The Canadian General Freight Index released Wednesday, Oct. 26, indicates that the cost of ground transportation for Canadian shippers increased .4 percent in August when compared to July.
The Base Rate Index, which excludes the impact of fuel surcharges assessed by carriers, has increased for six consecutive months, including a .6 percent increase in August. However, base rates remain 4.8 percent below the same period a year ago.
Average fuel surcharges assessed by carriers increased from 19.0 percent of base rates in July to 20.1% in August.
“The trend toward marginal increases in base rates we observed last month has continued, although it is interesting to note that they are still significantly below prior-year levels,” says Doug Payne, president and chief operating officer of Nulogx, which handles the index.
