Uncertainty around trade policy continues to cloud shippers’ decision making, extending an already prolonged freight downturn.
According to a recent report from Cass Information Systems, May 2025 marked the 28th straight month of year-over-year decline in truck shipment volumes within North America.
The most recent monthly freight index report from Loadlink Technologies indicated that shipment volumes from Canada to the U.S. fell 29% when compared to May 2024.
In addition, inbound shipments from the U.S. to Canada dropped an additional 22% when compared to the previous year.
The freight recession is expected to linger through Q3 2025, with gradual improvement by Q4, especially if holiday demand and inventory normalization support recovery. However, if the U.S. proceeds with their planned 35% tariffs on Canadian made goods beginning August 1, 2025, we can expect a brief volume spike, followed by a sharp drop in cross-border trucking activity, pricing instability and significant disruption to freight networks across both countries.
For more information, contact William Sanchez, Manager – Truck Services.
