Transborder Surface Movements Of Nafta CommoditiesTruck vs Rail

Abstract

The boom in NAFTA trade has created a corresponding surge in the demand for surface transportation capacity to move the goods.  So far, trucks have provided the major capacity to meet the requirements.  Intensive lobbying efforts are being made for authority to utilized longer and heavier trucks along certain U.S. highway corridors to move the imports and exports from and to Canada and Mexico.  In addition, a serious debate has erupted over allowing Mexican trucks to travel significant distances within the U.S.  The surge in surface NAFTA based commodity movement via truck has serious economic, social and infrastructure consequences.

The paper examines the surface transborder export-import flows between the U.S. and Canada and the U.S. and Mexico.  Delineating these flows by the types of commodities, origins and destinations, and modal movements is an essential ingredient in any attempt to determine if the transportation infrastructure is being and will be utilized in optimum manner.  Specifically, the paper finds that the overwhelming percentage of commodity movements is by truck regardless of distance traveled with very little moving by rail.  The paper looks at the potential for commodity adaptability and flows to rail movement.  Environmental considerations are also integrated into the trade-offs.  Cost and service of trucking versus rail are the key ingredients to the conclusions.