Trucking Laws · Nationwide · November 1, 2026

Changes to Canadian Tariffs Could Shift Cross-Border Freight for Truckers, With 22 Items Removed and 100 Added

By Big Rig Daily Staff

Changes to the list of Canadian goods covered by tariffs could shift what trucks haul across the border. A proclamation published in the Federal Register on Oct. 30 took effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern the same day, The Trucker reported.

What changed

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), 22 product classifications were removed from the tariff list and 100 were added.

• Removed: certain plywood, plastic packaging, paperboard, cartons and bags, refrigeration equipment and some machinery.
• Added: certain lubricating preparations, wood products, flooring, paper products, paints and others.

How the tariffs work

The Section 338 tariffs apply regardless of whether goods qualify under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). They also apply on top of any Section 232 duties.

What it could mean for freight

The Trucker's headline said the changes could shift cross-border freight demand. The proclamation does not give an estimate of the effect on freight, and Big Rig Daily is not making one.

What truckers should check

Carriers and truckers who haul across the border should confirm with their customs broker or customer how the new classifications apply to specific loads. For related coverage, see reports on Great Dane and other trailer makers facing a 260% tariff on Chinese van trailers and on steel imports and tariffs at Port Milwaukee. A report on Roadrunner's Canada LTL service covers the Canadian lanes.

What the proclamation does not say

The proclamation does not estimate how the change will affect freight volumes, rates or particular lanes. The Trucker's report also did not include import or export figures for the goods that were added or removed. For now, that leaves truckers and carriers with a list of changed product categories and a start time, and the effects will show up only as shippers adjust. Big Rig Daily will follow any follow-up reporting on cross-border demand.

Quick facts

• Published: Federal Register, Oct. 30, 2026.
• Effective: 12:01 a.m. Eastern, Oct. 30, 2026.
• Classifications: 22 removed, 100 added, according to CBP.
• Applies: regardless of USMCA status and on top of Section 232 duties.
• Freight impact: no estimate in the proclamation.

FAQ

What did the Oct. 30 proclamation remove from the Section 338 Canada tariff list?

Certain plywood, plastic packaging, paperboard, cartons, bags, refrigeration equipment and some machinery.

What did the proclamation add to the Section 338 Canada tariff list?

Certain lubricating preparations, wood products, flooring, paper products, paints and others.

Do USMCA rules exempt goods on the Section 338 tariff list?

No. The Section 338 tariffs apply regardless of USMCA status.

A question for readers

If you haul across the border, what is the first thing you check when the tariff list changes?

Save this story for later

Save this to Pinterest