 2024, a 4% increase compared to the previous year. Canadian freight grew by 2%, while Mexican freight increased by 6%. However, ship, rail, and pipeline transportation modes experienced declines in November 2024. Additionally, on February 1, 2024, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican products, which was temporarily suspended for 30 days during negotiations. On February 11, a 25% tariff was also imposed on all steel and aluminum imports. These measures have raised uncertainties about the future of cross-border trade, but nearshoring continues to show positive trends, with potential consequences such as increased production costs and delays in delivery times.

Why Soccer is Conquering Hearts and Businesses in the U.S.
Messi’s presence in stadiums and the hosting of the next World Cup, along with other global tournaments, have transformed it into a new entertainment giant. The gradual growth of the National Team motivates the public. Million-dollar businesses, brands, and a lot of passion.

The Asphalt Code of Honor: The Invisible Social Network That Saves Lives
On U.S. highways, truck drivers often communicate through a silent language of signals, headlights, and hand gestures. This informal system of road communication helps warn others about hazards, coordinate safe passing, and reinforce a culture of safety and solidarity among professional drivers

What if the Oscars were about trucking? Hollywood characters reimagined as truckers
This week marks the 98th Academy Awards, what if the categories were inspired by the transportation industry?

TCA Professional Drivers of the Year 2026: 5 drivers who paved the road
TCA Professional Drivers of the Year selects drivers with the greatest impact, outstanding safety records, and individuals with inspiring stories that made a difference.

Unusual Stories from the Road: When Reality Outruns Logistics
From a giant magnet moving down the highway like a spacecraft to millions of bees taking over a highway, the world of freight transportation is full of events that are as strange as they are real. Some of these stories went viral, others became legends among drivers, but all of them reveal the unexpected side of logistics.

The safest, most reliable and crash-resistant cars for protecting you on the road
Based on ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS evaluation system, this list shows some of the safest and most crash-resistant cars.
