Discover what’s LTL shipping and why Canadian businesses choose it. Compare LTL shipping cost, benefits, and request a free estimate.
Understanding What’s LTL Shipping
What’s LTL shipping? It stands for Less-than-Truckload shipping, a freight method designed for shipments that don’t fill an entire truck. Instead of paying for unused trailer space, multiple companies share a single truck — each paying only for the space their freight occupies. This model helps reduce shipping costs, improves efficiency, and minimizes environmental impact.
In simple terms, if you need to ship 2–6 pallets instead of a full truck, LTL shipping is the perfect solution. It allows your goods to move alongside other shipments headed in a similar direction — without compromising delivery times or cargo safety.
How LTL Shipping Works
LTL shipping combines precision, coordination, and technology. The process typically includes:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Pickup | Freight is collected from your warehouse, business, or supplier. |
| 2. Terminal Sorting | Shipments are consolidated with others traveling the same route. |
| 3. Long-Haul Transit | The loaded trailer moves between regional terminals across Canada. |
| 4. Final Delivery | Goods are unloaded and delivered to the receiver with tracking updates. |
This shared model maximizes efficiency, making it one of the most economical freight solutions for Canadian businesses.
Benefits of LTL Shipping
LTL freight shipping provides several advantages beyond cost savings:
- Cost Efficiency: You pay only for the space you use — no wasted capacity.
- Flexibility: Regular pickups and deliveries make it ideal for smaller, recurring shipments.
- Sustainability: Fewer trucks on the road mean reduced emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.
- Reliability: Modern LTL carriers use advanced tracking and digital updates to ensure transparency.
- Security: Consolidated freight is professionally loaded, braced, and secured to prevent movement during transit.
Metropolitan Logistics ensures every LTL shipment is properly blocked, braced, and secured — protecting your cargo even on multi-stop routes.
How Much Does LTL Shipping Cost?
The LTL shipping cost depends on distance, shipment size, freight class, and delivery speed. Here’s an overview of typical domestic rates in Canada:
| Route | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto → Montreal | $250 – $500 | 1–2 days |
| Vancouver → Calgary | $300 – $600 | 1–2 days |
| Toronto → Winnipeg | $400 – $750 | 2–3 days |
| Montreal → Halifax | $450 – $850 | 3–5 days |
| Toronto → Edmonton | $700 – $1,200 | 4–6 days |
Rates may fluctuate based on seasonal demand, weight, and accessorial services such as liftgate or residential delivery.
For the most accurate LTL shipping estimate, contact Metropolitan Logistics — our team provides transparent quotes with no hidden fees.
LTL vs. FTL: Which Is Better?
| Feature | LTL Shipping | FTL Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Space | Shared among multiple shippers | Entire truck for one load |
| Cost | Lower, shared cost | Higher, exclusive use |
| Transit Time | Slightly longer | Direct delivery |
| Best For | Small to medium freight | Full truckloads |
| Eco-Friendliness | Energy-efficient | Higher emissions per load |
If you ship partial loads frequently, LTL is the ideal balance of affordability and reliability. For urgent or sensitive shipments, FTL might be a better fit — but both can be managed by Metropolitan Logistics through integrated intermodal services.
Real Case Example: LTL Shipment from Montreal to Calgary
| Scenario | Details |
|---|---|
| Client Type | Retail chain distributor |
| Cargo | 5 pallets of packaged goods |
| Mode | LTL consolidated freight |
| Transit Time | 3 business days |
| Savings | 45% compared to dedicated truckload |
| Result | On-time delivery with full tracking visibility |
This case shows how shared freight can maintain performance while drastically lowering logistics expenses.
How LTL Supports Canada’s Supply Chain
LTL shipping plays a major role in the Canadian logistics ecosystem. It connects regional manufacturers, warehouses, and retailers while optimizing capacity use across highways and rail corridors. For small and mid-sized businesses, it ensures competitive access to nationwide distribution — without the cost burden of full truckloads.
At Metropolitan Logistics, we integrate LTL transport with intermodal and drayage services. This flexibility allows clients to scale up or down based on shipment volume, season, and demand. Whether your freight moves from Vancouver to Toronto or Halifax to Calgary, our coordinated network keeps it moving efficiently.
Why Choose Metropolitan Logistics for LTL Freight
Our integrated network of rail, road, and container freight ensures your shipment arrives on time, every time. Whether you’re moving a few pallets or planning recurring logistics, we simplify the process with personalized solutions.
Advantages:
✔ Transparent LTL shipping rates
✔ Nationwide coverage across major Canadian cities
✔ Reliable pickup scheduling
✔ Advanced cargo protection
✔ 24/7 shipment visibility
Service Coverage Across Canada
| Province | Major Service Cities | Available Services |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Ottawa, Hamilton | LTL freight, warehousing, intermodal, transload |
| Quebec | Montreal, Laval, Quebec City, Longueuil | LTL and container transport, export packing |
| British Columbia | Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Delta, Burnaby | LTL, port drayage, warehousing |
| Alberta | Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge | Intermodal and LTL delivery, heavy cargo |
| Manitoba | Winnipeg, Brandon | Regional freight and LTL consolidation |
| Nova Scotia | Halifax, Dartmouth | LTL freight and container delivery |
| Saskatchewan | Regina, Saskatoon | LTL trucking, intermodal and warehousing |
Get an LTL Shipping Quote Today
Move smarter, not more expensive. Get your LTL shipping estimate from Metropolitan Logistics today and enjoy cost-efficient freight solutions backed by experience and technology.