The truckload industry has always been the backbone of North American commerce. Every day, thousands of truckload carriers move the freight that keeps our economies running—from raw materials and manufacturing inputs to food, medicine, and consumer goods. But as we look ahead, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the future of our industry is deeply tied to one critical factor: the strength of cross-border freight between the United States and Canada.
For generations, the economic relationship between our two countries has been one of the most productive trading partnerships in the world. Trucks carry the majority of that trade. Each year, truckload carriers move hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of goods across the border, connecting manufacturers, retailers, farmers, and consumers in a tightly integrated supply chain.
As someone who leads a cross-border carrier, I see firsthand how essential that flow of freight is—not just for trucking companies, but for the broader North American economy.
I’m also incredibly proud to serve as Chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association—and especially proud to be only the third Canadian to hold this role in the association’s history. That distinction reflects not only my own journey, but also the deeply integrated nature of our North American trucking industry. The success of trucking in Canada and the United States has always been intertwined, and the TCA represents carriers that operate across borders, markets, and communities every single day.
Truckload carriers are uniquely positioned to support cross-border trade because of the flexibility and efficiency the truckload model provides. Manufacturers increasingly rely on just-in-time supply chains, and retailers depend on reliable replenishment cycles. That means freight must move quickly, predictably, and without unnecessary delays. Truckload carriers make that possible by providing direct, point-to-point service that keeps supply chains moving.
However, the success of cross-border trucking doesn’t happen by accident. It requires cooperation between industry, government, and supply chain partners to ensure that our borders remain secure, efficient, and modern. Investments in border infrastructure, digital customs processes, and trusted-carrier programs are essential to reducing congestion and improving transit times.
For trucking companies operating across the border, the regulatory landscape is also complex. Carriers must navigate differences in safety standards, labor requirements, and compliance frameworks between two countries. That’s why collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders is so important. When policies are aligned and practical, carriers can focus on what they do best—moving freight safely and efficiently.
Another key priority for the truckload sector is ensuring that we continue to attract and retain the professional drivers who make cross-border freight possible. Long-haul and international trucking require skill, dedication, and professionalism. Our drivers are ambassadors for the industry every time they cross the border, and their work keeps factories operating and store shelves stocked across the continent.
At the Truckload Carriers Association, we are committed to advocating for policies that support safe, efficient trucking while strengthening the cross-border supply chains that power our economy. That includes promoting best practices in safety, investing in driver training and workforce development, and working with policymakers on solutions that reduce friction in freight movement.
That commitment is also reflected in the conversations we’re bringing together as an industry. This year, TCA’s longtime Bridging Border Barriers event is evolving into something even bigger: the TCA North American Truckload Forum: One Border, No Barriers. The event will be held on November 19 in Mississauga, Ontario, and will bring together carriers, shippers, policymakers, and supply chain leaders to discuss how we can strengthen and streamline cross-border trucking.
The goal is simple but important—to create a forum where stakeholders from both sides of the border can collaborate on practical solutions that keep freight moving efficiently across North America.
We also recognize that the trucking industry is undergoing significant change. Technology, data integration, and evolving supply chain expectations are reshaping how freight moves. For cross-border carriers, digital documentation, real-time shipment visibility, and integrated customs systems are becoming increasingly important tools that help eliminate delays and improve reliability.
Despite these changes, one thing remains constant: truckload carriers will continue to play a vital role in connecting businesses and communities across North America.
The strength of our economies depends on the seamless movement of goods between the United States and Canada. From automotive parts moving to assembly plants to fresh produce heading to grocery stores, truckload carriers are the link that keeps these supply chains functioning.
As Chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association, I believe our industry has a responsibility to continue strengthening that link. By working together with our drivers, our customers, our government partners, and our fellow carriers we can ensure that cross-border trucking remains a reliable engine of economic growth for decades to come.
Because when freight moves efficiently across borders, opportunity moves with it.
