Cross-Border North American Freight by Mode, 2021

Cross Border North American Freight by Mode 2021

Source: Bureau of Transport Statistics, North American Trade and Travel Trends.

Note: NAFTA was replaced by USMCA in 2020.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (superseded by USMCA) involves three partners with a significant continental orientation of their transport systems, implying that land-based modes play a greater role than maritime transport, which is the opposite of the maritime orientation of long-distance international trade. In terms of value, more than 60% of all USMCA trade is supported by trucking, reflecting the close integration of transborder production systems, particularly between Canada and the United States. Rail is also playing a significant role as the North American rail system is well integrated.