Trade using surface transportation between the United States and Canada and Mexico was 7.5 percent higher in September 2008 than in September 2007, reaching $71.8 billion,
according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

However, the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico fell 0.6 percent in September from August.

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 September was up 46.9 percent compared to September 2003, and up 82.8 percent compared to 10 years ago. Imports in September were up 87.6 percent compared to September 1998, while exports were up 76.9 percent.

U.S.-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $46.8 billion in September, up 9.7 percent compared to September 2007. The value of imports carried by truck was unchanged in September 2008 compared to September 2007, while the value of exports carried by truck was 2.6 percent higher.

U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $25 billion in September, up 3.8 percent compared to September 2007. The value of imports carried by truck was 0.7 percent lower in September 2008 than September 2007 while the value of exports carried by truck was 16.6 percent higher.