BTS: Value of freight moved between North American nations was at high ebb in February

The total value of all freight transported in February between the United States and Canada and Mexico reached $128.9 billion, up 7.5% compared to February 2023’s mark, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

Railroads moved $17.1 billion worth of the transborder freight, up 2.8%, while trucks transported the lion’s share in value — $83.4 billion — up 9.9%. While pipelines handled $8.1 billion worth of freight, down 15.2%, the value of goods moved by vessels and air climbed 15.7% to $10 billion and 16.1% to $4.6 billion, respectively.

By mode, the value of freight transported in February between the United States and Mexico (in both directions) totaled $35.5 billion for trucks; $8.8 billion for rail; $7.7 billion for pipelines; $3.2 billion for vessels; and $2.9 billion for air carriers. The value of freight transported that month between the United States and Canada (in both directions) for each mode totaled $47.9 billion for trucks; $8.3 billion for rail; $6.8 billion for vessels; $1.7 billion for air carriers; and $400,000 for pipelines.

Detroit and Port Huron, Michigan, and International Falls, Minnesota, were the top rail connection ports for U.S. freight flows with Canada, while Laredo, Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas, were the top rail connection ports with Mexico, BTS data shows.

The top three commodities moved by rail between the United States and Canada were vehicles and parts, mineral fuels and plastics, while the three commodities moved by rail between the United States and Mexico were vehicles and parts, computers and parts, and beverages and spirits.