In September, surface transportation trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico was 20.2 percent below the September 2008 level
, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation. North American land trade landed at $57.3 billion during the month.

The value of U.S. land transportation trade with Canada and Mexico was up 5.6 percent from August 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 August was up 4.3 percent compared to September 2004, and up 32.1 percent compared to September 1999. September imports from Canada and Mexico to the U.S. gained 27.2 percent from September 1999, while exports were up 38.4 percent.

Trade between the U.S. and Canada was down 25.7 percent from September 2008, settling at $34.8 billion. The value of imports carried by truck was 24.5 percent below September 2008 levels, while the value of exports carried by truck was 15.1 percent lower during this period.

U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $22.5 billion in September, down 10 percent from September 2008. The value of imports carried by truck was 7 percent lower in September 2009 than the year-ago period, while the value of exports carried by truck was 9 percent lower.