Index tracks freight rate slip in Jan

TORONTO — The Canadian General Freight Index shows the cost of ground transportation for Canadian shippers decreased slightly in January.

Overall freight costs fell by 1.2 percent in January when compared to December. Base rates, which exclude the impact of fuel surcharges assessed by carriers, fell 1.4 percent from December.

Average fuel surcharges also fell 0.5 percent from 14.2 percent in December to 13.7 percent of base freight costs in January.

Offsetting these declines were slight increases in other accessorial charges assessed by carriers.

The Canadian General Freight Index highlights changes in the prices paid for freight transportation by Canadian shippers. It represents general truck transportation, and excludes bulk, liquid and other specialty transportation services. Based on a database of actual freight costs in Canada, the index is compiled by Mississauga, Ont.-based transportation management solutions company Nulogx Inc.