Cross-border freight is on a run. Loadlink’s latest data shows outbound loads from Canada to the U.S. were 109% higher than May 2025, marking the second month in a row that outbound has more than doubled. Overall freight volumes settled into a steadier rhythm, with volumes down just 3% from April and an impressive 28% higher than May 2025.
Capacity loosened slightly through May, with the truck-to-load ratio rising to 1.96 trucks per load from 1.86 in April, a 5% month-over-month increase. Compared with May 2025, the ratio was 29% lower, showing capacity has continued to run tighter than a year ago. With outbound demand holding well above last year and inbound activity rebounding month-over-month, carriers retained the leverage they built through April, while brokers found a more balanced market to plan against.
Canadian Freight Index Highlights
· Month-over-month: Volumes decreased 23% compared to March 2026.
· Year-over-year: Volumes increased 28% compared to May 2025.
Cross-Border Highlights
Cross-border freight accounted for 60% of postings from Canadian-based customers, edging up slightly from April. Inbound activity began showing signs of recovery in May, an important shift after April’s sharper decline, while outbound continued to deliver the strongest year-over-year gains in the dataset.
· Outbound loads (Canada → U.S.) decreased 22% month-over-month but were 109% higher year-over-year, the standout figure of the month. Equipment postings fell 5% from April and were 29% lower year-over-year, keeping conditions on southbound lanes tight.
· Inbound loads (U.S. → Canada) increased 15% month-over-month and were 5% lower year-over-year. Equipment postings dropped 3% from April and were 3% lower year-over-year.
Outbound remains the headline story, but inbounds recovery is a meaningful shift after April’s softer numbers, with northbound lanes showing signs of life as the spring market settles in.
Intra-Canada Freight
Domestic freight accounted for 39% of postings in May.
• Month-over-month: Loads within Canada decreased 6% compared to April.
• Year-over-year: Volumes were 47% higher than May 2025.
• Equipment postings were 3% higher month-over-month and 1% lower year-over-year.
With volumes well above last year and equipment postings holding close to last year’s levels, domestic activity gave the market a stable base to lean on through the spring.
Equipment Trends
Top equipment postings in May:
• Dry Vans: 54%
• Reefers: 23%
• Flatbeds: 18%
• Other: 5%
Reefers held their elevated share for a second straight month, in line with produce season activity continuing to ramp up across North America.
Truck-to-Load Ratio
The truck-to-load ratio in May was 1.96 trucks for every load posted on Loadlink.
• Month-over-month: Up from 1.86 in April 2026 (5% higher), reflecting a small uptick in truck availability.
• Year-over-year: Down 29% compared to May 2025.
May’s slight month-over-month easing fits the broader 2026 pattern of capacity gradually rebalancing, but with fewer trucks per load than last May, carriers continued to hold a meaningful edge year-over-year.
A Sustained Run That Carriers and Brokers Need to Plan Around
May reinforced what April set in motion. With outbound more than doubling year-over-year for a second straight month, this is no longer a one-month spike. Cross-border freight is operating at a noticeably stronger pace than it was a year ago, and with inbound starting to recover and domestic lanes still well ahead of last year, the broader market is on a healthier footing across nearly every segment.
“Two months in a row of outbound more than doubling is a real signal. Carriers should be locking in their southbound capacity now before demand pushes things tighter. Inbound is the other one to watch. May’s rebound says northbound lanes are coming back, and that’s where brokers should be looking next,” 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 the months ahead.
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.