FTL Freight Services Canada | Full Truckload Shipping

When you need an entire trailer, our FTL (Full Truckload) services provide dedicated capacity with faster transit times and fewer handling points. Ideal for large shipments or time-sensitive freight.

Dedicated Trailer Capacity

Get exclusive use of a trailer for your shipment. FTL shipping means faster delivery, fewer touchpoints, and reduced risk of damage compared to LTL shipments.

Flexible Equipment Options

Choose from various trailer types including dry vans, flatbeds, reefers, and specialized equipment. We match the right equipment to your freight requirements.

When to Choose Full Truckload Shipping

Full Truckload (FTL) shipping makes sense in several scenarios. Shipments over 15,000 pounds typically cost less via FTL than LTL since you're paying for the trailer regardless of weight. High-value freight benefits from FTL's reduced handling - your goods load once and unload once with no intermediate terminal stops, minimizing damage risk. Time-sensitive freight ships faster via FTL with direct routing and no terminal delays. Freight requiring climate control, special handling, or security is better suited to FTL where you control the entire trailer environment. Partial truckloads between 10,000-15,000 pounds may still be more cost-effective via FTL when you factor in LTL accessorial charges and faster delivery. Our team can run both FTL and LTL quotes to help you make the most economical choice.

FTL Equipment Types

Full truckload shipping offers various equipment options to match your freight requirements. Dry vans are standard 53-foot enclosed trailers suitable for most general freight - the workhorse of the trucking industry. Refrigerated trailers (reefers) maintain temperature control from -20°F to ambient, essential for food, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-sensitive products. Flatbed trailers are open trailers ideal for oversized freight, construction materials, and loads requiring crane loading. Step deck (stepdeck) trailers have a lower deck allowing for taller freight up to 10 feet high. Lowboy trailers sit very low to the ground for extremely tall or heavy equipment. Specialized equipment includes conestoga flatbeds with rolling tarps, stretch trailers extending beyond 53 feet, and heavy haul trailers for overweight loads. Matching the right equipment to your freight ensures safe, efficient transportation.

FTL Pricing Factors

FTL freight rates depend on multiple variables. Distance is the primary factor - longer hauls cost more but the per-mile rate typically decreases with distance. Equipment type affects pricing with specialized equipment commanding premium rates. Fuel surcharges fluctuate with diesel prices, typically 20-30% of the base rate. Seasonal demand impacts pricing significantly - rates increase during peak shipping seasons (Q4, harvest season) and decrease during slow periods (January-February). Route density matters as freight on popular lanes is more competitive while remote destinations cost more. Accessorial charges add to base rates for services like detention (waiting time beyond free hours), layover fees, tolls, and special handling requirements. Our extensive carrier network allows us to find competitive FTL rates across all equipment types and routes.

Team Drivers vs. Solo Drivers

Driver configuration significantly impacts FTL transit times and costs. Solo drivers operate under Hours of Service (HOS) regulations allowing 11 hours of driving in a 14-hour window, requiring 10 consecutive hours off duty. This means long-haul shipments take multiple days with overnight stops. Team drivers involve two qualified drivers operating one truck, allowing continuous driving with one driving while the other rests. Team drivers can cover 1,000+ miles per day versus 500-600 for solo drivers, cutting cross-country transit from 5-6 days to 2-3 days. Team drivers cost more (typically 40-60% premium over solo) but are essential for time-critical freight. Our team can arrange both solo and team driver service based on your timeline and budget requirements.

Drop Trailer Programs

Drop trailer programs provide flexibility for shippers needing extended loading or unloading time. The carrier drops an empty trailer at your facility, you load at your convenience over hours or days, then call for pickup when ready. This eliminates driver detention charges since the driver isn't waiting while you load. Drop trailer service is ideal for freight requiring extensive loading time, facilities wanting to load overnight or over weekends, and operations needing flexibility for production schedules. Not all lanes and carriers offer drop trailer service, and there may be per-day trailer rental fees after free time (typically 24-48 hours). Our team can arrange drop trailer service where available to optimize your loading operations and reduce costs.

Key Features

Dry van, flatbed, and reefer trailers
Team driver service for expedited delivery
Drop trailer programs
Dedicated and spot market capacity
Cross-border FTL services
Oversized and heavy haul options

Benefits

Faster transit times than LTL
Lower risk of freight damage
Flexible pickup and delivery schedules
Cost-effective for shipments over 15,000 lbs

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I choose FTL over LTL?

Choose FTL for shipments over 15,000 lbs, when you need faster delivery, or for freight that requires exclusive trailer use for security or handling reasons.

What are team drivers?

Team drivers are two drivers operating one truck, allowing for continuous driving and faster delivery times on long-haul routes.

FTL Freight Services - Full Truckload Shipping