Canadian spot market loads fell slightly in April, though are still much stronger than in previous years

Truck to load ratios are hovering just above one truck available for every one load posted.

TORONTO – Loadlink Technologies’ Canadian spot market shrank this April, though compared to years past is still very healthy. So despite falling 34 percent from March’s record-high, compared to last April, volumes saw a solid 71 percent increase year-over-year.

APRIL SPOT FREIGHT HIGHLIGHTS 

• April’s truck-to-load ratio was 1.14, 56 percent lower compared to the ratio of 2.58 in April 2021.
• The strains on capacity are still very much a reality, but early indicators may be a sign of loosening capacity.

Outbound Cross-border Activity

Truckloads shipping across the border from Canada to the United States fell by 35 percent from last month, though are still up 161 percent from this time last year. Equipment postings were down 36 percent year-over-year, up 14 percent from March.

Inbound Cross-border Activity

Inbound loads fell 37 percent compared to last month, while still up 56 percent compared to last April. Equipment postings were down 2 percent year-over-year and 15 percent from March.

Intra-Canadian Activity

Freight activity within Canada has seen a 30 percent drop from March, though loads within Canada are still 52 percent greater than what we saw in April of last year.

Average Truck-to-Load Ratios

The truck-to-load ratio rose in April, hinting at a slight improvement in capacity, climbing above one truck for every one load posted on Loadlink for the first time in a few months. The ratio for April was 1.14 available trucks for every load posted, up 67.6 percent from 0.68 in March. Year-over-year, April’s truck-to-load ratio was 56 percent lower compared to a ratio of 2.58 in April 2021.

About Loadlink Indexes

Freight Index data provides insight into Canada’s economy at large and is a primary resource for the trucking community. The Freight Index accurately measures trends in the truckload freight spot market as its components are comprised from roughly 7,000 Canadian carriers and freight brokers. This data includes all domestic and cross-border data submitted by Loadlink customers and thus is considered a real-time pulse of what’s happening in the North American freight industry.

Rate Index data is based on the average spot rates paid by freight brokers and shippers to carriers in the specific lanes where loads are hauled. This data also shows real-time and historically available capacity as well as total truck-to-load ratios.

About Loadlink Technologies

Loadlink Technologies moves Canada’s freight by matching trucks with loads. With 30 years of freight matching experience, Loadlink delivers a reliable ecosystem of technology, data, and analytics to keep Canadian freight moving. Loadlink is trusted by transportation companies and brokers of all shapes and sizes and is proudly the industry’s largest and most efficient digital freight network.