What LTL shipping is and when to use it
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping combines your freight with other shippers' freight in the same trailer, so you pay only for the space and weight your shipment takes up rather than for an entire 53' trailer. It's the right call when you have anywhere from one pallet up to roughly 10-12 pallets -- enough freight that a small parcel carrier doesn't make sense, but not enough to justify booking a full truckload.
Because your freight shares space with other shipments, LTL trailers make multiple stops along the route to pick up and drop off other customers' freight. That keeps costs down but adds transit time compared to a dedicated FTL truck, which is something to plan around for time-sensitive freight.
How LTL freight is priced: class, density and NMFC
LTL rates are built around freight class, a classification system (NMFC) that scores your shipment from class 50 to class 500 based on density, stowability, handling difficulty and liability. Denser, easier-to-handle freight gets a lower class and a lower rate; bulky, fragile or hard-to-stack freight gets a higher class and costs more per pound to ship.
Beyond class, carriers price LTL freight using weight, distance, accessorial charges (liftgate, residential delivery, inside pickup) and current capacity on your lane. Getting your freight class right on the bill of lading matters -- a misclassified shipment can trigger a reweigh and reclassification fee after pickup, which changes your final invoice.
Choosing between LTL and FTL for your shipment
If your freight fills more than about 12 pallets, or you need the fastest possible transit with no intermediate stops, full truckload is usually the better and sometimes even the cheaper option once you account for LTL's per-pallet accessorial fees. If your freight is smaller, not time-critical to the hour, and you want to avoid paying for empty trailer space, LTL is typically the more cost-effective choice.
Ready to price your next load? Request a free estimate and a Shipmate specialist will respond with exact rates during business hours, or call (905) 508-6632.
Frequently asked questions
How much does LTL shipping cost in Canada?
LTL pricing depends on freight class, weight, distance and any accessorial services (liftgate, residential delivery, etc.). Two shipments of the same weight can price very differently if their freight class differs. Request a free quote with your dimensions and weight for an exact number.
What's the difference between LTL and FTL shipping?
LTL shares a trailer with other shippers' freight and makes multiple stops, which lowers cost but adds transit time. FTL books the whole trailer for your shipment only, which costs more per shipment but moves point-to-point with no intermediate stops.
How long does LTL shipping take in Canada?
Transit time depends on the lane and how many stops the trailer makes along the way, but most LTL shipments within Canada move in 1 to 7 business days. Shipmate can give you an estimated transit time when you request a quote.