In 2011, 10.4 million trucks entered the United States from Canada and Mexico, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics.


BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, released the data as part of the eighth annual update of the North American Transportation Statistics online database.

The NATS online database includes data on U.S. trade and transportation with Canada and Mexico. In 2011, goods valued at more than $1.06 trillion crossed the U.S. border in trade with Canada and Mexico, 15% higher than in 2010, and 44% higher than 2009.

The economic recovery from the recent global economic downturn has shown different effects on freight shipments between the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The total trade between the United States and Mexico dropped 17% in 2009 from 2008, but recovered quickly, and in 2011 reached its highest level ($461 billion) since 2006. After experiencing a 40% decrease in 2009, the total trade between the United States and Canada also recovered and had an 12% increase in 2011 from 2010.

Data in the NATS online database show the importance of the various modes of transportation involved in the movement of goods between Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Road carried 62% of the total freight valued at $625 billion in 2011. Rail carried 15% of total freight by value, followed by maritime with 11%, pipeline with 8%, and air with 4%.

Among all modes, road had the largest increase in shipment value, $69 billion, from 2010 to 2011. The value of freight shipment for air, water, road, and rail modes reached their highest level since 2006.

Data in the NATS online database also show America's top gateways for trade with Canada and Mexico. In 2011, Laredo, Texas was the top road gateway, with $117.3 billion in international road shipments passing through.