The US-Canada supply chain is a cornerstone of North American commerce, with trucks hauling billions of dollars in goods across the border each year. As tariffs disrupt this flow—whether through trade disputes or policy shifts—understanding their impact in real time becomes critical.
Freight movement data from trucks offers a powerful lens into these dynamics and INRIX provides some of the most actionable insights available. Here’s how businesses, policymakers, and analysts can use INRIX data to decode tariff effects on the US-Canada supply chain.
Why Freight Movement Data Matters
Per the American Trucking Association and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, trucks account for about 70% of freight tonnage moving between the US and Canada, making them the lifeblood of this trade relationship. From automotive parts crossing at Detroit-Windsor to lumber rolling through Blaine, Washington, trucking data captures the pulse of commerce. Unlike lagging economic metrics like GDP, freight movement data—especially from INRIX—offers near-real-time visibility into how tariffs alter trade flows, supply chain efficiency, and regional economies.
Step 1: Tapping INRIX for Freight Data
INRIX specializes in analyzing vehicle movement through GPS and telematics, making it an ideal source for tracking truck freight. Key data points include:
- Truck Traffic Volumes: INRIX tracks truck movements across border crossings, revealing shifts in goods flow tied to tariffs.
- Travel Times and Delays: Real-time data on border wait times highlights tariff-related bottlenecks.
- Route Analysis: INRIX maps how trucks adjust paths—say, avoiding high-tariff zones or shifting to domestic routes.
Pair INRIX insights with supplementary sources like US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data on shipment types or freight indexes like DAT Freight & Analytics for a fuller picture. For instance, if a tariff hits Canadian softwood lumber, INRIX could show fewer trucks crossing from British Columbia into Washington.
Step 2: Analyzing Trade Flow Disruptions
With INRIX data in hand, you can spot tariff-driven changes:
- Volume Declines: A drop in truck traffic at key crossings—like those tracked by INRIX along the I-94 corridor from Ontario to Michigan—might reflect tariffs making Canadian exports less viable. Per Statistics Canada, the 2018 steel tariffs, for example, cut truck flows significantly.
- Route Shifts: INRIX data can reveal trucks rerouting to dodge tariff costs, such as increased east-west US traffic when north-south flows falter.
- Border Slowdowns: Longer wait times at crossings like Buffalo-Niagara, captured by INRIX’s congestion analytics, could signal heightened inspections or paperwork from tariff enforcement.
Step 3: Measuring Economic Ripple Effects
INRIX’s freight data extends beyond the border to show broader impacts:
- Cost Spikes: Rising travel times or capacity strain in INRIX reports can indicate higher shipping costs as tariffs squeeze margins.
- Inventory Shifts: Sudden spikes in truck activity near US warehouses—tracked via INRIX’s traffic patterns—might show firms stockpiling Canadian goods pre-tariff.
- Regional Hits: INRIX can pinpoint tariff pain points, like reduced truck flows into North Dakota if Canadian oil faces duties, or slower exports from Minnesota under US agricultural tariffs.
Step 4: Turning INRIX Insights into Action
For businesses, INRIX data informs tariff strategies:
- Diversify Suppliers: If INRIX shows Canadian truck flows slowing, explore US or options outside of North America.
- Optimize Logistics: Use INRIX route data to streamline shipments and cut tariff-related delays.
- Negotiate Smarter: Leverage INRIX evidence of border slowdowns to adjust client timelines.
Policymakers can also act:
- Assess Policy: INRIX trends reveal if tariffs boost domestic production or just inflate costs.
- Target Aid: Use INRIX to identify regions or sectors—like Michigan’s auto industry—needing relief.
Case Study: The 2018 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
When the US slapped 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and 10% on aluminum in 2018, INRIX data illuminated the fallout. Per Statistics Canada, truck traffic from Ontario to US manufacturing hubs dropped sharply, with INRIX reporting double-digit declines in crossings within months. Meanwhile, rerouting and capacity shifts strained domestic trucking networks, driving up costs. This case underscores how INRIX turns raw data into tariff impact clarity.
Challenges and Considerations
INRIX data is robust but not exhaustive. Privacy limits some GPS granularity, and tariffs aren’t the only factor—fuel costs or weather can skew patterns. Analysts should cross-reference INRIX with trade policy updates or CBP stats to isolate tariff effects.
The Future: INRIX-Powered Trade Resilience
As tariff tensions persist in US-Canada relations, INRIX’s freight movement data will remain indispensable. Its AI-driven analytics could soon predict tariff impacts preemptively, enhancing resilience. For now, INRIX offers a practical, data-rich way to navigate trade disruptions.
In an era of economic flux, tracking truck freight with INRIX isn’t just insightful—it’s essential. By harnessing this data, stakeholders can master the US-Canada supply chain’s tariff challenges with precision and foresight.