How Canadian LTL pricing is actually built
An LTL rate is a lane base rate adjusted for weight, dimensions and density, then modified by fuel and any accessorials the pickup or delivery requires. Two shipments with identical weight can price very differently if one is bulky and light.
- Lane and distance between terminals serving each postal code
- Billable weight — the greater of actual and dimensional weight
- Freight class or density, depending on the carrier's tariff
- Fuel surcharge, applied as a percentage of the base rate
- Accessorials: liftgate, residential, appointment, inside delivery, storage
Transit expectations across Canada
LTL transit is service-day based, not guaranteed unless you buy a guaranteed service. Treat the numbers below as planning ranges for shipments picked up before cut-off.
| Lane | Typical LTL transit |
|---|---|
| Metro Vancouver local | 1 business day |
| Vancouver – Interior BC | 1–2 business days |
| Vancouver – Alberta | 2–3 business days |
| Vancouver – Manitoba / Saskatchewan | 3–5 business days |
| Vancouver – Ontario / Quebec | 6–9 business days |
| Vancouver – Atlantic Canada | 8–12 business days |
Preparing a pallet that survives the network
LTL freight is lifted, scanned, moved, stacked and reloaded several times. Packaging is the single largest factor you control.
- Keep every item inside the pallet footprint — overhang causes damage and reclassing
- Shrink-wrap down to and around the pallet deck, not just the load
- Corner boards and banding for anything tall or top-heavy
- One clear label per side, plus a copy inside the shipment
- Never stack a light, crushable pallet under a dense one
Documentation that prevents disputes
The bill of lading is the contract. If it does not match the freight, the invoice will not match the quote. Record piece count, dimensions, weight, commodity, special handling and reference numbers before the driver arrives — and note any damage on the delivery receipt before signing.