TORONTO, Ont. — The cost of ground transportation for Canadian shippers rose 1.2% in August, mostly because of higher fuel surcharges.

The Canadian General Freight Index found that the base rates assessed by carriers remained unchanged when compared to July. However, fuel surcharges rose to 20.12% of the base rate in August, compared to 19.25% in July.

“Total cost of freight is down 3% from a year ago,” said Doug Payne, president and COO, Nulogx. “Base Freight costs are 3.4% below last year.”