When you ship pallets rather than parcels, you will usually choose between LTL and FTL freight. The right choice depends on how much you are shipping, how fast it needs to arrive and how fragile it is. This guide explains LTL vs FTL shipping for businesses shipping in Canada and to the US.
What is LTL shipping?
LTL (less than truckload) means your pallets share a trailer with other shippers’ freight. You pay only for the space and weight you use. LTL shipments usually move through terminals, where freight is unloaded, sorted and loaded onto other trucks on the way to its destination.
What is FTL shipping?
FTL (full truckload) means you book a whole trailer for your shipment. The truck usually goes straight from pickup to delivery without stopping at terminals. A standard 53-foot trailer holds about 26 standard 48 x 40 inch pallets on the floor.
LTL vs FTL at a glance
| LTL | FTL | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size | A few pallets | A full trailer, or close to it |
| Pricing | Based on weight, size, density and distance, plus extra fees | Flat rate for the truck, mainly by distance |
| Transit time | Slower: stops at terminals | Faster: usually direct |
| Handling | Moved several times | Loaded once, unloaded once |
| Damage risk | Higher, because of extra handling | Lower |
| Best for | Small and regular B2B shipments | Large, urgent or fragile loads |
Common LTL extra fees
LTL quotes can grow with accessorial charges. Ask about these before you book:
- Lift gate at pickup or delivery, when there is no loading dock.
- Residential or limited-access delivery, such as job sites or schools.
- Appointment or notify-before-delivery fees.
- Inside delivery beyond the dock or door.
- Re-weigh or re-class fees if the weight or size was wrong.
- Storage if the receiver cannot accept the freight.
How to choose
- Shipping a few pallets and not in a rush? LTL usually costs less.
- Filling most of a trailer? Get an FTL quote. It can cost about the same or less than LTL at that size.
- Fragile, high-value or time-critical goods? FTL means less handling and faster delivery.
- Shipping inside the GTA? A local van or truck from your warehouse may be faster and simpler than LTL.
Tips to ship pallets for less
- Build stable, full pallets and wrap them well.
- Measure and weigh every pallet accurately before you book.
- Stack pallets only if the freight can safely take it, and tell the carrier.
- Combine orders into fewer, fuller shipments.
- Book pickups ahead, especially before holidays.
- Send clear paperwork, such as the bill of lading and packing list.
Shipping to the US
Cross-border LTL and FTL shipments also need customs paperwork and usually a customs broker on both sides. See shipping from Canada to the US for the basics.
Pallet shipping from Mississauga
Newsom 3PL ships pallets and small loads from our Mississauga warehouse by LTL, with 16-foot cargo vans and 26-foot trailers for larger and full truckload needs, and lift-gate delivery across the GTA. We also prepare retail orders to each retailer’s rules. See B2B distribution, GTA delivery and cross-docking, or request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
What does LTL stand for?
LTL stands for less than truckload. It is freight that does not need a whole trailer, so it shares space with other shipments.
How many pallets fit in a 53-foot trailer?
About 26 standard 48 x 40 inch pallets fit on the floor of a 53-foot trailer, or more if the freight can be safely stacked.
Is LTL cheaper than FTL?
For small shipments, yes. As your shipment fills more of the trailer, FTL can become the same price or cheaper, and it is usually faster.
What is a lift gate?
A lift gate is a platform on the back of a truck that lowers pallets to the ground. It is needed when the pickup or delivery location has no loading dock.