When it comes to shipping across Canada, businesses often face an important decision: should they select LTL vs FTL shipping in Canada? These two shipping methods, less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL), have significant differences, and understanding them can lead to the best logistics decisions and serious cost savings. In this blog, we will share a detailed breakdown of LTL vs FTL, their pros and cons, and how each fits in modern Canadian logistics.
What is LTL Shipping?
LTL shipping in Canada refers to the transportation of goods that do not require a full truck. Instead, multiple shipments from various businesses are combined into one truck, allowing shippers to share costs. This type of arrangement is a beneficial option for small businesses that are too large for parcel services but too small to fill an entire truck.
One of the benefits of LTL shipping is cost efficiency. Since the truck’s space is shared with other shipments, each shipper only pays for the space their items occupy. This makes LTL shipping in Canada best for businesses looking to minimize expenses while still moving the goods.
What is FTL Shipping?
FTL shipping in Canada, on the other hand, involves using the whole truck for one shipment. This option is used when a shipment is big enough to fill a full trailer or when a company needs exclusive use of a truck to reduce handling and damage.
FTL Shipping in Canada is the best option for heavyweight, high-value, or time-critical shipments. Even though it may be pricier than LTL shipping, FTL provides quicker transit time and enhanced security of the shipment, which makes it a preferred option for many businesses that routinely move larger amounts of freight or arrange for the delivery of fragile goods.
LTL and FTL Shipping in Canada: A Comparison
Let’s now dive into the comparison of LTL and FTL shipping in Canada.
| Feature | LTL Shipping | FTL Shipping |
| Cost | More affordable for small loads | More affordable for large loads |
| Transit Time | Slower due to multiple stops | Faster because of direct delivery |
| Shipment Size | Small to medium (1 to 6 pallets) | Large (Full trailer) |
| Handling | Multiple touchpoints | Minimal handling |
| Risk of Damage | Higher due to frequent loading/unloading | Lower due to single handling |
| Ideal for | Small businesses, regular shipments | Large businesses, fragile/urgent shipments |
Both LTL and FTL shipping in Canada serve specific needs. Choosing the best one depends on the size of the shipment, timelines, and budget.
When Should You Choose LTL?
Companies should think of LTL Shipping in Canada when:
- They have consistent but small shipments.
- Cost is more important than the time of transit.
- Their products can manage multiple handling points.
If your company ships 1 to 6 pallets and is flexible with delivery deadlines, then LTL Shipping in Canada is a cost-effective option.
When is FTL the Better Option?
Select FTL Shipping in Canada when:
- The shipment takes up over 10 pallets or weighs over 15,000 lbs.
- The delivery is urgent, and you need faster transit times.
- You are shipping high-value, delicate, or temperature-controlled freight.
As the truck is exclusively for your shipment, FTL Shipping in Canada can give you better security and control throughout shipping.
LTL vs FTL: Cost Comparison
One of the main differences between LTL vs FTL shipping in Canada is pricing. When shipping LTL, professional LTL shipping companies in Canada charge based on freight class, weight, size, and distance. Since the trailer is shared with other freight, the per-unit cost is generally lower.
With FTL Shipping in Canada, freight prices tend to be flat rates and are based on the number of miles and fuel. Such an arrangement can result in a higher total cost; however, for a heavier shipment, the cost per pound may be lower than LTL shipping. Businesses must evaluate the size and frequency of their shipment to determine the most economical option.
How Standard Shipping in Canada Applies
Many carriers offer standard shipping in Canada, which can include both LTL and FTL services. The term “standard” means the regular ground transport without express or premium features. This makes standard shipping in Canada an
This means that standard shipping in Canada is an umbrella category that can be separated into either LTL or FTL categories depending on the volume, weight, and type of product.
To illustrate with examples, LTL Shipping in Canada often is standard shipping in Canada for small to mid-sized eCommerce businesses, while manufacturers that ship in bulk often rely on FTL Shipping in Canada.
Domestic Shipping in Canada: Logistics at Scale
The sheer distance creates a logistical challenge for domestic shipping in Canada. You will find metropolitan centers like Toronto or Vancouver, but also residential areas located in remote locations in the north, so the appropriate mode of domestic logistics must be established.
Domestically shipping in Canada using FTL would be the preferred choice if you have a lot of freight to move over a long distance quickly, or using LTL Shipping in Canada allows businesses to ship frequently across provinces with reasonable cost to allow small businesses to scale their logistics operations.
Is LTL cheaper than FTL?
Yes, for smaller loads, it’s less expensive. LTL Shipping in Canada generally is less costly under 10k lbs. Just remember, you’ll save money on shipping but lose speed and care.
If speed, safety, and exclusive use of the truck are priorities, then FTL Shipping in Canada is the way to go, even if it’s more expensive in the beginning. This is why the LTL vs. FTL consideration often comes down to a trade-off between cost and urgency.
Cheap Delivery Options in Canada
In a crowded marketplace, everybody wants cheap delivery. However, it should be about value rather than a cheap service. While LTL Shipping in Canada is a great alternative for value for shipping, businesses must assess the risk of delays and damage from handling.
Some courier companies are starting to offer hybrid services that are a combination of LTL and FTL shipping in Canada that use dynamic pricing based on their transport volume and delivery zones. These new models help businesses find cheap delivery solutions, balancing reliability and price.
Choosing the Right Partner for Delivery and Shipping Services in Canada
No matter if you’re using LTL or FTL, it’s critical to choose the appropriate logistics partner. The best delivery and shipping services in Canada provide flexibility, real-time tracking, transparent pricing, and excellent customer service, which are key features to re-evaluate or look for in a logistics provider.
Businesses should also look for logistics providers that provide both LTL and FTL shipping in Canada. This approach helps with scaling logistics whenever needed. Using only one logistics provider for both types of shipping helps lessen operating headaches and create effective long-term relationships that improve your bottom line.
Conclusion
The choice between LTL vs FTL shipping in Canada is not always black and white; it depends on your business demands. If you frequently ship small loads and want to save money, then LTL shipping is the preferred option. In Canada, LTL shipping is the preferred option. But when it comes to large, urgent, or high-value shipments, FTL shipping in Canada provides faster, safer, and more reliable transport.
Knowing the difference between LTL vs FTL, along with their role in standard shipping in Canada, helps businesses make better choices for domestic shipping in Canada. And with the right delivery and shipping options in Canada, you can increase performance, cut costs, and stay competitive in a growing marketplace.
