TORONTO— Load volumes dropped by 12 percent in July 2014 when compared to June 2014 levels, according to TransCore Link Logistics’ Canadian Freight Index.

But compared to last year, truckers hauled 25 percent more goods in July 2014 than July 2013, leading any load volumes for the month since TransCore Link Logistics started recording data. 

TransCore explains that it’s normal for load volumes to decline in the summer. What’s more, June 2014 volumes were the highest ever recorded for any June in any year, surpassing 2008’s record high for the month by eight percent, and 2009’s recessionary lows by 79 percent, according to the index, which measures trends from roughly 5,000 Canadian trucking companies and freight brokers.

Here’s where the goods are coming from:

• 69 percent of all load volumes were cross-border
• 25 percent were loads travelling within Canada

“Cross-border loads originating in Canada destined to the United States increased 37 percent year-over-year,” TransCore states. “And cross-border loads originating in the United States destined for provinces within Canada increased 18 percent year-over-year.”

Where do the U.S. goods arrive?

• 57 percent in Ontario
• 23 percent in Western Canada
• 17 percent in Quebec
• Three percent in Atlantic Canada

Goods travelling from province to province represented 25 percent of the total volumes for July and were up 30 percent year-over-year.

Where do they originate?

• 42 percent in Western Canada
• 33 percent in Ontario
• 17 percent in Quebec
• Eight percent in Atlantic Canada

Where are they unloaded?

• 40 percent in Western Canada
• 32 percent in Ontario
• 25 percent in Quebec
• Three percent in Atlantic Canada