In December 2009, surface transportation trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico saw its first year-over-year boost since September 2008
, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. NAFTA land trade settled 10.5 percent higher than in December 2008, with a value of $58.5 billion.

However, the value of trade was still 4 percent down from the December 2007 value.

According to BTS, the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico fell 0.8 percent in December 2009 from November 2009. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors.

Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail, and pipeline. About 85 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves by land modes.

Compared to December 2004, U.S. land transportation trade with Canada and Mexico was up 12.3 percent in December 2009. In addition, it was up 36.6 percent from November 1999. Imports in December were up 37 percent compared to December 1999, while exports were up 36.2 percent.

U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada jumped 7.8 percent from December 2008, totaling $35.4 billion. The value of imports carried by truck was 2.3 percent lower in December 2009 compared to December 2008, while the value of exports carried by truck increased 11.2 percent during this period.

U.S.-Mexico land transportation trade amounted to $23 billion in December, 15 percent higher than December 2008. The value of imports carried by truck was 15.5 percent higher in December 2009 than December 2008, while the value of exports carried by truck was 10.4 percent higher.