Outbound cross-border freight stole the spotlight in April, posting one of the strongest annual gains the Canadian spot market has seen in recent memory. Loadlink’s latest data shows outbound loads from Canada to the U.S. were 122% higher year-over-year, driving the most notable directional shift of the year so far. Overall freight volumes decreased 23% from March, a natural reset after Q1’s steady climb, but finished an impressive 44% higher than April 2025.
Capacity loosened through April as the truck-to-load ratio rose to 1.86 trucks per load from 1.28 in March, up 45%, signalling more trucks available relative to posted loads. Compared with April 2025, the ratio was 35% lower, indicating the broader market still favours carriers on an annual basis. Outbound demand stayed well above last year, giving carriers a stronger negotiating position, while looser equipment availability month-over-month made coverage easier for brokers to secure.
Canadian Freight Index Highlights
· Month-over-month: Volumes decreased 23% compared to March 2026.
· Year-over-year: Volumes increased 44% compared to April 2025.
Cross-Border Highlights
Cross-border freight remained the largest portion of activity, accounting for 59% of postings from Canadian-based customers. The bigger story sits in the split between outbound and inbound lanes.
· Outbound loads (Canada → U.S.) decreased 30% month-over-month but were a remarkable 122% higher year-over-year, the standout figure of the month. Equipment postings rose 17% from March and were 25% lower year-over-year, tightening conditions on southbound lanes.
· Inbound loads (U.S. → Canada) decreased 25% month-over-month and were 7% higher year-over-year. Equipment postings rose 12% from March and were 2% lower year-over-year.
Outbound freight is growing far faster than inbound, making southbound lanes the busier side of the cross-border market. Carriers running south have more loads to choose from, and brokers who move early on those lanes are best positioned to lock in reliable capacity.
Intra-Canada Freight
Domestic freight accounted for 40% of postings in April, its largest share of the year.
• Month-over-month: Loads within Canada decreased 16% compared to March.
• Year-over-year: Volumes were 52% higher than in April 2025.
• Equipment postings were 9% higher month-over-month and 3% higher year-over-year.
Domestic lanes are running well above last year’s pace, continuing to serve as a reliable foundation for carriers and brokers shaping their networks through the spring.
Equipment Trends
Top equipment postings in April:
• Dry Vans: 54%
• Reefers: 23%
• Flatbeds: 18%
• Other: 5%
Reefers reached their highest share of the year in April, consistent with the shift into produce season.
Truck-to-Load Ratio
The truck-to-load ratio in April was 1.86 trucks for every load posted on Loadlink.
• Month-over-month: Up from 1.28 in March 2026 (45% higher), reflecting greater truck availability.
• Year-over-year: Down 35% compared to April 2025.
Capacity easing in April reflects a normal seasonal shift, but capacity remains tighter year-over-year, keeping carriers in a stronger position than last spring.
Southbound Lanes Lead the Way as Spring Activity Builds
April closed with outbound cross-border freight defining the market narrative. With southbound demand running well above last year, equipment availability tightening on outbound lanes year-over-year, and domestic activity providing steady support, Q2 begins on a footing that rewards carriers and brokers willing to lean into the outbound corridor early.
“Every spring has its rhythm, and April typically settles after a busy Q1. What stands out this year is the strength of outbound freight; it’s running at a pace we haven’t seen in some time, and that changes how carriers approach southbound negotiations. For brokers running southbound freight, the ones building coverage now are setting themselves up well for what’s ahead,” said James Reyes, General Manager at Loadlink.
Loadlink continues to provide the visibility and insights members need to track market shifts in real time, respond quickly to changing lane dynamics, and make confident decisions as the market moves through spring.
About Loadlink Technologies
Loadlink Technologies is Canada’s leading freight matching platform. By connecting brokers and carriers, Loadlink helps businesses move freight efficiently and cost-effectively. Through innovative solutions, Loadlink supports the logistics sector by simplifying workflows and enhancing the capacity for freight movement across North America through our software.