Increased flow of goods big boost for rail and truck industries

Rail and truck transportation were among the main beneficiaries of an increased flow of goods noted during the second quarter .

Output of the rail transportation industry was up 5.3%, while truck transportation advanced 4.2%, Statistics Canada reports.

Provided the economy continues to churn at or near the 1.1% GDP growth rate posted during the second quarter, the prospects for carriers look good for the remainder of the year. The economy-wide inventory-to-sales ratio has slipped to a record low, leaving just enough inventories to satisfy 58 days of sales at the current pace. That means carriers can count on high shipment volumes as manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers attempt to stay on top of demand.