North American surface transportation trade was down 31.5 percent in June 2009 from the year-ago period
, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation. June marks the sixth consecutive month with a year-to-year decline that exceeded 27 percent.

U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico landed at $50.8 billion, which is a 6 percent boost from May 2009, when trade was $47.9 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 June was down 8.4 percent compared to June 2004, and up 17.6 percent compared to June 1999. June imports from Canada and Mexico to the U.S. gained 11.8 percent from June 1999, while exports were up 24.9 percent.

Trade between the U.S. and Canada was down 36.6 percent from June 2008, settling at $31 billion. The value of imports carried by truck was 34.8 percent below June 2008 levels, while the value of exports carried by truck was 28.8 percent lower during this period.

U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $19.7 billion in June, down 21.8 percent from June 2008. The value of imports carried by truck was 18 percent lower in June 2009 than June 2008 while the value of exports carried by truck was 14.3 percent lower.