After the dip in September, TransCore’s Link Logistics Canadian Freight Index saw an 8% increase in month-over-month volumes for October. Year-over-year, the index was down 14% from the particularly high levels of October 2011.
Cross-border postings accounted for 69% of overall load postings while intra-Canada postings made up 27% of the total volume. Equipment postings increased 21% month-over-month and 30% year-over-year.
Available capacity is comparable to the October 2007 level. While a decrease was detected in load postings, an increase was seen in equipment postings. The equipment to loads ratio for October widened to levels last seen in 2007.
The top states of origin for loads destined to Canada were Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, and Michigan. Illinois and California traded spots from September. Michigan surpassed Indiana to claim the number five spot. The top destinations for freight originating in Canada were New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and California, with Florida reclaiming the number five spot from last month.
Top destinations for loads imported into Canada were: Ontario, 55.5%; Western Canada, 22%; Quebec, 20%; Atlantic Provinces, 2.5%.
Top regions for import equipment into Canada were: Ontario, 52%; Western Provinces, 23%; Quebec, 21%; Atlantic Provinces, 4%.
Regional origins of loads within Canada were: Western Canada, 46%; Ontario, 30%; Quebec, 18%; Atlantic Region, 6%.