Results published by the Canadian General Freight Index indicate that the cost of ground transportation for Canadian shippers increased .4 percent in August 2011 when compared to July.
The Base Rate Index, which excludes the impact of fuel surcharges assessed by carriers, has increased for six consecutive months, including a .6 percent increase in August. However, base rates remain 4.8 percent below the same period a year ago.
Average fuel surcharges assessed by carriers increased from 19.0 percent of base rates in July to 20.1 percent in August.
"The trend toward marginal increases in base rates we observed last month has continued, although it is interesting to note that they are still significantly below prior year levels," said Doug Payne, president and COO of Nulogx, a provider of transportation management solutions and the sponsor of the Canadian General Freight Index.
