Why is simple pallet pricing better than NMFC classification?

Simple pallet pricing offers one clear rate per pallet position based on standard dimensions and weight, making costs predictable and consistent. Unlike NMFC classification where small changes can drastically affect pricing, pallet pricing eliminates surprise charges and simplifies budgeting.

Pallet Shipping Canada

By Matt Goddyn

Pallet Shipping Canada

Q: How do you prepare a pallet for shipping?

To prepare a pallet for shipping: 1) Choose a strong wooden or plastic pallet without damage, 2) Stack boxes evenly with heaviest at the bottom, 3) Secure with shrink wrap overlapping 50% per pass, wrapping at least 3 times, 4) Label clearly with scannable barcode and addresses.

Q: Can you handle pallet shipping from the US to Canada?

Yes, international pallet shipping from the US to Canada is similar to domestic shipments with the addition of customs clearance. Required documentation includes a Bill of Lading (BOL) and Commercial Invoice detailing the shipment contents and value.

Series Note: This is part 3 of our comprehensive series on freight pricing and your sales and marketing strategy. We'll discuss the simplicity of pallet shipping rates and how it can help win new business from potential customers who can make use of LTL pallet rates.

If you ship freight in volumes of a single pallet or more, you've likely come across a few different pricing methods used to rate your shipment, some more complicated than others.

The cost for pallet shipping in Canada typically ranges from $150 to over $500 per pallet, depending on its weight, dimensions, and the shipping distance. Factors like the destination city and any special services will also affect your final pallet shipping rate.

Understanding these costs is key to managing your budget. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about pallet delivery in Canada. We'll cover how rates are calculated, standard pallet dimensions, and how to prepare your shipment. Plus, we'll show you how a straightforward pricing model from a reliable transportation partner can simplify the entire process.

Key Takeaways

Main Cost Factors: Your final price ($150-$500+ per pallet) is mainly determined by the pallet's weight, dimensions, and the distance it needs to travel
Standard Pallet Size: The most common shipping pallet dimension in North America is 48 inches long by 40 inches wide
Simple Pricing is Better: Flat-rate pallet pricing avoids the confusing and unpredictable costs associated with older, complex freight classification systems
US to Canada Shipping: Shipping a pallet from the US to Canada is straightforward but requires correct customs documentation to avoid delays at the border

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Pallet in Canada?

The price for your pallet transport is not random. It's based on a few key factors that every carrier looks at. Understanding them will help you see exactly what you're paying for.

Here are the main things that influence pallet shipping rates in Canada:

Weight & Dimensions: Heavier or larger pallets take up more space and capacity on a truck, which costs more
Distance & Lane: Shipping a pallet across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver will naturally cost more than a shorter, regional trip from Toronto to Montreal
Origin & Destination: A shipment going between major city hubs is often less expensive than one going to a remote location that is off the main shipping routes
Additional Services: If you need special handling, like a truck with a power tailgate for delivery or inside pickup, these services will add to the cost

What is Pallet Pricing?

Pallet pricing is a simple freight pricing model where you will pay one standard price usually regardless of commodity shipped. This rate is based on a weight and size (dimensions: length, width, height) of your pallet set by your carrier.

The "standard" Standard Pallet Size (48"L x 40"W x 48"H) and weights (usually less than 1650lbs) will fall into one price bracket; pallets exceeding that weight or size are shipped at a slightly higher pallet rate depending on how much extra truck space is occupied (weight is added).

Price Range Guide

$150 - $500+ per pallet
Based on weight, size & distance

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Learn about our quoting tools

Avoid NMFC Confusion

Traditional National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) rates can be unpredictable. Choose simple pallet pricing instead.

Why Is Simple Pallet Pricing Better for Your Business?

Simplicity is the Key: When making the sale your customers will surely ask "how much does it cost to ship a pallet of product to my location", a simple clear cut per pallet shipping cost based on the pallet size and weight will help make the sale easier.

In the past, many carriers used a complex system called the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). This system assigned a "class" to every item, and the price could change drastically based on that classification. A small change in an item's description or weight could lead to surprise charges, making it hard to budget.

Instead of that guesswork, modern pallet pricing is simple. You pay one clear rate for one pallet position on a truck, as long as it fits within a standard size (e.g., 48"x40"x48") and weight (e.g., under 1650 lbs). This makes your shipping costs predictable, consistent, and easy to explain to your customers.

Partnering with a carrier that offers a pallet rate rather than a complex NMFC rate may put you that much closer to closing the deal, here's why:

1. Pallets are a common language for shippers and carriers

"Pallet" is a straightforward term for even the newest of shippers to understand. Since most products can be strapped to a pallet, a ship pallet cost that is based solely on the length, width, height, and weight is simple and easy to visualize, making the whole shipping experience significantly less of a learning process for new customers and your suppliers.

2. You'll have more accurate freight invoices from your carrier and better rates

Simple rating means less confusion about a shipments description and specifics (audited weight and dimensions) which improves carrier performance and reduces disagreements between classifications of freight. Cubic space, in the form of a pallet position, has become a better measure of carrier cost than weight and good carriers will pass some of these savings onto you.

3. Incorporating weight into the calculation gives you better quoting accuracy

With the NMFC pricing model, a slight change in weight can raise the cost of your shipment drastically which can be embarrassing when dealing with new customers. Pallet pricing allows weight adjustments to be easily incorporated converting weight into an equivalent number of pallet positions. It is also simpler to consider since most LTL companies rate each pallet up to a maximum weight, providing leeway in the event of a weight increase.

4. Price comparisons are easy when there is uniformity in shipments

When freight prices are on a per pallet basis you already know what shipping a pallet costs with your carrier of choice and prices are clear and easy to compare among various trucking companies. Since the rates are based on number of pallets and their measurements, shippers will have an easier time identifying how much space they need for their freight and will no longer be subject to classification debates.

What Are the Standard Shipping Pallet Dimensions?

In North America, the standard and most common pallet size is 48 inches long by 40 inches wide.

While the length and width are standard, the height of your stacked pallet can vary. Most carriers have price brackets for different heights (e.g., up to 48" high) and a maximum weight for their standard rate. Using standard-sized pallets helps carriers safely maximize the space in their trucks, which keeps the shipping process efficient for everyone.

Standard Pallet Specifications

Length:	48 inches
Width:	40 inches
Height:	48 inches (max)
Weight:	Up to 1,650 lbs

Oversized Pallets

Pallets exceeding standard dimensions or weight limits are shipped at higher rates based on the extra truck space occupied.

Learn More

For detailed information about pallet dimensions and how they affect pricing, check our guide on Standard Pallet Size.

How Do You Prepare a Pallet for Shipping?

Properly preparing your pallet freight is the best way to make sure your items arrive safely. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose a Strong Pallet

Start with a sturdy wooden or plastic pallet that has no cracks, broken boards, or other damage. The foundation of your shipment needs to be solid to support the weight of your goods.

Step 2: Stack Your Boxes Evenly

Place the heaviest boxes at the bottom to create a stable base. Stack in columns, making sure the corners line up and no boxes hang over the pallet edges. This prevents damage and ensures safe transport.

Step 3: Secure the Load

Use high-quality plastic shrink wrap to secure everything to the pallet. Start at the bottom and work your way up, overlapping by about 50% on each pass. Wrap the shipment at least three times to ensure stability.

Step 4: Label It Clearly

Attach the shipping label to the side of the wrapped pallet. Make sure the barcode and addresses are flat, easy to see, and scannable. Clear labeling prevents delivery delays and misrouting.

Need More Details? For comprehensive preparation guidelines, visit our detailed guide on preparing your LTL shipment.

Technology That Makes Pallet Shipping Easy

Once your pallet is prepared, getting a quote and scheduling your pallet shipping in Canada should be quick and painless. Modern technology has transformed how we manage LTL freight shipping across Canadian routes.

Online Tools at Your Fingertips

Leading carriers now offer digital solutions that let you:

Get instant freight quotes 24/7
Schedule pickups with a few clicks
Track shipments in real-time
Download proof of delivery documents
Access billing and payment options

Why Technology Matters

With coverage of over 90% of postal codes in Canada and the USA, and 33,000+ lane combinations for pallet shipping in Canada, having the right tools to manage your shipments makes all the difference. Whether you prefer an online portal, automated email systems, or API integration with your own systems, the right technology partner can streamline your entire shipping process.

Maximize Your Shipping Experience

Want to learn more about using modern tools to simplify your pallet shipping? Discover how to get instant quotes, use automated systems, set up API integration, and manage payment options efficiently.

Explore Our Shipping Tools & Resources

Can You Handle Pallet Shipping from the US to Canada?

Yes! The process for international pallet shipping from the US to Canada is very similar to a domestic shipment, with one important extra step: customs clearance.

Required Documentation

To cross the border without delays, your shipment must have the correct paperwork:

Bill of Lading (BOL) - Your shipping contract
Commercial Invoice - Details contents and value
Proper customs documentation

Working with a carrier experienced in cross-border freight is essential to ensure all customs rules are followed, making the process smooth and hassle-free.

Our Cross-Border Services

Good trucking companies like CSA have created a simplified pallet pricing system that includes:

Scheduled terminal to terminal shipments
LTL freight shipping
US to Canada shipping expertise
Points beyond major terminals

You'll be prepared with pallet shipping costs ahead of time and can focus on winning more business.

Ready for a Clear, Simple Pallet Shipping Rate?

Get your hassle-free pallet shipping quote today.

Call: (855) Ship.CSA |
Canadian Headquarters: 355 Horner Avenue, Toronto, ON M8W 1Z7

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Start Saving with Simple Pallet Shipping

Pallet shipping is the most reliable and cost-effective way to move larger quantities of goods across Canada or from the US. By understanding the key factors that influence rates and partnering with a carrier that offers simple, predictable pallet pricing, you can ship with confidence and keep your budget in check.

For more information on LTL freight, or shipping from the US to Canada and how we can help, Contact CSA Transportation.

Continue Reading This Freight Pricing Series

Continue reading to discover how having a transportation partner with flexible service options gives you a competitive edge. "Part 4: Flexible Shipping Solutions Tailored to Your Needs" outlines the extra services you should expect from a good trucking company.

Read the Complete Series:

Part 1: Freight Shipping & Your Marketing Strategy
Part 2: Considerations When Including Shipping Costs Into Your Final Product Price

Part 3: Pallet Shipping Canada (You Are Here)
Part 4: Flexible Shipping Solutions Tailored to Your Needs

Author

Matt Goddyn

Matt enjoys exploring creative ways to connect people through marketing, with a particular passion for sales, marketing automation, and AI. At CSA Transportation, he works on branding, content strategy, automation, SEO and campaigns that help tell CSA's story. From website updates to email designs, Matt brings ideas to life while keeping the bigger picture in mind.