Truck Traffic at Border Crossings in North America

Published Jul 20, 2023, 6:49:29 PM UTC
by Phil Lumbroso
Filed under: · General  ·

Border Crossings: There are several border crossings between the United States, Canada, and Mexico that are used by commercial vehicles. These include:

 

U.S.-Canada Border Crossings: There are more than 120 border crossings between the United States and Canada. The busiest crossings are located in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. The busiest border crossing is the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, Michigan, which sees more than 10,000 trucks per day.

U.S.-Mexico Border Crossings: There are more than 40 border crossings between the United States and Mexico. The busiest crossings are located in Texas, Arizona, and California. The busiest border crossing is the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo crossing in Texas, which sees more than 14,000 trucks per day.

Truck Traffic: Truck traffic at border crossings can be affected by a variety of factors, including weather conditions, customs procedures, and security measures. During peak times, truck traffic can be backed up for hours, causing delays and increasing costs for shippers and carriers.

Customs Procedures: Trucks crossing the border are subject to customs inspections, which can cause delays and increase costs. In recent years, there have been efforts to streamline customs procedures, including the implementation of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system in the United States.

Security Measures: In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks, security measures at border crossings have been increased. These measures can include vehicle inspections, background checks, and biometric screenings.

Challenges: There are several challenges associated with truck traffic at border crossings, including the need for infrastructure improvements, the shortage of qualified drivers, and the impact of regulations on the industry. In addition, there are concerns about the environmental impact of truck traffic on border communities.