by Andres Gomez
3. June 2010 11:56
In 2006 over 365,000 truck trips entered Washington from Canada through Blaine, and just over 150,000 trucks entered the state through Sumas. The border at Lynden ranked third highest in incoming truck crossing volume, followed by Oroville and Frontier.
In 2006 an estimated annual value of $16.4 billion moved north on I-5 to Canada. Another estimated annual value of $13.4 billion moved south from Canada on I-5. Only about 40 percent of this traffic originated from or was destined for Washington State. The rest is passing through, to, and from the states of California and Oregon.
In 2002 the greatest commodities imported, by value, from Canada through Washington State were petroleum and other gases, wood (sawn or chipped), crude oil, and exports of repaired imports/imports of returned exports. The highest value non-aircraft commodities exported to Canada were motor vehicles, data processing equipment, and petroleum.
The majority of truck traffic crossing the Canadian border via I-5 is carrying either manufactured or agricultural goods. Reflecting the balance of trade flows, 13 percent of northbound trucks were empty, returning to Canada to transport cargo south, particularly timber products, a commodity which moves almost entirely from north to south.
If you want more information regarding goods movement in the state of Washington then refer to the Washington Department of Transportation Freight System Division.
The people of Whatcom County, like people everywhere, consume, create, and dispose of goods. From locally grown berries to globally sewn socks, recycled bottles, and cinder blocks, goods are constantly moving on roads and rails, through pipes, on water, and through the skies. A lot of factors determine how much goods is moving out there: How much does it cost to move commodity? How much commodity are people consuming? Where is the commodity coming from? Are there better or cheaper ways to move the same commodity?
What do you think the role of government should be in relation to freight planning?