At Metropolitan Logistics, we provide dependable, scalable ground freight solutions across Canada and the United States. Whether you need full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), or scheduled linehaul service, our experienced team ensures your shipments move safely, on time, and with full visibility from origin to delivery.
We offer two flexible ground shipping options depending on your freight volume and time sensitivity:
From Toronto to Vancouver, Montreal to Calgary, and everywhere in between — we deliver to all major cities and rural regions in Canada. Our hubs in Mississauga, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver allow for flexible local pickup, staging, and outbound dispatch.
Our cross-border trucking services are built for reliability and compliance. We handle all paperwork, broker coordination, and customs procedures so your freight flows smoothly through major ports of entry.
We match your cargo to the right equipment for secure and efficient transport:
Our ground freight solutions support a wide range of industries with reliable FTL and LTL trucking across Canada and into the U.S.
Scheduled truckloads and part deliveries for factories, plants, and B2B operations.
Nationwide palletized shipments and LTL for seasonal restocks and store distribution.
Refrigerated and secure trucking for time-sensitive healthcare shipments.
Specialized freight handling for booths, displays, and event materials with timed delivery.
Transport of heavy equipment, tools, and prefabricated materials to project sites.
Seamless LTL/FTL integration, final-mile delivery, and warehouse pickups for partner networks.
We’re ready when you are.
Let us help you move your freight — across town or across the continent.
Ground freight is the transportation of goods overland by trucks or rail within Canada and across borders. It is the backbone of Canadian domestic logistics, connecting ports, warehouses, factories, and retailers. Unlike air freight, which is faster but limited by weight and size, ground freight allows for the efficient movement of everything from single pallets to full truckloads (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. For businesses in Canada, ground freight forwarding ensures flexibility in delivery, competitive pricing, and reliable coverage across both urban and remote regions.
Many shippers ask how long does ground freight shipping take. Transit time depends on the shipping distance, mode (LTL vs FTL), and seasonal road conditions. Within a single province, ground freight may take only 1–2 days. For long-haul shipments, such as Toronto to Vancouver, transit typically takes 5–7 days.
Here’s a quick comparison of average domestic transit times:
| Route (Canada) | Average Ground Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Toronto → Montreal | 1–2 days |
| Toronto → Vancouver | 5–7 days |
| Montreal → Calgary | 4–6 days |
| Halifax → Toronto | 3–4 days |
Factors such as weather, road closures, or customs clearance (for cross-border US–Canada freight) can extend these timelines.
The question how long does ground freight shipping take in Canada is important for businesses planning supply chains. On average, domestic ground freight within Canada ranges from 1 day for short-haul routes to up to 7 days for cross-country lanes. Seasonal conditions also play a role: winter weather can delay freight in provinces such as Alberta or Manitoba, while summer road construction can add transit time in Ontario or Quebec.
For official updates on national highways and road closures, shippers can consult Transport Canada’s road safety and regulations.
Ground freight forwarding in Canada includes several service types:
LTL (Less-than-Truckload): For shipments that don’t require a full trailer. Economical and flexible for small businesses.
FTL (Full Truckload): Best for large shipments where one customer uses the entire trailer.
Intermodal trucking and rail: Combining truck and rail for long distances, often reducing cost.
Expedited ground freight: Priority service for urgent deliveries, often with team drivers.
Each option has its advantages, depending on cargo size, urgency, and budget.
Ground freight is the most widely used logistics method in Canada because it offers:
Wide coverage — trucks reach remote areas where rail and air may not operate.
Cost efficiency — lower cost per mile compared to air freight.
Flexibility — ability to move small, medium, and oversized loads.
Cross-border integration — seamless trucking services between Canada and the US under agreements like CUSMA.
This makes it the preferred option for many industries, from retail to manufacturing.
For domestic ground freight, documentation is straightforward — a Bill of Lading (BOL) and packing list are standard. For cross-border freight between Canada and the US, additional documents may include:
Commercial invoice
Canada Customs Invoice (CCI)
Certificates of origin (under CUSMA)
Permits for restricted goods
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provides detailed guidelines on required documentation for cross-border ground freight shipments.
The cost of ground freight forwarding depends on shipment size, distance, and mode (LTL vs FTL). Fuel surcharges, driver availability, and seasonal demand also affect pricing. On average:
LTL shipments: billed by weight and space used (measured in cubic feet).
FTL shipments: flat rate for the trailer, regardless of weight (up to legal limits).
For example, shipping a pallet from Toronto to Montreal may cost CAD $200–$300 in LTL service, while a full truckload cross-country can range from CAD $5,000–$7,000.
Most ground freight shipments are tracked using GPS-enabled trucks and digital platforms. Shippers receive real-time updates on truck location, estimated arrival times, and delivery confirmations. For regulated cargo such as hazardous materials, Transport Canada requires compliance with strict tracking and safety standards.
Ground freight forwarding in Canada is evolving with sustainability in mind. Many carriers are investing in fuel-efficient trucks, electric vehicles, and intermodal trucking (truck + rail) to reduce emissions. According to Transport Canada’s sustainable transportation initiatives, the sector is moving toward greener solutions that lower the carbon footprint of freight.
