TORONTO — TransCore's Canadian Freight Index for the spot market declined 21 percent in July.

The decrease is due to the traditional summer slowdown, TransCore said, noting summer construction, vacations and company shut-down periods.

July also marked the third lowest volumes of any month this year, however, TransCore noted, it was the fourth most active July on record.

Cross-border postings dropped two points and accounted for 73 percent of overall load postings.

Intra-Canada postings made up 23 percent of total load volumes, and increased one percent from June.

Equipment postings rose nine percent over June, and were up significantly year-over-year with a 21 percent increase. Equipment-to-loads ratio also increased, marking the highest levels of 2012 so far.

Here's the breakdown:

Top Destinations for Loads Imported into Canada were:

Ontario 54 percent

Western 23 percent

Quebec 20 percent

Atlantic 3 percent

Western Canada increased three percent, while Quebec decreased three percent.

The remaining regions remained unchanged.

Top Regions for Import Equipment into Canada were:

Ontario 53 percent

Western 23 percent

Quebec 21 percent

Atlantic 3 percent

Western Canada decreased one percent, while Quebec increased one percent.

The remaining regions remained unchanged.

Regions of Origins for Loads within Canada were:

Western 44 percent

Ontario 26 percent

Quebec 22 percent

Atlantic 8 percent

The regions remained unchanged from last month.

Top States of Origin for Loads Destined for Canada:

1. Pennsylvania
2. Ohio
3. California
4. Illinois
5. Texas

Top U.S. Destinations for Freight Originating in Canada:

1. New York
2. Texas
3. Pennsylvania
4. California
5. Michigan