The freight shipping landscape between Canada and the U.S. has experienced significant shifts in the first half of 2025. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, January’s transborder freight volume reached $64.8 billion, an 8.6% increase compared to last year. Trucks accounted for $35.6 billion of that total, a 10.2 percent year-over-year rise.
However, new U.S. tariffs introduced in March 2025, such as a 25% duty on most Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian oil and gas, have triggered retaliatory measures and added new complexities to cross-border trade. In this evolving environment, understanding the 2025 shipping rates to New Brunswick and the factors driving them is essential for Canadian businesses.
What’s Driving Shipping Rates in 2025?
Several economic and operational forces are influencing shipping costs to New Brunswick.
1. Fuel Prices and Carbon Surcharges
Fuel volatility and new environmental regulations have introduced fluctuating costs. Many carriers now include carbon surcharges, especially on long-haul and temperature-controlled shipments.
2. Tariffs and Cross-Border Trade Policy
The March 2025 U.S. tariffs have significantly affected freight pricing. Even if your products are not directly impacted, carrier demand and customs congestion increase costs.
3. Driver and Equipment Shortages
Limited availability of qualified drivers and certified trailers, particularly for hazmat and reefer freight, is pushing rates higher across Canada.
New Brunswick Freight Rate Averages: What You Can Expect
As of mid-2025, here are typical cost trends:
New Brunswick’s terrain, weather, and rural access requirements can affect deliveries, especially during seasonal transitions.
How ET Transport Helps You Control Costs
ET Transport is more than a freight carrier. We are a strategic logistics partner built for cross-border complexity and cost-efficiency.
Our Specialized Services
Explore our full suite of certified and reliable transportation options:
Every service is supported by C-TPAT, FAST, ACI, ACE, and SmartWay certifications, ensuring compliance and efficiency. We offer 24/7 tracking and live dispatch communication for real-time visibility.
Why Mid-2025 Is the Time to Reassess Your Freight Strategy
If your current logistics provider relies on brokers or lacks visibility, you may be overpaying or experiencing compliance failures and missed deliveries.
ET Transport offers:
- Asset-based stability without third-party handoffs
- Real-time visibility powered by GPS tracking
- Custom routing and optimized pricing
- Cross-border expertise with fewer customs-related delays
Whether shipping raw materials from Ontario to New Brunswick or finished goods from the U.S., our team ensures you’re backed by certified capacity, full visibility, and cost transparency.
The second half of 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities. Don’t wait until peak season to secure rates and capacity.
Conclusion
As the shipping costs continue fluctuating in 2025, staying ahead requires more than rate comparisons. It demands trusted partners, certified compliance, and real-time visibility. Whether you’re shipping into or out of New Brunswick, ET Transport delivers the stability and service Canadian businesses need to stay competitive and compliant.