Ground freight includes LTL, truckload, expedited and specialized road transport. The quote depends on more than distance: density, dimensions, class/rating methods, lane balance, delivery site and required equipment all matter.
LTL, FTL and partial loads
LTL (less than truckload) shares a trailer with other shippers and suits a few pallets. FTL (full truckload) gives you the whole 53' trailer, with faster, more direct transit and less handling. Partial or volume loads sit in between for shipments that are too big for LTL but do not fill a trailer. Equipment includes dry vans, temperature-controlled reefers, and flatbeds or step-decks for oversized freight.
Typical transit on key lanes
As planning figures, Vancouver to Toronto (about 4,400 km) takes five to six days with one driver or three to four days with a team, and cross-border Toronto to Chicago takes about one to two days. For long, regular, heavy moves, rail intermodal is often a cost-effective alternative at a day or two longer.
Cross-border trucking
Trucks crossing between Canada and the US need electronic manifests filed in advance: ACI eManifest for Canada and ACE eManifest for the US. Customs clearance on each side is coordinated through licensed customs brokers. See shipping from the USA to Canada for the inbound lane.
Common accessorials
- Liftgate / tailgate
- Residential or limited-access delivery
- Inside delivery
- Appointment service
- Waiting time
- Re-delivery
Include these requirements before dispatch rather than after the truck is already moving.
Getting an accurate quote
Send pallet count, dimensions and weights, whether freight can be stacked, pickup and delivery postal codes, and dock or liftgate needs. Non-stackable pallets use more trailer space; our freight measurement guide explains why density matters. Request pricing through the quote form.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between LTL and FTL?
LTL (less than truckload) shares a trailer with other shippers and suits a few pallets. FTL (full truckload) reserves a whole 53 ft trailer for one shipment, with more direct transit and less handling.
How long does trucking from Vancouver to Toronto take?
As a planning figure, about five to six days with a single driver, or three to four days with a team on an expedited service.
What paperwork is needed for cross-border trucking?
Carriers file an ACI eManifest before entering Canada and an ACE eManifest before entering the US, and the goods need a commercial invoice and customs clearance coordinated through licensed customs brokers.
What are accessorial charges in trucking?
Accessorials are extra services beyond dock-to-dock transport, such as liftgate, residential or inside delivery, appointments, waiting time and re-delivery. Declare them up front to avoid surprise charges.