Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping is one of the most efficient and affordable ways for businesses to move freight across Canada. Whether you’re shipping pallets, partial loads, or recurring B2B deliveries, LTL shipping in Ontario gives you flexibility without paying for unused trailer space.
At Metropolitan Logistics, we specialize in LTL shipping across Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) — providing reliable routes through CN and CP rail networks, local pickup, and cost-optimized intermodal options.
Key Features of LTL Shipping
For Ontario-based businesses, LTL offers an affordable bridge between parcel shipping and full-truckload (FTL) freight.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Shipment Size | 1–6 pallets or up to ~10,000 lbs |
| Pricing Model | Based on weight, distance, class & space used |
| Transit Time | 1–5 days within Ontario; 3–7 days nationwide |
| Tracking | Real-time GPS and proof of delivery |
| Freight Types | Consumer goods, industrial parts, packaging materials |
2. How LTL Shipping Works in Ontario
| Step | Action | Handled By |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pickup scheduling | Metropolitan Logistics team |
| 2 | Freight consolidation | Terminal or intermodal facility |
| 3 | Regional linehaul | CN/CP rail or over-the-road carrier |
| 4 | Cross-dock sorting | Ontario hub or GTA terminal |
| 5 | Final delivery | Local driver with liftgate / appointment |
By optimizing loads through Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton terminals, Metropolitan Logistics minimizes empty miles and ensures faster transit across Southern Ontario.
LTL vs FTL: What’s the Difference?
| Factor | LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) | FTL (Full-Truckload) |
|---|---|---|
| Shipment Size | Partial loads, 1–6 pallets | Full 53’ trailer |
| Cost | Shared cost, lower per-shipment | Higher, but flat rate |
| Transit Speed | Slightly slower (multi-stop) | Direct & faster |
| Ideal For | Regular small business freight | Large volume, long haul |
| Flexibility | High (multiple routes) | Fixed (dedicated route) |
If your shipment doesn’t fill a full trailer, LTL shipping in Toronto or Ontario gives you the best balance of price and reliability.
Ontario’s Freight Network: Why It Matters
Ontario is Canada’s logistics heart — home to major CN and CP rail terminals, Highway 401 corridor, and multiple intermodal hubs.
This infrastructure makes it easy to move goods between:
- Toronto and Ottawa
- Mississauga and Windsor
- Hamilton and Sudbury
- Ontario to Quebec and Western Canada
Metropolitan Logistics leverages this network to optimize LTL and intermodal shipping, combining rail, truck, and warehousing solutions for maximum efficiency.
Benefits of LTL Shipping in Ontario
Cost Savings
You pay only for the space you use — perfect for smaller loads or recurring shipments.
Flexibility
Daily service across Ontario and GTA means no waiting for a full truckload.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Shared loads mean fewer trucks on the road, improving environmental sustainability.
Real-Time Tracking
Every shipment is tracked through our carrier network for complete visibility.
Professional Handling
Our partners are trained in secure loading, consolidation, and dock-to-dock transfer.
Industries Using LTL Shipping in Ontario
| Industry | Common Shipments |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing & Industrial | Machine parts, pallets, packaging materials |
| Retail & E-Commerce | Consumer goods, display fixtures |
| Construction | Tools, materials, flooring |
| Pharmaceutical | Temperature-controlled or palletized goods |
| Food & Beverage | Non-perishable products and supplies |
Metropolitan Logistics provides tailored LTL shipping solutions for every industry — with temperature-controlled, expedited, and cross-dock options available.
Service Coverage in Ontario
We offer daily LTL pickups and deliveries across:
- Toronto
- Mississauga
- Brampton
- Vaughan
- Hamilton
- Ottawa
- London
- Kitchener-Waterloo
- Windsor
and all major industrial zones across Southern Ontario.
For longer routes, we also connect Ontario freight to Quebec, Western Canada, and the U.S. through our intermodal network.
How Metropolitan Logistics Handles LTL Freight
At Metropolitan Logistics, every LTL shipment goes through a streamlined, tech-driven process:
- Quote & Booking — Transparent pricing with real-time rate confirmation.
- Pickup & Consolidation — Freight grouped with compatible loads.
- Linehaul Movement — Truck or rail, depending on destination and timing.
- Terminal Sorting — Intelligent routing through GTA hubs.
- Final Delivery — Reliable, tracked, on-time arrival to consignee.
Our AI-assisted dispatch system helps us predict and prevent potential bottlenecks — ensuring your LTL shipment arrives without delay.
Pricing: How LTL Shipping Rates Are Calculated
| Cost Factor | Influence on Price |
|---|---|
| Weight | Heavier shipments cost more but less per lb |
| Distance | Long-haul routes increase base rate |
| Freight Class (NMFC) | Based on density, handling, and liability |
| Accessorials | Liftgate, residential delivery, appointment fees |
| Fuel Surcharge | Adjusted weekly by carrier rates |
Typical LTL shipping cost within Ontario starts around $150–$400 CAD per pallet, depending on origin, destination, and service level.
Why Choose Metropolitan Logistics for LTL Shipping
- ✅ Licensed Canadian freight forwarder
- ✅ Strong network of LTL carriers & terminals
- ✅ Intermodal options for lower emissions and cost
- ✅ Transparent pricing & live shipment tracking
- ✅ 24/7 support for urgent deliveries
With over a decade of experience in Ontario’s logistics sector, Metropolitan Logistics connects local businesses with national supply chains through dependable, flexible LTL solutions.
12. Conclusion
If your business needs reliable, cost-efficient, and flexible transportation, LTL shipping in Ontario is the perfect solution.
It balances affordability and speed — ideal for companies that move palletized or recurring freight.
At Metropolitan Logistics, we make LTL simple — from pickup scheduling and consolidation to final delivery and tracking.
👉 Contact us today to get a quote for LTL shipping in Toronto or anywhere in Ontario and see why businesses across Canada trust our team for dependable freight solutions.
📞 +1 (365) 829 5000
📧 service@metropolitanlogistics.ca
