Carriers Upgrade Border Shipping Amid Tariff Tumult

The North American supply chain landscape is undergoing a transformation as carriers adapt to shifting trade dynamics and looming uncertainties. Two major players, Estes Express Lines and Pitt Ohio, have recently rolled out enhanced cross-border shipping services targeting Canada and Mexico, respectively. These upgrades, detailed in a recent industry report, come at a time when tariff policies are creating chaos for shippers and carriers alike. At Gain Consulting, we’ve analyzed these developments to uncover their implications for supply chain leaders navigating this unpredictable terrain.

New Services on the Border: Estes and Pitt Ohio Step Up

Estes Express Lines, the largest privately owned trucking company in North America, debuted a next-day less-than-truckload (LTL) service to Toronto last week. The service connects more than a dozen terminals across Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey to Canada’s largest city. Meanwhile, Pitt Ohio, a Pittsburgh-based carrier, launched an express LTL service lane in late January, targeting six Texas cities along the Mexico border: Laredo, El Paso, McAllen, Brownsville, Eagle Pass, and Del Rio. Pitt Ohio has partnered with Averitt Express to power this expansion, marking a strategic push into a key trade corridor.

These moves signal confidence in the long-term importance of cross-border trade with Canada and Mexico, despite short-term turbulence. For supply chain professionals, they also highlight an evolving freight ecosystem—one where agility and innovation are critical to staying competitive.

Tariff Whiplash: A Cloud of Uncertainty

The backdrop to these service upgrades is a volatile tariff landscape. The Trump administration recently paused tariffs on goods qualifying under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), providing temporary relief to shippers and carriers. However, that pause is set to expire on April 2, 2025, leaving the industry in a state of suspense. Will tariffs snap back into place, raising costs and disrupting flows? Or will a more permanent resolution emerge? The uncertainty has thrust cross-border trucking into chaos, with carriers and shippers bracing for multiple scenarios.

Despite this “tariff tumult,” Estes and Pitt Ohio are doubling down on their investments. Webb Estes, President and COO of Estes Express Lines, acknowledged the risky timing in an interview: “Is the timing wrong? Maybe. But when you can figure it out, and you can make it better for your customers, you do it.” His perspective reflects a long-term bet on North American trade resilience, rooted in the belief that “Canada and Mexico are going to be important partners for America for a long time to come.”

Breaking Down the Upgrades

Estes Express Lines: Next-Day to TorontoEstes’ new service leverages assets gained from its acquisition of several former Yellow Corp. terminals along the Canada border. This strategic expansion enables next-day delivery from key U.S. hubs to Toronto, a major economic center. For shippers, this means faster access to Canadian markets, reduced lead times, and improved reliability—crucial advantages in industries like manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce. The move also strengthens Estes’ position as a leader in the LTL space, capitalizing on its scale and network density to meet rising demand.

Pitt Ohio: Express LTL to MexicoPitt Ohio’s express lane to Texas takes a different approach, focusing on efficiency and speed. By consolidating freight at a single terminal in Cincinnati and dispatching it directly to six border cities, Pitt Ohio bypasses the traditional hub-and-spoke model used by most LTL carriers. Geoff Muessig, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Pitt Ohio, emphasized the benefits in a January 20 announcement: “By consolidating freight at a single terminal and dispatching directly to the destination cities, we reduce handling, thereby minimizing the risk of damages, shortages, or lost freight.”

This streamlined approach delivers faster transit times and higher service levels compared to national competitors. Partnering with Averitt Express extends Pitt Ohio’s reach into Texas, a critical gateway for U.S.-Mexico trade. For shippers moving goods south of the border, this service offers a compelling alternative to slower, less predictable options.

Why Now? The Strategic Calculus

The timing of these upgrades might seem counterintuitive given the tariff uncertainty, but it reflects a calculated optimism. Cross-border trade with Canada and Mexico remains a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, accounting for billions in goods annually. The USMCA, despite its rocky implementation, has reinforced these ties, encouraging carriers to invest in infrastructure and services that can weather short-term disruptions.

Estes’ Toronto service, for instance, builds on the growing integration of U.S. and Canadian supply chains, particularly in the automotive, energy, and consumer goods sectors. Pitt Ohio’s Texas lane taps into the booming Mexico trade corridor, where nearshoring trends have accelerated since the pandemic. Both carriers are positioning themselves to capture market share as shippers seek reliable partners amid the chaos.

Implications for Supply Chain Leaders

At Gain Consulting, we see these developments as a wake-up call for supply chain professionals. Here’s what they mean for your business:

1. Speed and Reliability Are Differentiators

   Estes’ next-day service and Pitt Ohio’s express lane underscore the value of fast, dependable cross-border shipping. In an era of just-in-time inventory and heightened customer expectations, carriers that can deliver on time—every time—will win. Evaluate your current providers: Are they keeping pace with these innovations?

2. Tariff Risks Require Contingency Planning

   With April 2 looming, tariff uncertainty could upend cost structures and transit times. Now’s the time to stress-test your supply chain—model scenarios with and without tariffs, diversify carrier options, and explore alternative sourcing strategies. Gain Consulting can help you build a resilient plan tailored to your needs.

3. Efficiency Gains Are Within Reach

   Pitt Ohio’s streamlined model proves that rethinking traditional logistics can yield big results. Whether it’s consolidating shipments, optimizing routes, or partnering with regional experts, small changes can drive cost savings and service improvements. Our team at Gain Consulting specializes in identifying these opportunities.

   
   

Navigating the Future with Gain Consulting

The upgrades from Estes Express Lines and Pitt Ohio are more than just carrier announcements—they’re a signal of where the supply chain industry is headed. As tariff policies evolve and trade patterns shift, businesses need partners who can turn uncertainty into opportunity. At Gain Consulting, we bring the expertise to help you do just that. From optimizing cross-border flows to mitigating risks, we’re here to ensure your supply chain thrives in any environment.

Ready to strengthen your border shipping strategy? Contact Gain Consulting today. Together, we’ll build a supply chain that’s fast, flexible, and future-proof—no matter what tariff tumult lies ahead.