DomesticDecember 26, 20247 min read
Ontario Freight Shipping: Navigating the Toronto-Windsor Corridor
Ontario's Toronto-Windsor corridor handles the majority of Canadian freight. Navigate Highway 401 traffic, GTA deliveries, and border crossings efficiently.
By MPS Freight Team
Ontario's Highway 401 corridor from Windsor to the Quebec border represents Canada's most critical freight route, handling more trucks annually than any other Canadian highway. The [Toronto-Windsor section](/freight-services/toronto) is particularly significant, connecting border crossings with Canada's largest market. Highway 401 through Toronto is North America's busiest highway with 500,000+ vehicles daily including 20,000+ trucks. Strategic considerations include avoiding rush hours (7-10 AM and 4-7 PM) when possible, using Highway 407 ETR toll route for time-sensitive freight, and planning for construction delays particularly common in summer. The [Greater Toronto Area (GTA)](/freight-services/toronto) presents unique delivery challenges with strict delivery time windows at urban locations, traffic congestion requiring extra transit time, and limited loading dock access at many facilities. Major GTA freight hubs include [Mississauga](/locations/mississauga) (Canada's second-largest cargo airport and distribution hub), [Brampton](/locations/brampton) (manufacturing and distribution center), and Vaughan (logistics and warehousing cluster). [Windsor-Detroit crossing](/locations/windsor) considerations are critical as this crossing processes 25% of Canada-US trade. The Ambassador Bridge handles the majority of commercial traffic, while the future Gordie Howe International Bridge will add capacity. FAST program enrollment is essential for regular cross-border freight. [Hamilton](/freight-services/hamilton) Port on Lake Ontario provides intermodal opportunities. [London, Ontario](/freight-services/london-ontario) serves as a midpoint distribution hub. [Ottawa](/freight-services/ottawa), while smaller, serves as the national capital and government freight destination. Understanding Ontario's freight infrastructure, traffic patterns, and urban delivery requirements ensures efficient freight movement through Canada's economic heartland. MPS Freight Management provides comprehensive [Ontario freight services](/freight-services/toronto). Call (866) 200-9989.