Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement partners Canada and Mexico was 6.8 percent higher in May 2008 than in May 2007, reaching $74.1 billion,
according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

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 fell 0.3 percent in May from April (Table 2). Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors.

The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in May was up 51.9 percent compared to May 2003, and up 93.9 percent compared to May 1998, a period of 10 years. Imports in May were up 101.6 percent compared to May 1998, while exports were up 84.9 percent.

U.S.-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $48.9 billion in May, up 10.5 percent compared to May 2007. The value of imports carried by truck was 6.2 percent lower in May 2008 than May 2007, while the value of exports carried by truck was 10.0 percent higher.

Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in May with $5.9 billion.

U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $25.2 billion in May, up 0.2 percent compared to May 2007. The value of imports carried by truck was 0.9 percent higher in May 2008 than May 2007 while the value of exports carried by truck was 3.6 percent lower.

Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in May with $8.1 billion.