TruckingThe Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) urges the trucking industry to inform shippers on better understanding the variations in fuel prices across Canada.
Fuel prices are rising at a rapid pace and over the past several months, trucking companies have seen significant increases in Western Canada due to a Shell plant shutdown in Edmonton, downed Suncor equipment in Fort McMurray and a power loss incident in Edmonton.
These issues have caused diesel fuel prices to rise more dramatically in Western Canada than in Eastern Canada, where prices were much less affected.
Many trucking companies will use a fuel surcharge program based on the FCA (Freight Carrier’s Association) index, but the model is based solely on a sample of Ontario & Quebec retail diesel prices. The graph below illustrates the past and current trend of West vs. East wholesale diesel prices:
Data source http://www.kentmarketingservices.com/dnn/Portals/0/Pricing/2013/Weekly/weekDieselRack2013.htm
The MTA encourages its carrier members and the trucking industry in general to discuss options with their customers to provide temporary relief from this cost impact as well as make shippers aware of the fluctuation in fuel prices across Canada and to expect higher fuel surcharges because of it.
For more information see attached or, please contact:
Terry Shaw
General Manager
Manitoba Trucking Association
204-632-6600