BTS: North American Freight Up 16.1% in May


   
Barani Krishnan
DTN Refined Fuels Market Reporter

   SECAUCUS, NJ (DTN) -- North American transborder freight rose 16.1% in value 
year-on-year in May, reaching $153.4 billion, Bureau of Transportation 
Statistics data released Thursday (7/23) showed.

   The growth came as cross-border freight activity between the United States, 
Canada and Mexico was supported by gains across all major transportation modes.

   Freight flows with Mexico increased 17.1% from May 2025 to reach $87.2 
billion, while trade with Canada rose 14.8% to $66.1 billion.

   Truck transportation remained the primary freight driver, moving $99.7 
billion in cross-border shipments during May, representing a 15% increase 
compared with a year earlier.

   All other transportation modes also posted year-over-year growth during the 
month. Pipeline movements rose 24% to $10.3 billion, vessel shipments climbed 
37.7% to $11.1 billion and rail freight moved up 11.1% to $17.7 billion. Air 
freight posted the largest percentage gain, surging 53.6% to $7.1 billion.

   For energy markets, pipeline and waterborne routes remained primary conduits 
for North American trade. Chicago, Port Huron and Minneapolis served as the top 
pipeline connection regions for U.S.-Canada energy freight flows, while El 
Paso, Hidalgo and Laredo led pipeline connections with Mexico.

   Among waterborne energy connections, Port of Boston, Port Arthur and 
Portland led U.S.-Canada flows. Port of Houston, Port Arthur and Texas City 
remained the top southern border connections for waterborne energy freight.

   Laredo, Texas, maintained its position as the largest overall freight 
gateway, handling a total of more than $35.3 billion in transborder trade in 
May.

   Merchandise-wise, computer-related machinery and parts led commodity 
categories at $33.1 billion, followed by vehicles at $21.9 billion and mineral 
fuels, oils and waxes at $20 billion.




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