U.S.-Mexico Cross-Border Trucking Reaches New High

Cross-border truck transits between Mexico and the United States have reached historic highs, coinciding with heightened attention on tariffs and trade policy amid the U.S. election.

According to the latest data from Motive, which tracks trucking visits to North American distribution facilities for leading retailers, cross-border trade between Mexico and the U.S. has surged approximately 52% year-to-date through September.

In September alone, cross-border truck visits increased by 30% year-over-year, achieving another record high.

Notably, Laredo, Texas, reported its highest truck crossing numbers ever in August.

• Cross-border trade has surged 52% year-to-date through September.
• September saw a 30% year-over-year increase in truck visits.
• Laredo, Texas, experienced its highest truck crossing numbers in August.

Hamish Woodrow, head of strategic analytics for Motive, stated, “The demand for Mexican imports is expected to continue growing, with cross-border trucking traffic peaking in October 2024.”

He attributes this growth to the nearshoring of manufacturing operations and trade policies like the USMCA. Woodrow anticipates further rises in cross-border trade in early 2025, driven by nearshoring and increased activity at the Laredo border crossing.

Retailers are transitioning away from the traditional low-inventory, just-in-time model to prioritize supply chain stability over cost savings. This trend is underscored by a 19.7% year-over-year increase in Chinese imports by mid-summer, suggesting that businesses are willing to invest more to meet consumer demand and prevent stockouts.

By strategically balancing imports from both China and Mexico, retailers can minimize risks and create more resilient supply chains. In addition to manufactured goods, food remains a significant commodity transported across the border into the U.S.