TORONTO – Loadlink Technologies’ Canadian spot market experienced a notable recovery in May following weakened freight performance in April. Overall loads on Loadlink’s freight network jumped 22 percent, while equipment volumes rose 16 percent to their highest recorded levels. Inbound cross-border freight and intra-Canadian freight movement drove much of the monthly load volume gains, while equipment postings steadily increased across the board.
May Spot Freight Highlights
Cross-border freight entering Canada saw some larger markets in Virginia and California, bringing increased loads primarily into Ontario.
| Origin City | Origin State | Destination City | Destination State | Vehicle | YoY (%) | MoM (%) |
| Richmond | VA | Toronto | ON | Van | 491 | 177 |
| Surrey | BC | Calgary | AB | Reefer | 44 | 162 |
| Salinas | CA | Toronto | ON | Reefer | -35 | 116 |
| Mississauga | ON | Montreal | QC | Van | -40 | 108 |
| Winnipeg | MB | Calgary | AB | Van | 29 | 63 |
Outbound Cross-border Activity
Outbound loads from Canada to the United States rose slightly by two percent last month but were down 55 percent from last year. Equipment postings increased by 21 percent from April and were up 62 percent year-over-year.
Inbound Cross-border Activity
Inbound loads saw the largest improvement with a 30 percent jump in postings in May compared to April but were still down 32 percent year-over-year. Equipment postings rose 14 percent from last month and were up 46 percent year-over-year.
Intra-Canadian Activity
Freight activity within Canada recovered with 21 percent more loads in May, while year-over-year comparisons saw a 33 percent decline. Equipment postings grew steadily by 15 percent consistently but were up a more considerable 44 percent year-over-year.
Average Truck-to-Load Ratios
In May, the truck-to-load ratio stood at 4.0 trucks available for every load posted on Loadlink. This is a decrease of 4 percent compared to April’s ratio of 4.16. Year over year, the truck-to-load ratio is 138 percent over May 2022’s ratio of 1.68.
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 of roughly 7,750 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 technology, data, and analytics ecosystem 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.