LTL vs. FTL Freight in Canada: Choosing the Right Shipping Option

One of the first questions shippers face when booking freight across Canada is whether to use Less-than-Truckload (LTL) or Full Truckload (FTL) service. Both are widely available, but they serve different needs — and choosing the wrong one can cost you money, time, or both. Here's a straightforward breakdown to help you make the right call.

What Is LTL Freight?

Less-than-Truckload means your shipment shares trailer space with freight from other shippers. You pay only for the space your cargo occupies, making it the most economical choice for smaller loads — typically anything under 10,000 lbs or that doesn't fill a trailer more than roughly half-full. LTL is handled at terminals where freight is sorted and consolidated, which adds transit time but significantly reduces cost per pound.

What Is FTL Freight?

Full Truckload means one shipper books the entire trailer — a 53-foot dry van, reefer, or flatbed — exclusively for their freight. The truck drives directly from origin to destination without stops to load or unload other cargo. This gives you faster transit, fewer touches (meaning less damage risk), and more control over timing. FTL is ideal for larger shipments, time-sensitive loads, fragile or high-value freight, and cargo that requires specific handling conditions.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Cost: LTL is cheaper for small loads; FTL becomes cost-competitive at roughly 12–15 pallets or more
• Speed: FTL moves point-to-point with no stops; LTL adds 1–3 days for terminal handling
• Freight handling: FTL has fewer touches and lower damage risk; LTL freight is loaded and unloaded multiple times
• Flexibility: LTL ships almost daily on major lanes; FTL may require 24–48 hours to source a truck
• Minimum charges: LTL carriers apply density and class-based pricing; FTL is negotiated per move

When to Choose LTL

LTL is the right choice when your shipment is under about 10 pallets and doesn't have strict delivery windows. It's common for manufacturers shipping partial orders to distribution centres, retailers replenishing inventory, or businesses with irregular shipping volumes. If cost per pound is your primary concern and your freight isn't fragile or temperature-sensitive, LTL is typically the most practical option.

When to Choose FTL

FTL makes sense when you're moving large volumes, shipping time-critical loads, or transporting freight that requires special handling — such as cannabis, fresh produce, or temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals. It's also the smarter choice when freight damage is a serious concern: a single carrier handles your load from door to door, reducing the risk of mishandling at transfer points.

A Note on Hybrid Options

Some shippers use a hybrid approach: booking LTL for routine restocks and FTL for peak season or time-critical orders. A good freight broker will help you build a strategy that balances cost and service level based on your actual shipping patterns — not just the cheapest option on any given day.

Working With a Freight Broker for Both

A freight broker with carrier relationships across Canada can access LTL consolidation networks and FTL capacity on the same lanes, giving you a single point of contact for all your freight needs. Rather than managing multiple carriers, rate negotiations, and tracking systems, you work with one partner who handles it all — from quote to proof of delivery.