The impact of NAFTA on transportation companies: a Canadian point of view

The purpose of this paper is to examine, from a Canadian perspective, the potential for partnerships under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the factors which will influence the type of partnerships developed within the transport sector as a result of NAFTA. The paper begins by examining Canadian intentions at the negotiating table, and Canada's trade stake in trilateral trade, before moving to examine the types of partnerships possible as well as the factors which must be considered to influence the formation of alliances. The changes which NAFTA makes in the business environment in the form of non‐tariff barriers such as operating and safety standards, access to cargo (cabotage), ownership regulations and investment screening are discussed in detail, as are their implications for each mode. Although the agreement will generate greater trade and new opportunities, the paper concludes that the agreement offers greater opportunity to American transport firms with the financial and manager...