In November, surface transportation trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico was down 2.9 percent from November 2008, landing at $58.9 billion
, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The value of U.S. land transportation trade with Canada and Mexico fell 4 percent from October 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 88 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land.

The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in November grew 5 percent compared to November 2004, and gained 28.5 percent compared to November 1999, a period of 10 years. Imports were up 25.1 percent compared to November 1999, while exports were up 32.7 percent.

Trade between the U.S. and Canada was down 7.2 percent from the year-ago month, totaling $35 billion. The value of imports carried by truck was 6.1 percent lower in November 2009 compared to November 2008, while the value of exports carried by truck was 1.8 percent lower during this period.

Meanwhile, U.S.-Mexico land transportation trade was $23.9 billion in November, up 4.4 percent from November 2008. The value of imports carried by truck was 11.5 percent higher in November 2009 than November 2008 while the value of exports carried by truck was 1.7 percent higher.