Frontline Carrier Systems Inc. (Frontline)

Shipping to Canada

Shipping freight to Canada: straight answers

The questions shippers ask most about moving freight from California and Texas into Canada, answered by Frontline.

Real rate back the same business day · Updated November 2026

Lanes

California and Texas to Canada, BC to Ontario and Quebec

Transit

5 to 8 days, customs included

Facilities

6 across Canada and the U.S.

In business

Since 1989, over 30 years in cross-border LTL

Questions shippers ask

Tap a question to see Frontline's answer.

How long does LTL freight take from California to Canada?
Most consolidated LTL shipments from Frontline's Rancho Cucamonga, California facility reach Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver within 5 to 8 days, customs clearance included. Exact timing depends on the destination and the weekly departure schedule.
How long does LTL freight take from Texas to Canada?
Texas freight moves through Frontline's Cedar Hill, Texas facility (Dallas area) on a similar schedule to California: most consolidated LTL shipments reach major Canadian destinations within 5 to 8 days, customs clearance included.
How much does it cost to ship a pallet to Canada?
Rates are based on your shipment's dimensions and weight and on truck availability. Send the number of pieces, their size and weight through the quote form and you get a real rate back the same business day. Waiting time is charged after the first 15 minutes at pickup or delivery.
Do I need a customs broker to ship freight into Canada?
Frontline coordinates the customs documentation and clearance with established customs brokers, and provides the bill of lading and supporting paperwork that keeps your freight moving at the border.
What paperwork do I need to ship freight into Canada?
Frontline provides the bill of lading and coordinates clearance with the customs broker. From the shipper, the border needs a commercial invoice describing the goods and their value. If the goods qualify for duty-free treatment under CUSMA, the shipper or importer can include a certification of origin. Frontline's team will tell you exactly what your shipment needs when you book.
Have rates or lead times changed because of the tariffs?
No. Because Frontline only facilitates the freight clearance with the customs broker, there are no changes to Frontline's rates or rate structure due to the tariffs, and no changes to customer lead times.
What freight do you take?
Palletized commercial freight. Customers ship auto parts, medical equipment, HVAC and refrigeration parts, dry food products such as rice and quinoa, apparel, and fitness and music equipment. Frontline does not take hazmat or temperature-controlled freight.
Do you take hazmat or temperature-controlled freight?
No. Frontline does not take hazmat or temperature-controlled freight.
What is the largest pallet you take?
A standard pallet is up to 48 x 40 inches, 99 inches high, and up to 1,800 lb.
Do you offer liftgate, residential or appointment delivery?
Yes. Liftgate, residential and appointment delivery are available on request, for an extra charge.
Is my freight insured?
Cargo coverage is $2 per pound.
Are your carriers certified for cross-border freight?
Yes. All of Frontline's linehaul partners are certified for cross-border freight.
Do you run scheduled departures?
Yes. Frontline runs scheduled departures every week on a published schedule. The current week's departure days are on ftlninc.com under View Schedule.
What is the difference between LTL and FTL?
LTL (less than truckload) is for freight that does not fill a trailer, usually 1 to a few pallets: you share a consolidated trailer and pay for your space. FTL (full truckload) is a dedicated trailer for larger shipments. Frontline runs both; the quote form will point you to the right one.
What services does Frontline offer?
Cross-border consolidated LTL and FTL from California and Texas into Canada, plus interstate LTL and FTL, flatbed, ocean and air freight, and small parcel.
Where are Frontline's facilities?
Frontline operates six facilities: Burlington, Ontario (1500 Corporate Drive, doors 16 to 18), Kirkland, Quebec, Rocky View, Alberta, Surrey, British Columbia, Rancho Cucamonga, California and Cedar Hill, Texas.
How do I track my shipment?
Enter your order number in the Tracker on ftlninc.com to see where your shipment is.
How do I get a quote?
Use the quote form on ftlninc.com (it takes about a minute) for a real rate back the same business day, or call 1-800-567-7629 or email rates@ftlninc.com.

About Frontline

Frontline Carrier Systems Inc. (FTLN Inc.) has run cross-border LTL since 1989. It moves consolidated LTL and FTL freight from California and Texas into Canada on a weekly schedule and coordinates the customs paperwork with established customs brokers. It also offers interstate LTL and FTL, flatbed, ocean and air freight, and small parcel.

Frontline operates six facilities: Burlington, Ontario (1500 Corporate Drive, doors 16 to 18), Kirkland, Quebec, Rocky View, Alberta, Surrey, British Columbia, Rancho Cucamonga, California and Cedar Hill, Texas.

Customers include Yama Vans, Long & McQuade, ACI Brands and Lundberg Family Farms.

  • Transit: 5 to 8 days, customs included
  • Standard pallet: up to 48 x 40 x 99 in, 1,800 lb
  • Not accepted: hazmat, temperature-controlled
  • Phone: 1-800-567-7629
  • Email: rates@ftlninc.com

Have freight going to Canada?

Tell us what you are shipping and get a real rate back the same business day.