United States Cross Border Road Freight Transport Market Outlook - Forecast Trends, Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report (2024-2032)

United States Cross Border Road Freight Transport Market Growth

Cross-border road freight transport involves activities and infrastructure that facilitate the movement of goods across international borders. This transportation method is preferred for moving goods due to its cost and time-effective nature.

The United States cross border road freight transport market dynamics and trends are driven by the e-commerce sector's rapid expansion and rising international trade. In early 2023, Mexico emerged as the leading trading partner of the U.S., with bilateral trade reaching 263 billion in the first four months of the year.

United States Cross Border Road Freight Transport Market Analysis

The United States cross border road freight transport industry growth is being fuelled by increasing attempts by logistics companies to streamline cross-border trade through innovative solutions. In November 2023, cargo-partner, a top global provider of logistics services, announced the launch of a road transport solution to facilitate smooth operations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Government investments in expanding bridges and roads to address growing road congestion are boosting demand in the U.S. cross-border road freight transport market. For example, in November 2023, the U.S. General Services Administration initiated a project to expand a bridge and alleviate traffic congestion for more than 450,000 commercial trucks crossing the U.S.-Mexico border each year, driving the United States cross border road freight transport market demand.

United States Cross Border Road Freight Transport Industry Outlook

As per the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, in the U.S., beginning with USD 1,792,376 million in total retail sales in the first quarter of 2023, retail sales expanded to USD 1,811,128 million in the third quarter of 2023 and continued their upward trajectory through the fourth quarter, reaching USD 1,821,361 million. E-commerce sales followed a similar growth pattern, starting with USD 266,314 million in the first quarter of 2023. This figure increased to USD 272,821 million by the second quarter and grew further to USD 279,739 million in the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw continued expansion, with e-commerce sales reaching USD 283,293 million. In the first quarter of 2024, e-commerce sales grew to USD 289,204 million, highlighting a continued consumer shift towards online shopping. The increased demand for swift delivery of online orders has amplified the need for efficient cross-border road freight services. This trend is significantly boosting the United States cross border road freight transport industry revenue, particularly for shipments originating from Mexico, which has become a pivotal hub for manufacturing and assembling goods destined for the U.S. market.

According to the USDA, the highest concentration of farmland was evident in Texas, with 126,000,000 acres, highlighting its dominant position in American agriculture. The next largest land in farms was found in Montana, with 58,000,000 acres. Kansas followed closely with 45,700,000 acres, indicating a strong agricultural presence in the Midwest. Nebraska followed with 44,900,000 acres, and South Dakota with 43,200,000 acres. North Dakota contributed 39,300,000 acres whereas Oklahoma added 34,400,000 acres. States like Missouri (27,500,000 acres), Iowa (30,600,000 acres), and Colorado (31,800,000 acres) showed substantial land dedicated to farming. California, a major producer of various crops, boasts 24,300,000 acres of farmland. In the Southeast, Georgia has 10,200,000 acres, Alabama 8,300,000 acres, and Mississippi 10,400,000 acres, underscoring the significance of agriculture in this region. The vast agricultural land across several U.S. states drives the growth of the United States cross border road freight transport market revenue. The widespread distribution of agricultural production in key states like Texas, Montana, and Kansas necessitates robust transportation networks to ensure efficient cross-border movement of goods.

The U.S. features a highly developed highway system that enables efficient cross-border transportation, further boosting the growth of the United States cross border road freight transport industry.

• A large volume of trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico supports high demand for road freight services.
• Integration of GPS, IoT, and automation improves logistics efficiency and tracking capabilities.

Varied regulations and compliance requirements across borders can complicate operations.

• Fluctuating fuel prices and maintenance costs can impact profitability.
• Persistent shortages of skilled drivers affect service reliability and capacity.

New trade agreements have the potential to boost cross-border trade volumes and elevate the demand for road transport, creating opportunities in the United States cross border road freight transport market.

• Growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices offers opportunities for green logistics solutions.
• Advancements in autonomous vehicles and AI can enhance operational efficiency.

Trade tensions or economic downturns may reduce cross-border trade volumes.

• Cross-border operations are vulnerable to theft, smuggling, and other security concerns.
• Stricter emissions standards and environmental policies may increase operational costs.

Key Players in the United States Cross-Border Road Freight Transport Market and Their Key Initiatives

United Parcel Service, Inc.

• Implemented new customs brokerage solutions.
• Introduced advanced tracking technology to meet the growing demand of the United States cross border road freight transport market.

Schenker AG

• Acquired USA Truck in November 2023.
• Expanded eco-friendly air fleet in 2024.

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

• Opened a 400,000 sq. ft. cross-border logistics facility in Laredo.
• Introduced a proprietary U.S. Customs Analytics tool to capture the United States cross border road freight transport market opportunities.

J B Hunt Transport Services Inc.

• Launched a cross-border intermodal service with BNSF and Grupo Mexico Transportes.
• Expanded transloading operations in Laredo, Texas.

United States Cross Border Road Freight Transport Industry Segmentation

“United States Cross Border Road Freight Transport Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Service

• Cross-border Freight Transport
• International Transportation Management and Freight Forwarding
• International Warehousing and Logistics

Market Breakup by Type

• Less Than Truckload (LTL)
• Full Truckload (FTL)

Market Breakup by Platform

• Crowd Shipping Platform
• Digital Freight Exchange
• Specialised and Generic Marketplaces
• Tender Platform

Market Breakup by End Use

• Automotive
• Oil and Gas
• Chemicals
• Agriculture, Fishing, and Forestry
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Healthcare and Pharmaceutical
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• New England
• Mideast
• Great Lakes
• Plains
• Southeast
• Southwest
• Rocky Mountain
• Far West

United States Cross Border Road Freight Transport Market Share

As per the United States cross border road freight transport market analysis, the demand for less than truckload (LTL) is significantly increasing amid the robust growth of the e-commerce sector in the country. Such shipments are more cost-effective than full truckload (FTL) and are ideal for small deliveries. The flexibility and scalability of LTL, coupled with an increasing focus on developing a sustainable supply chain, are further fuelling the United States cross border road freight transport demand growth.

Besides, the expansion of LTL capacities and networks by key players amid the growing focus on enhancing freight flows is aiding the segment’s expansion. For example, in January 2022, XPO Logistics, Inc. revealed the launch of two LTL terminals in Wisconsin and Arkansas, the establishment of new fleet management facilities in Florida, Ohio, Nevada, and New York, and equipment enhancements in Arkansas. These expansions are aimed at stimulating growth in the North American market and increasing demand for the United States cross border road freight transport market.

Leading Companies in the United States Cross Border Road Freight Transport Market

The companies are well-known for their broad network and dependable services. They provide shipping, tracking, and supply chain management solutions, catering to millions of customers around the globe.

• United Parcel Service, Inc.  
• Schenker AG 
• C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
• J B Hunt Transport Services Inc. 
• FedEx Corp. 
• XPO Inc. 
• Landstar System, Inc. 
• Yellow Corp. 
• Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc. 
• Polaris Transportation Group 
• WeFreight