LTL trucking (Less Than Truckload) from the USA is ideal to ship palletized freight to Canada. In LTL shipping, multiple consignments ship together dividing the the transport costs. Shipping to Canada from the USA via LTL is a great resource.

LTL, or Less Than Truckload, is a highly cost-effective option for shipping when your shipment is not large enough to fill an entire truck. This is a common scenario for businesses that have smaller shipments or irregular volumes. Why pay for the entire truck. , LTL allows you to only pay for the space you actually use. Making it a more affordable choice.

When you choose LTL shipping, the carrier will pick up your pallets. Then combine them with other shipments to optimize the capacity of the truck. This consolidation process minimizes efficiency thus lowering total transportation costs.

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LTL shipping provides access to a vast network of carriers, including national carriers, regional specialists, and independent truckers. Most trucking companies themselves act as brokers. By mixing their own capacity with others they expand their service options.

When shipping between Canada and the USA, goods require specific documents for customs clearance. The carrier provides the bill of lading and cross border approvals. The necessary documents from the shipping include a customs invoice, customs broker, and certificate of origin (COO). A COO is for claiming duty free benefits under USMCA / CUSMA.

After customs clearance in Canada, the pallets are in domestic status for final delivery.

What is the role of a truck freight broker for LTL?

There are a multitude of potential trucking options to consider when shipping palletized freight between Canada and the USA. Major carriers mixed with regional specialists and independent truckers. All form a network of capacity. In fact, most trucking companies are themselves brokers mixing their own capacity with others (as mentioned above).

Brokers can also assist by providing logistics expertise and advise.

Important Concepts to Understand About LTL shipping to Canada

The difference between classification for trucking and HS code classification?

The freight classification refers to a classification used to determine trucking rates. HS classification is for international customs declarations. For domestic shipping, and HS code is not a requirement. For international shipping via LTL or FTL, both are necessary.

• Freight Classification: The freight class is a standardized classification system used to categorize different types of goods based on their density and other factors. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) assigns a freight class number to each type of commodity. Freight class numbers range to class 500. The lower the class number, the lower the shipping rate. Higher numbers indicates the freight is less dense with additional handling costs.
• HS Code: The Harmonized System (HS) classification is for cross border shipments. Read more about verify the correct HS Codes.

Other concepts and terms used for LTL Trucking USA - Canada

Invoice for Customs: An invoice for customs serves as the basis for a customs entry. Learn more about what to include on a customs invoice.

• Bill of Lading (BOL): The Bill of Lading is a carrier document. It is a legal document acknowledging receipt, shipment (pieces, weight, dimensions, goods, classification, value etc). The term Bill of Lading also applies to ocean freight.
• Certificate of Origin: A certificate of origin (or certification of origin) for preferential duty free import under one of Canada's free Trade agreements. See review of USMCA/ CUSMA below.
• Customs Broker: Customs broker work on behalf of the importer to facilitate customs clearance. They help ensure the correct documentation and prepare a customs entry. Read more about Canadian customs brokers.
• Customs Duties and Taxes: These are fees imposed by the Canadian government on imported goods. Become familiar with the most common Canadian import fees.
• Incoterms: Standardized trade terms that determine the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international transactions. Essentially, who is responsible for transport costs, import clearance, duty and insurance. Important basic understanding of international shipping terms.
• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA): The CBSA is the government agency overseeing the clearance of goods entering Canada. Most often referred to simply as Canadian customs.
• NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement): Replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). See next paragraph.
• USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement): The USMCA is the current free trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is also the CUSMA (Canada) and T-MEC (Mexico). The main role is allowing duty free access to goods made in each country. Benefit from USMCA/ CUSMA.
• PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System) and PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System): Customs programs to facilitate the transport of shipments at the Canada-United States border. Both systems provide advance information to customs authorities.

To ship freight USA to Canada, here's how you can do it successfully.

If you want to ship freight across the US Canada Border, here's what you need to know.

As a shipper located in either Canada or USA, your freight can cross the via many border crossing locations. Finding a truck to move your freight to and from Canada is possible in several ways

1. Using a Freight Brokerage can be beneficial for shipping 1 to several pallets

A truck brokerage is most often the most efficient method. The thing is, everyone seems to use everyone. What is the best way to enter the market place?

Depend on our team’s expertise and overall market visibility of our reliable freight brokerage. We work to find the best-fit truck for your freight.

2. Canadian versus US based truckers

There are several Canadian carriers who specialize in moving freight to and from USA. Similarly, there are also US carriers with the same capacity. The differentiator is making sure the driver and carrier have cross border experience. Utilizing a Canadian-based company looking for a “north bound load” may be the best option.

3. Documentation Needed to cross the Canadian Border via Truck

To make this process as smooth as possible, ensure that each of these forms is with your shipment. See section in more detail above.

• The Bill of Lading (BOL
• The certificate of origin (CO/COO)
• Invoice for Customs
• Other documents for your specific shipment

How to Ship Truckload Freight across the Canada-U. S. Border

Tens of thousand of trucks cross the Canada-U.S. border every day It both common place but also more complex than moving freight domestically.

We'll guide you through all the fundamentals to transport. Ship freight across the border, whether you're shipping truckload freight from Canada or southbound to the USA.

An Importer of Record refers to what exactly?

The party listed on the customs documents is the importer of record and responsible for any tariffs owed at the time of import. The receiver of the goods is not necessarily the importer.

When shipping smaller orders, the most cost-effective option may not be LTL

There is no need to use a Full or partial Truckload if your cargo is not large enough. Smaller shipments can benefit from ground transport. Even smaller shipments may be best sent via economy air that includes customs entry preparation.

Full Truck load versus partial truck load

Full Truck load/ FTL trucking is the best method for shipping if your cargo fills (or nearly fills) a 48 or 53 foot trailer. The advantage is that your entire shipment travels in one truck direct. Less to go wrong. Faster Transport. But, of course, it works only if you have a large enough shipment.

Refrigerated and temperature-controlled LTL USA Canada

Our company offers Refrigerated/Reefer LTL shipping solutions for transporting your cargo in a temperature-controlled environment. Perishable products includes such things as fruits, vegetables, flowers, and pharmaceutical products. They necessitate a higher level of pre-planning to ensure uninterrupted transport. Contact our team by filling in form below.

Our partnerships with the top LTL Refrigerated Trucking enable us to provide safe, secure, and efficient temperature-controlled partial truckload services.

Rail, truck and intermodal USA to Canada

Intermodal rail freight transport is an essential mode of transportation. Typically higher level logistics for shippers who regularly ship multiple truck loads and containers.

Insurance for Trucking

Most carriers include basic liability insurance for your goods while in transit, which includes coverage fees in their shipping charges. You can enhance this coverage by acquiring additional insurance protection. Critically important is to ensure secure packing of the goods Most denial from insurance claims is due to insufficient packaging.

What Determines LTL Freight Rates.

LTL rates work by following a specific set of rules and calculations.

Weight of the shipment including the pallet and packaging:

LTL freight rates are often via weight per hundred pounds. The rate per hundred pounds usually decreases as the shipment gets heavier.

Stackable versus non-stackable:

If pallets can stake on top of one another, a lower rate can apply. LTL shipping service is suitable for loads. Each pallet with a total weight of less than around 5,000 pounds. And a total length of less than 12 linear feet.

Over Weight Freight:

If a pallet exceeds a maximum weight, surcharges or special handling may apply.

Over Sized Freight: If any one dimension exceeds 10-12 feet, special handling may apply. Goods that need to loaded onto a flat bed, for example, a via a different tariff.

Freight Class:

Discussed in above. The lower the class, the better the rate.

Density of Freight:

This similar to freight class and often used for estimates when the class is not available. The density of an object is a factor using the dimensions and weight.
Distance traveled:

Obviously, distance traveled is a factor in pricing. However, popular shipping lanes can benefit from lower costs even if they are far apart.

Route and availability :

Total costs have gone down as North American routes have grown thanks to to increased trade.

Shipping From Canada to the US & Vice Versa: The Differences can be significant.

Canada and the United States are similar in terms of customs and rules of commerce. Yet, they remain distinct. Each with their own set of regulations.

Shipping Costs: What You Should Know About Taxes and Tariffs

In addition to duty, Canada has aGoods and Services Tax (GST) of 5%. This is a federal tax that applies to all items sold to the Canadian market. The importing businesses may be able to claim this tax back. The GST applies to goods for domestic consumption. If the goods are for production of another product, for example, it can qualify for a refund. In addition to GST, there are provincial taxes as well (HST and PST). Read more: Most common Canadian import fees to expect for your LTL shipment to Canada.

Who are the leading Truck Brokers for LTL to Canada?

Virtually all brokers have access to the similar data. The market is fairly efficient. Getting a rate can cbe compared to travel sites: They all offer around the same rate. What differentiates each broker is their customer support, follow up and expertise. Our team provides world class support. We depend on technology for pricing efficiency. But pride ourselves on in person customer support.

Some other leading truck brokers include:

• CH Robinson
• X.P.O Logistics
• Echo Logistics
• Total Quality Logistics

Finding the best low cost LTL and parcel shipping between the USA and Canada.

USA Companies can be Canadian Importer of Record

Canada’s non-resident importer program enables United States exporters to obtain a business number and act as the “importer of record.”Being able to act as the importer of record removes the burden of customs clearance from the Canadian customer and can facilitates the sale. Read more about valuation for non-resident importers.

Customs clearance and Importing Goods to Canada from the USA

Other things to consider when shipping to Canada from the USA include:

• Importer of record: The importer of record includes having to obtain an importer number. If to direct to consumers, the consumer can be the importer of record
• Federal and provincial sales taxes (Most common Canadian import fees)
• Provincial licenses may be necessary if selling direct to consumers
• Health Canada approvals for related products
• Safe Foods for Canadians Act certifications for some food items
• Tariff classification for all imports 
• Country of Origin is a required data point for all imports
• Valuation is an important part of the declaration to the CBSA (read more about valuation)
• Labeling for goods to Canada may require both French and English
• Certification of origin if duty free import requested under CUSMA

Transparency in LTL

In LTL, everyone uses everyone. Or so it seems. Most important is that the provider is transparent ins who they use and why they use them! SME's depend on reliable partners who can serve as an extension of their logistics staff rather than simply a vendor. It is productive to rely on trusted partners. Partners who can both save money on transport. Plus take away some of the burden of managing the effort.

Shipping to LTL Canada from the USA

The growth of north bound shipping to Canada has caused supply issues and general rate increases. Companies are seeking alternative shipping solutions and logistics support in both the US and Canada. Read more: Understanding Canadian Import Fees.

• Shipping LTL between the USA and Canada via Jet Worldwide
• Jet Worldwide is a trusted brand that has been providing international shipping solutions for over 40 years.
• Jet Worldwide offers transparency and world class logistics support.

Transparency in LTL

In LTL, everyone uses everyone. Or so it seems. Most important is that the provider is transparent ins who they use and why they use them! SME's depend on reliable partners who can serve as an extension of their logistics staff rather than simply a vendor. It is productive to rely on trusted partners who can both save money on transport and take away some of the cost of managing the effort.

Shipping to LTL Canada from the USA

The growth of north bound shipping to Canada has caused supply issues and general rate increases. Companies are seeking alternative shipping solutions and logistics support in both the US and Canada. Read more: Understanding Canadian Import Fees.

Shipping LTL between the USA and Canada via Jet Worldwide

Jet Worldwide is a trusted brand that has been providing international shipping solutions for over 40 years.

• Jet Worldwide provides options for shipping within North America for parcels, pallets and online orders.
• Jet Worldwide offers transparency and world class logistics support. We are not shy about recommending alternative solutions as necessary.