Learn how LTL ecommerce shipping helps Canadian online retailers balance cost efficiency with reliable delivery speeds for customer satisfaction.
For Canadian ecommerce businesses, finding the right shipping solution can make or break your bottom line. LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipping offers the perfect middle ground between expensive parcel shipping and underutilized full truckloads. This guide explains how to make LTL work for your online store while keeping your customers happy.
Why Smart Retailers Choose LTL Ecommerce Shipping
When your business grows beyond small parcels but isn’t ready for full truckloads, LTL becomes your best friend. Here’s why:
- Cost Savings: Pay only for the space you use, typically 20-30% less than other options
- Flexibility: Ship quantities that change with your sales volume
- Reliability: Work with professional freight handlers who specialize in ecommerce goods
Unlike parcel carriers that charge by weight alone, LTL considers both weight and space. This works great for lightweight but bulky items that would cost a fortune to ship as parcels.
Balancing Speed and Cost in Your Shipping Strategy
The secret to LTL success is using it for the right parts of your supply chain:
Best for:
✓ Bulk shipments to your fulfillment centers
✓ Wholesale orders to business customers
✓ Large or heavy items to residential buyers
Pair with:
• Parcel shipping for final customer deliveries
• Subscription box fulfillment
• Time-sensitive premium orders
Most Canadian LTL shipments move within these timeframes:
- 1-3 days between major cities (Toronto to Montreal)
- 3-5 days coast to coast
- Add 1-2 days for rural areas
Pro tip: Build these timelines into your checkout process to set proper expectations.
Packaging That Protects Your Profits
LTL shipments get handled more than parcels, so packaging matters. Follow these guidelines:
For boxes:
- Use 200 lb test double-wall corrugated
- Leave no empty space (fill voids with dunnage)
- Put labels on two sides
For pallets:
- Stack boxes in interlocking patterns
- Use stretch wrap (minimum 60 gauge)
- Secure with banding if over 5 feet tall
Remember: Damaged goods lead to returns, refunds, and unhappy customers. A little extra packaging costs less than replacing inventory.
Special Considerations for Canadian Ecommerce
Shipping across our vast country brings unique challenges:
Bilingual Requirements
- All shipments to Quebec need French/English labels
- Include MSDS sheets in both languages for regulated goods
Weather Factors
- Winter storms can delay northern routes November-March
- Consider climate-controlled LTL for sensitive products
Cross-Border Efficiency
- Complete all US customs paperwork in advance
- Use carriers with FAST-approved drivers for faster border crossings
Make LTL Work for Your Growing Business
ShipNorthAmerica’s LTL ecommerce solutions help online retailers scale without shipping costs eating their profits. Our network specializes in:
- Temperature-controlled LTL for perishable goods
- White-glove residential delivery services
- Seamless integration with major ecommerce platforms
We’ll help you:
• Choose the right freight class to avoid reclassification fees
• Optimize packaging to prevent damage
• Plan routes that balance speed and cost
Explore our LTL ecommerce shipping solutions or speak with our ecommerce shipping specialists today.