TORONTO, Ont. — TransCore’s Canadian Freight Index saw a drop in month-over- month spot market freight volumes in September, decreasing by 15% from August.   Year-over-year load volumes were down 24% from September 2011. Quarterly figures were down 14% year-over-year while truck capacity was up 13%. The softening of the Canadian spot market freight is similar to figures reported for the North American Freight Index, according to TransCore.  

While a decrease was detected in both equipment and load postings, the equipment to loads ratio for September widened to levels previously seen more than two years ago. The variance, however, is reflective of previous third quarter results leading into fourth quarter.

Available capacity is comparable to April, which is typical for the month of September, TransCore said.

The top states of origin for loads destined to Canada in order of most loads were Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, Illinois and Indiana. California moved from fourth highest in August to third this month.

The top destinations for freight originating in Canada were New York, Texas, Pennsylvania and California, with New Jersey bumping Florida from spot number five.

Cross-border postings still accounted for 70% of all load postings. Intra-Canada postings made up 26% of the total load volumes.

The top destinations for loads imported into Canada were: Ontario (54%), Western (22%), Quebec (21%), and Atlantic (3%).

The top regions for import equipment into Canada were: Ontario (52%), Western (24%), Quebec (21%), and Atlantic (3%).

Regions of origins of loads within Canada were: Western (43%), Ontario (27%), Quebec (22%), and Atlantic (8%).