Transborder freight by rail slipped in April from March's level

The volume of freight moved by rail between the United States, Canada and Mexico in April was worth $15.7 billion, down 5.7% from March's level but up 164.4% compared with April 2020, when North America was mired in pandemic-related shutdowns, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

The value of freight moved by rail in April 2021 rose 0.7% from the $15.6 billion moved in April 2019.

By border, rail freight moved between the United States and Canada in April was worth $8.4 billion, up 132.4% year over year. Rail freight moved between the United States and Mexico was worth $7.3 billion, up 213.9% year over year.

The top three commodities moved by rail in April were: motor vehicles and parts at $6 billion; mineral fuels at $1.4 billion; and wood and articles at $1.3 billion.

Total transferred freight moved by all modes in April was worth $107.4 billion, up 84.7% from April 2020's level. April 2021 transborder freight was up 2.7% compared with April 2019's level.

Truck is most-used mode for moving freight between the three countries; rail is second.