The update
Statistics Canada released its second-quarter 2026 For-hire Motor Carrier Freight Services Price Index on August 31. The series tracks monthly and quarterly changes in prices charged by for-hire carriers, with results available at the Canada level.
The agency notes that the series is not seasonally adjusted and that previous-quarter data may be revised. Sample and basket-weight updates introduced with the first-quarter 2026 release continue in this series.
Using the index in a freight discussion
Our takeaway: a national index can help frame a discussion about market conditions, but it is not a lane-specific rate sheet. Shipment dimensions, equipment, timing, stops and handling requirements still need to be considered in a quote. Share those details when comparing transportation options so the proposed services can be assessed on the same basis.