Updated 9.08.2026
Simply put, road freight is the transport of goods using motor vehicles on roads. When logistics companies handle this for business, it’s known as commercial road freight. Internal company moves between business locations are not classified as commercial freight.
In road freight, there are distinct differences between truckloads. The international abbreviations are:
As described, FTL (Full Truck Load) means the whole truck capacity is booked for one shipper, no matter how many pieces/parts are shipped. Customer goods are shipped from start to destination without any additional loading. FTL is the best choice when customers are in a hurry and want to exclude any additional stopovers, or when transporting goods that are sensitive and should not be mixed with other types of cargo.
The other two, LTL and PTL identify that only a certain capacity of the truck’s trailer is booked. The benefits of these two methods primarily come from sharing the full cost of the trailer’s load capacity. The difference between LTL and PTL is not that significant. The main distinction is that PTL usually stays on the same truck from departure to destination. Whereas with LTL loads, the carrier often heads to several loading and unloading locations. Though LTL is the generally the most economical option, it’s typically the slowest.
The key benefits of road freight are its broad access to the road network and its independence from logistical hubs. With the largest inland transport infrastructure, road freight can reach nearly all destinations, often complementing other transport modes like water, air, or rail, which rely on road transport for final delivery. Its flexibility and wide reach offer nearly unlimited options for moving goods.
The main disadvantages of road freight relate to environmental impacts and transport policy. The road network is limited and congested in urban areas, and maintaining and expanding it is costly. These costs are often offset by tolls that road freight companies must pay. Lastly, there is a limited capacity with truck transport, and road freight benefits are easily reduced by factors like accidents, traffic jams and detours due to roadwork. In some countries, legal restrictions may prohibit truck operations on weekends or public holidays which significantly affect scheduling flexibility.
There will always be challenges. The road freight sector, like other freight industries, was heavily affected by the Covid Pandemic. It put a massive strain on supply chains around the world and everyone was experiencing a capacity shortage. Fortunately, since the global economy began to recover, demand for freight transport has been robust – so strong, in fact, that it cannot be fully met.
Most shipments need a commercial invoice, a bill of lading, and a packing list, plus a customs manifest filed before the truck reaches the border. Depending on the goods, you may also need certificates of origin (for CUSMA duty treatment), permits, or product-specific paperwork. Getting these right and filed early is the single biggest factor in avoiding border delays.
A customs broker files your entry, classifies your goods, calculates duties and tariffs, and clears your shipment with CBSA or US Customs. While a broker isn't always legally required, most Canada - US shippers use one to avoid holds, misclassification penalties, and unexpected charges especially under current tariff rules, where errors get expensive quickly.
Cross-border rates combine the base freight charge (mode, distance, and weight or trailer space) with border-specific costs: customs brokerage fees, duties or tariffs owed on the goods, and any accessorials like liftgate or detention. Fuel surcharges and currency exchange also factor in. A single quoted rate should break these out so you can see landed cost, not just line-haul.
Yes, with the right equipment and documentation. Temperature-sensitive freight moves in reefer (refrigerated) trailers with monitored setpoints, while hazardous goods require certified handling, proper labeling, and TDG/DOT-compliant paperwork on both sides of the border. Both need to be flagged at booking so the correct carrier, equipment, and clearances are arranged in advance.
