Trade using surface transportation between Canada, the US and Mexico was 4.5% higher in August 2008 than in August 2007, reaching $72.3 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the US Department of Transportation.

The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 0.9% in August from July. 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% of US trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land. The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in August was up 60.5% compared to August 2003, and up 101.9% compared to August 1998. Imports in August were up 107.5% compared to August 1998, while exports were up 95.2%.

US-Canada surface transportation trade totalled $46.8 billion in August, up 8.6% compared to August 2007. The value of imports carried by truck was 6.1% lower in August 2008 than August 2007, while the value of exports carried by truck was 1.0% higher. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in August with $5.8 billion