Trucks carry about 56% of U.S. trade value with Canada and about 74% with Mexico (BTS, 2025). A truck with commercial cargo entering the U.S. must have its cargo information reach CBP electronically 30 minutes or 1 hour before it reaches the first U.S. port, depending on the system used (19 CFR 123.92).
How much freight crosses the border by truck
BTS's TransBorder Freight Data report for 2025, released May 15, 2026, puts total freight flows between the U.S. and its two neighbors at $1.6 trillion, down 1.0% from 2024. About $4.0 billion in freight crosses those land borders every day.
| Measure | Canada | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Freight value | $712.8 billion | $872.8 billion |
| Change from 2024 | Down 6.4% | Up 3.9% |
| Share carried by truck | 55.7% | 73.6% |
| Other major modes | Pipeline 13.4%, rail 12.6% | Rail 10.9% |
| Mode | Value moved | Change from 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Truck | $1.0 trillion | Up 0.7% |
| Rail | $184.5 billion | Down 9.2% |
| Pipeline | $103.9 billion | Down 2.5% |
| Vessel | $101.4 billion | Down 15.6% |
| Air | $66.1 billion | Up 17.7% |
BTS says vessel and pipeline freight fell because of the lower dollar value of mineral fuels. Trucks were the one major surface mode that grew.
Two borders, two profiles
BTS describes the Canada border as defined by energy and natural resources, with pipelines and rail moving large volumes of fuel and timber. The Mexico border is defined by manufacturing, with finished goods moving by truck. That's why trucking takes a much bigger share of the Mexico trade.
The busiest truck crossings tell the same story. BTS lists Detroit, Port Huron and Buffalo as the top truck ports for freight with Canada, and Laredo, Ysleta and Otay Mesa as the top truck ports with Mexico. If your lane runs through one of them, expect more traffic and plan your pickup and delivery windows with that in mind.
Trucking leads on both borders, but Mexico leans on it much more. If you ship to Mexico, a truck is the default. For the larger market picture, see our trucking statistics.
What has to be filed before a truck arrives
19 CFR 123.92 covers cargo information for trucks arriving in the U.S. For any truck that has to report its arrival and has commercial cargo on board, CBP must receive the required cargo information through an approved electronic system no later than 30 minutes or 1 hour before the truck reaches the first port of arrival, or a shorter time where CBP's system allows it. The carrier presents the information. The U.S. importer or its customs broker may choose to present part of it, and the carrier then covers the rest.
The rule has exceptions. Domestic cargo that moves between two U.S. ports through Canada or Mexico is exempt, and so are certain informal entries, such as merchandise that qualifies for entry on certain CBP forms, free merchandise valued at $2,500 or less, and returned U.S. products. Cargo moving through the U.S. from one foreign country to another, and cargo entered in bond, still has to be reported in advance. Don't assume your load qualifies for an exception without checking.
What shippers should line up
A customs broker for the import side. Entry and duties are usually handled by a licensed customs broker, not by the truck carrier. Choose one early, since the carrier needs the right information in time.
Clear paperwork. The bill of lading, commercial invoice and packing list should match each other. Mismatches are a common reason loads sit at the border. Our guide to the bill of lading shows what the carrier will rely on.
Agreed terms. Decide who pays for what and who carries risk where. FOB shipping point vs FOB destination covers the domestic basics, and international sales use their own rules.
A carrier that handles the border. Ask whether the carrier files its cargo information on time and how it handles delays. For the truck leg, see our cross-border service.
Cross-border freight questions
How far ahead must cargo information reach CBP?
No later than 30 minutes or 1 hour before the truck reaches the first U.S. port of arrival, depending on the CBP-approved system used.
Who files the cargo information, the carrier or the importer?
The truck carrier presents it. The importer or its customs broker can choose to present part of it, and the carrier covers the rest.
Which border do trucks carry more freight across?
By value, trucks carry 73.6% of trade with Mexico and 55.7% with Canada, where pipelines and rail also carry significant shares.
Related reading: trade figures are in our trucking statistics for 2026. Paperwork starts with the bill of lading, and the terms are explained in FOB shipping point vs FOB destination. Our cross-border service handles the moves.
