North American surface transportation trade was down 28 percent in July 2009 from the year-ago period
, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation. July marks the seventh straight month with a year-to-year decline that exceeded 27 percent.

U.S. land trade with Canada and Mexico settled at $51.5 billion in July, a 1.6 percent gain from June, when trade was $50.8 billion. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors.

Surface transportation, or freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline, accounts 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 July was up 7.2 percent compared to July 2004, and up 38.1 percent compared to July 1999. July imports from Canada and Mexico to the U.S. gained 30.1 percent from July 1999, while exports were up 48.6 percent.

Trade between the U.S. and Canada was down 33.8 percent from July 2008, settling at $31 billion. The value of imports carried by truck was 29 percent below July 2008 levels, while the value of exports carried by truck was 24.3 percent lower during this period.

U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $20.5 billion in July, down 17.1 percent from July 2008. The value of imports carried by truck was 13.7 percent lower in July 2009 than July 2008, while the value of exports carried by truck was 14.7 percent lower.