What the federal data show
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics said trucks moved $109.7 billion in freight between the United States and Canada and Mexico during September 2026. That current-dollar value was 27.6% higher than in September 2025.
The November 13 release covers imports and exports in both directions. It is a monthly statistical release, not a new trade rule, border-hours notice, visa action or enforcement order.
Mexico and Canada corridor split
BTS reported $75.4 billion in truck freight between the United States and Mexico and $34.3 billion between the United States and Canada. Across all transportation modes, U.S.-Mexico freight reached $96.3 billion, up 34.2% year over year, while U.S.-Canada freight reached $64.8 billion, up 10.1%.
The agency listed Laredo, El Paso and Otay Mesa as the leading U.S. truck ports for Mexico trade. Detroit, Port Huron and Buffalo led truck freight with Canada. Those rankings describe the September data and do not establish current queues, closures or appointment availability.
What it means for drivers and carriers
Higher cargo value can increase attention to secure parking, seal control, insurance requirements and handoff documentation, especially on lanes carrying electronics, machinery and other high-value goods. Drivers should follow the shipper's documented security procedures and report a broken seal, routing change or unsafe stop through carrier policy.
Land Line's review of the release cautioned that rising dollar value should not be read as a broad increase in loads. Its analysis found inbound truck tonnage was roughly flat even as the value of Mexico imports rose sharply, so fleets should not use the headline value alone as proof of stronger freight demand or better rates.
Limits and uncertainty
BTS says the figures are in current dollars and are not adjusted for inflation. The agency can revise the release when source data are corrected, and its program tables remain the most complete current record.
Freight value is not a load count, tonnage measure, spot-rate index, driver-pay measure or forecast. This report does not claim that every border market grew, that current truck crossings are faster, or that any specific driver or carrier will receive more freight.
Primary sources and supporting records
- Bureau of Transportation Statistics: North American Transborder Freight valued at $161.1 billion in September 2026, up 23.4% from September 2025Primary federal statistical release establishing the monthly truck-freight value, year-over-year change, border split, leading ports and reporting limitations • Published 2026-11-13 • Checked November 14, 2026 at 7:09 AM
- Land Line Media: Cross-border truck freight values soar. Where are the loads?Reputable trucking-industry discovery and independent analysis distinguishing freight value from tonnage, load counts and carrier demand • Published 2026-11-13 • Checked November 14, 2026 at 7:09 AM
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