Truck capacity remains scarce on U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico freight lanes even as seasonal volumes ease, according to the August 2026 NAX Index released by TRAFFIX.
The index scored the U.S.-Canada corridor at 57 and the U.S.-Mexico corridor at 54, both above the index’s 50-point neutral threshold for a second consecutive month, signaling continued high costs, limited capacity and mounting regulatory challenges for shippers moving freight across either border.
“What we’re seeing this month is capacity staying tight even as volumes ease from a summer peak,” says Alex Fuller, VP of commercial intelligence at TRAFFIX. “Shippers who lock in strong partners early, and look at all costs - freight, fuel, duty, and inventory costs - when budgeting, are in a much better position to handle whatever the border throws at them next.”
Key takeaways:
· With both corridors above that threshold, shippers should expect continued tight conditions for cross-border freight this month.
· Capacity remains the primary day-to-day challenge for shippers, especially for freight with fixed pickup or delivery windows.
· Canada shipments may require closer cost and schedule reviews, as new trade measures continue to add uncertainty to U.S.-Canada freight planning. Mexico remains more stable than Canada this month, but truck availability can still affect pickup coverage and rates on that corridor. Transportation costs remain elevated across both lanes, leaving shippers less room for savings when freight requires short notice or guaranteed service.
