The cost of ground transportation for Canadian shippers decreased 1.7% in March when compared with February results, according to the latest results from the Canadian General Freight Index (CGFI). The results mark the first decrease the index has seen since February 2011, however, costs are still up 8.1% year-over-year.
The Base Rate Index, which excludes the impact of accessorial charges assessed by carriers, decreased by 1.77% when compared to February 2012.
Average fuel surcharges assessed by carriers have seen an increase from 20.42% of base rates in February to 21.9% in March.
“The results in this month’s index were driven by a downward trend in the domestic truckload and transborder LTL, while domestic LTL saw a marginal increase,” said Doug Payne, president and COO of Nulogx.