Transporting goods is essential to conducting business, but choosing the right transportation option can be challenging. For businesses in Canada, less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping has become popular due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility. LTL shipping Canada allows business organizations to transport smaller quantities of goods while only paying for the space they need in the truck. Check out this guide to learn what it is, how it works, and the benefits it offers for businesses in Canada
It is a type of freight transportation used for transporting smaller loads that don’t require a full truckload. LTL carriers consolidate multiple shipments from different businesses into one truck, making it a more cost-effective option for shipping smaller quantities of goods.
According to recent data from Statistics Canada, as of June 2022, 1.3 million companies in Canada employed individuals. For small and medium-sized organizations in particular, LTL transporting can be a crucial and cost-effective option for transporting goods, especially for those with limited budgets. It allows businesses to pay only for the needed space, making it a budget-friendly option for smaller loads.
How Does It Work?
When using the LTL transportation system, companies only pay for the space their shipment takes up in the truck. The carrier will pick up the shipment from the business and transport it to a terminal or hub to consolidate it with other shipments. From there, the carrier will transport the consolidated shipment to its final destination.
Its Benefits for Businesses in Canada
Cost Savings
By consolidating multiple shipments into one truck, businesses only pay for the needed space. This makes it a cost-effective option for shipping smaller quantities of goods, especially for companies with a limited budget. LTL carriers often offer volume discounts for organisations that regularly ship large quantities of goods.
Flexible Shipping Options
The transportation offers flexible shipping options that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses. For instance, companies can choose from various pickup and delivery options, including lift-gate service and inside delivery, making transporting goods to hard-to-reach locations easier. Additionally, the carriers offer a range of transit time options, allowing companies to choose the delivery speed that best suits their needs.
Greater Control and Visibility
Such transportation provides organizations with greater control and visibility over their shipments. With advanced tracking and reporting systems, they can monitor their shipments in real-time, from pickup to delivery. This allows them to plan and coordinate their operations more efficiently and provide accurate delivery times to their customers.
Customizable Services
LTL carriers offer a range of customizable services that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses. For example, companies can request special handling or packaging requirements, such as temperature-controlled transportation or fragile item handling.
How Much Does It Cost in Canada?
The cost of LTL shipping in Canada can vary depending on several factors, including the weight and size of the shipment, the distance it needs to travel, and the services required. Generally, the carriers charge by the hundredweight (CWT) of the shipment, which refers to the weight of the shipment per 100 pounds. The cost per CWT can range from approximately $50 to $200 or more, depending on the abovementioned factors. Also, carriers may charge additional fees for lift-gate service, inside delivery, or specialized handling requirements. To get a more accurate estimate of the cost of LTL shipping for your specific shipment, it’s best to obtain a quote from a reputable carrier.
This transportation offers Canadian businesses a flexible, cost-effective, and secure solution for transporting small goods. By selecting a reputable carrier and using their customizable services, businesses can streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and save on shipping costs.