The short answer
Use LTL when your freight occupies a small share of a trailer and can tolerate terminal handling. Use FTL when the shipment fills most of a trailer, is fragile or high-value, or must arrive on a firm date with no transfers in between.
Most Canadian shippers cross over somewhere around six pallets. Below that, LTL is usually cheaper. Above that, the price gap narrows quickly and the operational advantages of a dedicated trailer start to win.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | LTL | FTL |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size | 1–6 pallets | 7+ pallets or full trailer |
| Pricing basis | Weight, dimensions, class, lane | Lane, equipment, timing |
| Handling points | Multiple terminal transfers | Loaded once, unloaded once |
| Transit predictability | Variable — network dependent | Direct, more predictable |
| Damage exposure | Higher (handling) | Lower |
| Best for | Routine, well-packaged, flexible freight | Fragile, high-value, deadline-driven freight |
Where LTL costs more than it looks
LTL quotes move after pickup more often than shippers expect. Reweighs, reclasses, residential or limited-access delivery, liftgate requirements and inside delivery are all billed after the fact.
- Dimensions rounded up at the terminal because the pallet overhangs
- Density-based reclass when actual weight differs from the quote
- Accessorials for liftgate, appointment, residential or limited access
- Storage when a receiver cannot take delivery on the first attempt
When FTL is the cheaper decision even at higher cost
If a delayed or damaged shipment stops a production line, misses a job-site window or forces a second delivery attempt, the freight invoice is the smallest number in the equation. Dedicated capacity buys a single handling event and a schedule you can plan around.
Questions to answer before you request a quote
Having these ready removes most of the back-and-forth and makes the quote you receive the price you pay.
- Exact piece count, pallet dimensions and total weight
- Commodity description and packaging type
- Whether a dock, forklift or liftgate is available at both ends
- Pickup window and the real delivery deadline
- Any appointment, reference or PO numbers the receiver requires