TORONTO — April’s Canadian freight volumes experienced a variety of ups and downs, according to TransCore Link Logistics.

Last month, Canadian freight index volumes dipped seven percent month-over-month, with year-over-year volumes falling behind by 14 percent — the lowest in four years.

On a more positive note, equipment postings are up six percent from March, with year-over-year results jumping 11 percent from April 2012.

Cross-border loadings made up 70 percent of load volumes, while intra-Canadian volumes accounted for 25 per cent. Cross-border loads coming to Canada are down 21 percent year-over-year. However, loads from Canada to the United States spiked 16 percent.

In April, intra-Canada year-over-year volumes were down two percent, while equipment was up 21 percent.

Here’s the breakdown.

Cross-Border Loads into Canada: (cross-border data makes up 70 percent of total)
By Region of Destination:

• • Ontario 57 percent
• • Western 20 percent
• • Quebec 21 percent
• • Atlantic 2 percent

Cross-Border Equipment into Canada:
By Region of Destination:

• • Ontario 50 percent
• • Western 24 percent
• • Quebec 22 percent
• • Atlantic 4 percent

Loads Within Canada: (accounts for 25 percent of data)
By Region of Origin:

• • Western 40 percent
• • Ontario 33 percent
• • Quebec 20 percent
• • Atlantic 7 percent

By Region of Destination:

• • Western 35 percent
• • Ontario 34 percent
• • Quebec 27 percent
• • Atlantic 4 percent

The top equipment postings:

• • Dry Vans 50 percent
• • Reefers 22 percent
• • Flatbed 20 percent
• • Other 8 percent