LTL freight shipping—short for Less Than Truckload shipping—is a transportation method where multiple shippers share space in a single truck. It is ideal for businesses that move freight too large for parcel shipping but too small to fill an entire truck.
LTL has become one of the most practical and affordable logistics solutions for Canadian businesses wanting reliability, speed, and controlled shipping costs.
What Is LTL Freight Shipping? (Short Answer)
LTL freight shipping allows companies to ship pallets or partial loads without paying for a full truck. You only pay for the space your freight occupies.
Why Is LTL Freight Shipping Important Today?
LTL is essential for modern supply chains because it provides a flexible, budget-friendly way to move goods. With rising transportation costs, this model prevents companies from overpaying for unused truck space. LTL also helps reduce carbon emissions and improves delivery networks through efficient load consolidation.
How LTL Freight Shipping Works
Short Summary
Your freight is picked up, consolidated with other shipments, transported through hub terminals, and delivered to the final destination with shared resources.
Step-by-Step Process
- Pickup Request
You schedule a pickup based on your pallet count, weight, and freight class. - Freight Consolidation
The carrier loads your goods with other partial shipments going in the same direction. - Terminal Transfers
Shipments move through regional hubs for sorting and routing. - Linehaul Transportation
The consolidated load travels toward the delivery region. - Final Delivery
Local trucks deliver the freight to the receiver with liftgate or inside-delivery options if needed.
What Type of Businesses Use LTL?
- Manufacturers shipping pallets weekly
- Small and medium businesses with variable shipping volumes
- E-commerce sellers distributing bulky goods
- Warehouses needing scheduled replenishment
- Retailers sending products to distribution centers
This makes LTL a go-to solution for industries that require frequent, predictable, and cost-efficient shipments.
Benefits of LTL Freight Shipping
- Lower Shipping Costs
You pay only for the space used, making it far cheaper than FTL.
- Better Flexibility
Ship 1–6 pallets anytime without minimum volume requirements.
- Improved Tracking
LTL uses terminal checkpoints, making scan visibility stronger.
- Reduced Warehouse Stress
Ship smaller loads more frequently instead of storing excess stock.
- Eco-Friendly Shipping
Shared truckloads reduce carbon emissions and fuel usage.
Types of LTL Freight Shipping
Standard LTL
Traditional transit times and cost-effective movement.
Expedited LTL
Faster delivery for urgent shipments.
Guaranteed LTL
Delivery commitment for time-critical freight.
Volume LTL
For shipments larger than standard LTL but smaller than full truckload.
Temperature-Controlled LTL
Used for sensitive or perishable goods.
What Does LTL Freight Shipping Cost?
Short Answer
Costs depend on weight, freight class, distance, dimensions, and extra services.
Detailed Breakdown
- Weight: Heavier freight increases cost, but per-pound cost usually decreases.
- Freight Class: Items prone to damage or hard to stack cost more.
- Distance: Long-haul shipments have higher linehaul charges.
- Accessorials: Liftgate, residential delivery, inside delivery, and appointment fees may apply.
Average LTL price range in Canada:
- Local: $120–$220 per pallet
- Regional: $180–$350 per pallet
- Cross-country: $350–$750 per pallet
(Prices vary based on carrier and lanes.)
Real-World Example: How Businesses Save with LTL
A Toronto manufacturing unit shipping 3 pallets weekly previously used dedicated trucks costing $900 per trip.
Switching to LTL freight shipping reduced each shipment to $280–$320, saving more than 60% monthly.
This also improved delivery consistency because of scheduled pickups and better routing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in LTL Freight Shipping
- Incorrect Freight Class
Misclassifying freight leads to reclassification charges.
- Poor Packaging
Weak pallets increase the chances of damage during consolidation.
- Missing Dimensions
LTL carriers price based on exact cube size, so wrong measurements cause billing disputes.
- Not Using Pallets
Non-palletized freight delays loading and increases risk.
- Ignoring Accessorial Needs
Failing to request a liftgate or appointment delays delivery.
How to Prepare Your Freight for LTL Shipping
Short Summary
Package well, label clearly, measure accurately, and choose services you actually need.
Preparation Checklist
- Use strong pallets or crates
- Stretch-wrap tightly
- Add corner protectors
- Label on multiple sides
- Measure L x W x H precisely
- Provide full pickup/delivery details
- Upload documents to the carrier
Alternatives to LTL Freight Shipping
- FTL (Full Truckload Shipping)
Ideal for large shipments that fill an entire truck.
- Courier/Parcel Shipping
Best for small packages under 150 lbs.
- Intermodal Freight
Uses rail for longer distances to reduce costs.
- Dedicated Route Services
For predictable, recurring deliveries.
Choose an alternative based on load size, urgency, and budget.
Q&A Break: Key Concepts Explained Quickly
Q: Is LTL freight shipping safe for fragile products?
A: Yes, but proper packaging and “Do Not Stack” indicators are essential.
Q: How many pallets usually qualify for LTL?
A: Typically 1–6 pallets or up to 8,000 lbs.
Q: Is LTL slower than FTL?
A: Usually yes, because it involves multiple terminal stops.
Q: Can I track an LTL shipment?
A: Absolutely carriers provide PRO numbers with real-time status.
Internal Linking Suggestions for Your Website
You can internally link this article to:
- Logistics Transportation Services (main page)
- Warehousing & Storage Services
- Less Than Truckload Shipping (If you create a dedicated page)
- Door-to-Door Delivery Services
- FTL Shipping Services
These links improve crawl depth, page authority, and AI-search relevance.
FAQ: LTL Freight Shipping (10 Detailed Answers)
- What does LTL freight shipping mean?
LTL means transporting goods that don’t require a full truck. The load is combined with other shippers, reducing cost and improving efficiency.
- How long does LTL delivery take in Canada?
Transit times vary from 1–5 days for regional shipments and 5–9 days for cross-country shipments.
- What items are ideal for LTL freight shipping?
Palletized machinery, packaged furniture, manufacturing parts, electronics, building materials, and retail inventory.
- Does LTL require freight class like in the U.S.?
Canada uses density-based pricing, but class is still relevant when using cross-border carriers.
- Is LTL cheaper than FTL?
Yes LTL is significantly cheaper when you are not utilizing a full truck.
- What is the maximum weight for LTL?
Typically 8,000 lbs, though some carriers go up to 10,000 lbs.
- Do I need a pallet for LTL shipping?
Yes, pallets improve safety, stability, and handling efficiency.
- Can I schedule appointments for delivery?
Yes carriers offer appointment, residential, and liftgate services for additional fees.
- How many terminals will my freight pass through?
Usually 2–4 depending on distance and carrier routing.
- Does LTL include insurance?
Basic carrier liability is included, but declared-value insurance is recommended for high-value items.
Expert Insight: Why LTL Matters for Growing Businesses
As demand fluctuates, companies need adaptable shipping models. LTL provides the perfect balance of cost control, flexibility, and delivery consistency. For businesses scaling their production or expanding across Canada, LTL reduces inventory pressure while ensuring steady supply movement.
At GSM Freight, optimized routing, real-time tracking, and warehouse integration help businesses experience smoother shipping cycles and predictable delivery outcomes.
