LTL trucking (Less Than Truckload) from the USA is ideal to ship palletized freight to Canada. In LTL shipping, multiple consignments ship together dividing the the transport costs. Shipping to Canada from the USA via LTL is a great resource.
LTL, or Less Than Truckload, is a highly cost-effective option for shipping when your shipment is not large enough to fill an entire truck. This is a common scenario for businesses that have smaller shipments or irregular volumes. Why pay for the entire truck. , LTL allows you to only pay for the space you actually use. Making it a more affordable choice.
When you choose LTL shipping, the carrier will pick up your pallets. Then combine them with other shipments to optimize the capacity of the truck. This consolidation process minimizes efficiency thus lowering total transportation costs.
Download Accompanying PDF
LTL shipping provides access to a vast network of carriers, including national carriers, regional specialists, and independent truckers. Most trucking companies themselves act as brokers. By mixing their own capacity with others they expand their service options.
When shipping between Canada and the USA, goods require specific documents for customs clearance. The carrier provides the bill of lading and cross border approvals. The necessary documents from the shipping include a customs invoice, customs broker, and certificate of origin (COO). A COO is for claiming duty free benefits under USMCA / CUSMA.
After customs clearance in Canada, the pallets are in domestic status for final delivery.
There are a multitude of potential trucking options to consider when shipping palletized freight between Canada and the USA. Major carriers mixed with regional specialists and independent truckers. All form a network of capacity. In fact, most trucking companies are themselves brokers mixing their own capacity with others (as mentioned above).
Brokers can also assist by providing logistics expertise and advise.
The freight classification refers to a classification used to determine trucking rates. HS classification is for international customs declarations. For domestic shipping, and HS code is not a requirement. For international shipping via LTL or FTL, both are necessary.
The National Motor Freight Classification will update in 2025 to a "Standardized Density Scale." The primary aspects are the weight density and value. Other factors include nature of the goods that require special handling - such how goods are packaged. And such things as if the goods are considered dangerous.
The good news is that shipping pallets of non dangerous goods with no special handling will be much easier to classify via only the weight, dimensions and value. No need to guess at the classification.
Invoice for Customs: An invoice for customs serves as the basis for a customs entry. Learn more about what to include on a customs invoice.
If you want to ship freight across the US Canada Border, here's what you need to know.
As a shipper located in either Canada or USA, your freight can cross the via many border crossing locations. Finding a truck to move your freight to and from Canada is possible in several ways
A truck brokerage is most often the most efficient method. The thing is, everyone seems to use everyone. What is the best way to enter the market place?
Depend on our team’s expertise and overall market visibility of our reliable freight brokerage. We work to find the best-fit truck for your freight.
There are several Canadian carriers who specialize in moving freight to and from USA. Similarly, there are also US carriers with the same capacity. The differentiator is making sure the driver and carrier have cross border experience. Utilizing a Canadian-based company looking for a “north bound load” may be the best option.
To make this process as smooth as possible, ensure that each of these forms is with your shipment. See section in more detail above.
Tens of thousand of trucks cross the Canada-U.S. border every day It both common place but also more complex than moving freight domestically.
We'll guide you through all the fundamentals to transport. Ship freight across the border, whether you're shipping truckload freight from Canada or southbound to the USA.
The party listed on the customs documents is the importer of record and responsible for any tariffs owed at the time of import. The receiver of the goods is not necessarily the importer.
When shipping smaller orders, the most cost-effective option may not be LTL
There is no need to use a Full or partial Truckload if your cargo is not large enough. Smaller shipments can benefit from ground transport. Even smaller shipments may be best sent via economy air that includes customs entry preparation.
Full Truck load/ FTL trucking is the best method for shipping if your cargo fills (or nearly fills) a 48 or 53 foot trailer. The advantage is that your entire shipment travels in one truck direct. Less to go wrong. Faster Transport. But, of course, it works only if you have a large enough shipment.
Our company offers Refrigerated/Reefer LTL shipping solutions for transporting your cargo in a temperature-controlled environment. Perishable products includes such things as fruits, vegetables, flowers, and pharmaceutical products. They necessitate a higher level of pre-planning to ensure uninterrupted transport. Contact our team by filling in form below.
Our partnerships with the top LTL Refrigerated Trucking enable us to provide safe, secure, and efficient temperature-controlled partial truckload services.
Intermodal rail freight transport is an essential mode of transportation. Typically higher level logistics for shippers who regularly ship multiple truck loads and containers.
Most carriers include basic liability insurance for your goods while in transit, which includes coverage fees in their shipping charges. You can enhance this coverage by acquiring additional insurance protection. Critically important is to ensure secure packing of the goods Most denial from insurance claims is due to insufficient packaging.
LTL rates work by following a specific set of rules and calculations.
LTL freight rates are often via weight per hundred pounds. The rate per hundred pounds usually decreases as the shipment gets heavier.
Stackable versus non-stackable:
If pallets can stake on top of one another, a lower rate can apply. LTL shipping service is suitable for loads. Each pallet with a total weight of less than around 5,000 pounds. And a total length of less than 12 linear feet.
Over Sized Freight: If any one dimension exceeds 10-12 feet, special handling may apply. Goods that need to loaded onto a flat bed, for example, a via a different tariff.
Freight Class:
Discussed in above. The lower the class, the better the rate.
Density of Freight:
This similar to freight class and often used for estimates when the class is not available. The density of an object is a factor using the dimensions and weight.
Distance traveled:
Obviously, distance traveled is a factor in pricing. However, popular shipping lanes can benefit from lower costs even if they are far apart.
Total costs have gone down as North American routes have grown thanks to to increased trade.
Canada and the United States are similar in terms of customs and rules of commerce. Yet, they remain distinct. Each with their own set of regulations.
In addition to duty, Canada has aGoods and Services Tax (GST) of 5%. This is a federal tax that applies to all items sold to the Canadian market. The importing businesses may be able to claim this tax back. The GST applies to goods for domestic consumption. If the goods are for production of another product, for example, it can qualify for a refund. In addition to GST, there are provincial taxes as well (HST and PST). Read more: Most common Canadian import fees to expect for your LTL shipment to Canada.
Virtually all brokers have access to the similar data. The market is fairly efficient. Getting a rate can cbe compared to travel sites: They all offer around the same rate. What differentiates each broker is their customer support, follow up and expertise. Our team provides world class support. We depend on technology for pricing efficiency. But pride ourselves on in person customer support.
Some other leading truck brokers include:
Canada’s non-resident importer program enables United States exporters to obtain a business number and act as the “importer of record.”Being able to act as the importer of record removes the burden of customs clearance from the Canadian customer and can facilitates the sale. Read more about valuation for non-resident importers.
Other things to consider when shipping to Canada from the USA include:
In LTL, everyone uses everyone. Or so it seems. Most important is that the provider is transparent ins who they use and why they use them! SME's depend on reliable partners who can serve as an extension of their logistics staff rather than simply a vendor. It is productive to rely on trusted partners. Partners who can both save money on transport. Plus take away some of the burden of managing the effort.
The growth of north bound shipping to Canada has caused supply issues and general rate increases. Companies are seeking alternative shipping solutions and logistics support in both the US and Canada. Read more: Understanding Canadian Import Fees.
Jet Worldwide provides options for shipping within North America for parcels, pallets and online orders.In LTL, everyone uses everyone. Or so it seems. Most important is that the provider is transparent ins who they use and why they use them! SME's depend on reliable partners who can serve as an extension of their logistics staff rather than simply a vendor. It is productive to rely on trusted partners who can both save money on transport and take away some of the cost of managing the effort.
The growth of north bound shipping to Canada has caused supply issues and general rate increases. Companies are seeking alternative shipping solutions and logistics support in both the US and Canada. Read more: Understanding Canadian Import Fees.
Jet Worldwide is a trusted brand that has been providing international shipping solutions for over 40 years.