2Q operating ratios stable at big carriers, Statistics Canada reports

OTTAWA (Sept. 12, 2001) — Canada’s 82 largest for-hire trucking companies recorded an average operating ratio of 0.94 in the second quarter of this year, Statistics Canada reported today.

The 0.94 figure is unchanged from the same period the previous year, when carriers were feeling the lingering effects of fuel prices that skyrocketed in January 2000.

The quarterly survey encompasses carriers with $25 million or more in annual revenue. The operating ratio is operating expenses divided by operating revenues. A ratio of greater than 1.00 represents an operating loss.

StatsCan said carriers generated operating revenues of $1.78Êbillion during the quarter. Average revenue per carrier was $21.7 million, up 4% from the second quarter of 2000. Average per-carrier expenses climbed 4.5% to $20.5 million.

Overall fuel expenses increased almost 15% from the second quarter of 2000. However, this represents the lowest increase in two years, the agency said.