Surface transportation trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico was down 24.9 percent in August from the year-ago period
, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Land transportation trade amounted to $54.3 billion in August, a boost of 5.3 percent over July 2009, when it was $51.5 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 August was up 1.3 percent compared to August 2004, and up 26 percent compared to August 1999. August imports from Canada and Mexico to the U.S. gained 18.8 percent from August 1999, while exports were up 35.5 percent.

Trade between the U.S. and Canada was down 29.6 percent from August 2008, settling at $32.9 billion. The value of imports carried by truck was 26.1 percent below August 2008 levels, while the value of exports carried by truck was 17 percent lower during this period.

U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $21.3 billion in August, down 16.2 percent from August 2008. The value of imports carried by truck was 13.5 percent lower in August 2009 than August 2008, while the value of exports carried by truck was 14.7 percent lower.