TORONTO, Ont. — Coming off a dip in September volumes, TransCore’s Link Logistics Canadian Freight Index saw an 8% increase in month-over-month volumes for October. Year-over-year volumes were 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, according to TransCore officials. While a decrease was detected in loads postings, an increase was seen in equipment postings. The equipment-to-loads ratio for October widened to levels 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 last month. 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 (22%), Quebec (20%), and Atlantic (2.5%).

Top regions for import equipment into Canada were: Ontario (52%), Western (23%), Quebec (21%), and Atlantic (4%).

Regions of origins of loads within Canada were: Western (46%), Ontario (30%), Quebec (18%), and Atlantic (6%).