Trade using surface transportation modes between the United States, Canada and Mexico rose by 6.2% in 2012 compared to 2011. The value of $960 billion was the highest since the North American Free Trade Agreement went into effect in 1994.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation reported that U.S. imports by surface mode increased 5.6% in 2012 from 2011, while exports increased 6.9% during the same period.

During the recession period of December 2007 to June 2009, U.S. trade carried by surface modes to and from Mexico declined less than trade with Canada and also rebounded faster.

In 2012, 86.5% of U.S. merchandise trade by value with Canada and Mexico entered or exited the country by surface mode of transportation.

Total North American surface transportation trade is up by 50.8% since 2009, when U.S.-NAFTA trade fell to a recent low during the recession.

U.S.-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $556.2 billion in 2012, an increase of 3.6 percent compared to 2011.

U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $403.9 billion in 2012, an increase of 10% compared to 2011.

In both Canadian and Mexican trade, the value of goods transported by rail had the highest year to year increase.