OTTAWA, Ont. — Canada’s top 82 for-hire motor carriers grew their revenues 5.2% in the second quarter and the impact went right to the bottom line, according to a Statistics Canada report released this morning.

The boost in revenues had a favorable impact on the bottom line because, unlike their smaller competitors, top carriers (companies earning $25 million or more annually) were better able to keep their expenses in check. Average per-carrier expenses increased only 3.4%.

In total, the nation’s largest motor carriers generated operating revenues of $1.83 billion and expenses of $1.73 billion in the second quarter. Average per-carrier revenue $22.3 million with expenses averaging $21.1 million.

The operating ratio (operating expenses divided by operating revenues) for the period was 0.94, a marked improvement from the 0.96 in the second quarter of 2003. A ratio of greater than 1.00 represents an operating loss.