The total cost of ground transportation for Canadian shippers increased by 2.7 percent in December when compared with November results, according to newly published data from the Canadian General Freight Index.

Spot market freight volume declined seasonally in January, down 11 percent from an atypical December high, according to the DAT North American Freight Index, an indicator of truckload freight demand and capacity. Volume slipped 27 percent compared to January 2014. It was the first year-over-year decline on the Index in 19 months.

January is typically slow in the spot truckload freight market, and so far this year fits the pattern.

Ryder System Inc. is making it easier than ever for customers to find a pre-owned vehicle to meet their needs. With the addition of economical "As-Is" condition vehicles, cab and chassis, and high horsepower trucks to the company's existing online catalogue of commercial trucks, tractors, trailers and vans, Ryder's entire pre-owned vehicle inventory is now available at www.usedtrucks.ryder.com.

Nearly 44,000 net orders were posted in December, the second-strongest month on record for the trailer industry, according to the most recent State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers published by ACT Research Co. For total year 2014, net orders were 359,000, up nearly 55 percent over 2013.

Spot market volume slipped and average truckload rates edged downward during the week ending Jan. 24, according to DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards.

North America is facing a huge shortage of truck drivers, and the problem is expected to get worse.