Surface transportation trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico in March was down 27.9 percent from March 2008, even though it rose 6.5 percent from February.
The data is part of a report released by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The bureau found that $51.1 billion was traded in March, the third consecutive month to see a yearly decline of more than 27 percent. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors.

Surface transportation, or freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline, account for about 88 percent of U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico.

The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in March was down 9.3 percent in contrast to March 2004, and up 17.4 percent versus March 1999. Imports in March were up 11.9 percent compared to March 1999, while exports were up 24.3 percent.

U.S. land trade with Canada amounted to $31 billion in March, a decrease of 34.2 percent from March 2008. Imports by truck were down 26.8 percent from March 2008, and exports were 25.1 percent lower. Michigan had the highest surface trade with Canada with $3.2 billion.

U.S.-Mexico trade was down 15.1 percent from March 2008, totaling $20 billion. Imports transported by truck were 15.5 percent lower for the month than March 2008, while truck exports were down 6.4 percent from the same period. Texas led the pack, with surface trade with Mexico reaching $6.8 billion in March.