Freight Pulse & Law Update: Canada's 50% Tariffs Bend Cross-Border Lanes, Cass Shipments Turn Positive, and Diesel Sets a Record

Direct answer: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on more than 700 U.S. products are disrupting north-south freight, while stronger dry-van pricing and positive Cass shipments point to a fragile recovery. Record diesel is still squeezing carrier cash flow.

What are Canada’s tariffs doing to cross-border freight?

Canada’s measures took effect September 8 and cover more than $20 billion in U.S. goods. The immediate effect is uneven lane balance: forward buying creates short spikes, then weaker backhauls and lower asset utilization on core U.S.-Canada loops.

• U.S.-Canada backhaul loops are losing efficiency.

• Intra-Canada east-west corridors are gaining volume.

• Additional U.S.-Canada tariffs are scheduled for January 1.

FreightWaves and Canada’s official tariff notice outline the exposure.

What do current freight indicators show?

The market is improving, but fuel and compliance risk still matter.

• DAT dry-van spot linehaul: $2.17 per mile, up 32.8% year over year.

• Cass shipments turned positive, ending the longest freight downturn on record.

• Diesel reached a record $6.285 per gallon for the week ending September 14.

What should shippers do now?

Tighten procurement and protect capacity.

• Audit HS codes, origin documentation, and tariff exposure by SKU.

• Lock in dedicated capacity for vulnerable cross-border lanes.

• Track carrier compliance: FMCSA’s temporary fuel-hauler waiver allows up to 16 driving hours in 24 hours under stated conditions.

• Review brake inspection readiness after CVSA Brake Safety Week, August 23–29, 2026.

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