Cost
Effective Shipping
National
Flexible
Shipment Sizes
What is less than Truckload Shipping?
Less-than-truckload shipping is commonly referred to as LTL, where multiple shipments share space on the same truck, destined for the same region or location. Instead of paying a dedicated rate to ship directly to your customer, the cost is shared based on the amount of space or weight used in the trailer.
Shipment sizes typically range from 150 lbs (or 68 kg, although freight is measured imperially in North America) up to 10,000 lbs. The freight carriers consolidate customers onto one truck bound for a specific region via a hub-and-spoke network to maximize cost efficiency.
Benefits of LTL
- Pay only for the space you use
- Cost-effective for smaller shipments
- Flexible shipment sizes
- Wide coverage network
- Regular scheduled service
When to Choose LTL
- Shipments under 10,000 lbs
- 1-6 pallets of freight
- When cost is a priority over speed
- Regular, smaller shipments
- Non-urgent delivery timelines
LTL vs. FTL: Which is Right for you?
Choosing between LTL and full truckload (FTL) depends on your shipment size, timeline, and budget. Here’s a quick comparison:
Factor
- Shipment Size
- Cost
- Transit Time
- Handling
- Best For
LTL
- 150 — 10,000 lbs
- Pay for space used
- Longer (multiple stops)
- Multiple touches
- Smaller, cost-sensitive shipments
FTL
- 10,000+ lbs or 10+ pallets
- Pay for full trailer
- Faster (direct)
- Minimal Handling
- Large or time-sensitive freight
LTL Capabilities
Through our carrier network, we provide LTL shipping with access to a range of equipment and specialized services.
Industries we serve
Canadian Alliance provides order fulfillment services across a range of industries. Our experience with diverse product types means we understand the specific handling, storage, and compliance requirements of your sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LTL shipping?
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping consolidates freight from multiple shippers onto a single truck. You pay for the space your shipment occupies rather than an entire trailer, making it cost-effective for smaller shipments.
What size shipments qualify for LTL?
LTL typically handles shipments ranging from 150 lbs to 10,000 lbs, or approximately 1-6 pallets. Shipments larger than this may be more cost-effective as full truckload (FTL).
How long does LTL shipping take?
LTL transit times are longer than FTL because shipments move through carrier terminals and share truck space. Transit times depend on origin, destination, and carrier schedules. We can provide estimated transit times when you request a quote.
What do I need for an LTL quote?
For an LTL quote, we need: pickup and delivery locations (including zip/postal codes), freight details (weight, dimensions, pallet count, commodity), freight class if known, and any accessorial services needed (liftgate, residential, etc.).