TransCore’s Canadian Freight Index recorded an annual average of 233 points, exceeding the annual average volumes from each of the previous five years. Load volumes for 2010 delivered exceptional year-over-year increases and were 50% higher for seven consecutive months compared with those posted during the downturn of 2009.
Load volumes for fourth quarter 2010 were 32% higher than fourth quarter of 2009. Volumes declined by 9% from the third quarter of 2010.
December 2010 volumes were up 4% from the previous month and up 34% versus December 2009. December 2010 recorded the highest-ever load volumes for the month and broke another record by surpassing the pre-recessionary high of December 2007 by more than 5%.
Equipment postings have historically decreased for the month of December, and 2010 was no exception with equipment postings at the lowest level of the year. Postings for equipment for December were the lowest for the month since 2007. Capacity postings for 2010 were also down 13% from 2009.