How to Ship a Pallet from Toronto to London, Ontario — A Complete Guide

The Toronto to London, Ontario corridor is one of the busiest freight lanes in the province. Whether you're a plumbing distributor moving bathroom fixtures, a flooring supplier delivering to a renovation project, or a business shipping commercial goods to a client, getting a pallet from Toronto to London reliably — and at a fair price — is something every Ontario shipper eventually needs to figure out.

This guide covers everything you need to know: how pallet freight is priced, what equipment is involved, how long the run takes, and how to find a carrier that won't leave you guessing.

What Counts as a Pallet Shipment?

A standard pallet (also called a skid) is 48" x 40" and can hold up to 2,500 lbs, though actual limits depend on your carrier's equipment. If your shipment is stacked on a wooden skid, wrapped, and requires a forklift or tailgate to load and unload — it's a pallet shipment.

Common pallet freight on the Toronto–London corridor includes:

• Bathroom vanities, bathtubs, and plumbing fixtures
• Flooring, tile, and hardwood on skids
• Commercial kitchen equipment
• Cabinetry and millwork
• Construction materials and supplies
• Boxed commercial goods and inventory

How Pallet Delivery is Priced on This Route

Freight pricing isn't one-size-fits-all. Carriers price based on a combination of factors — not just distance. Here's what goes into a Toronto–London pallet quote:

1. Number and Size of Pallets

A single standard pallet moves differently than three oversized ones. More pallets means more truck space, more loading time, and potentially different equipment requirements.

2. Weight

Heavy skids (500 lbs+) may require specific loading equipment and affect fuel consumption. Always have an accurate weight estimate before calling for a quote.

3. Equipment Required

Tailgate service (also called liftgate) is essential when the pickup or delivery location doesn't have a loading dock. If you're delivering to a residential address, renovation site, or retail unit without a dock, you'll need a tailgate. Not every carrier has one — make sure you ask upfront.

4. Access Conditions

Loading dock vs. street-level pickup. Elevator vs. stairs. Indoor delivery vs. curbside. All of these affect how long the job takes and therefore the price.

5. Timing and Urgency

A same-day or next-morning run costs more than a scheduled pickup 48 hours out. If you have flexibility on timing, you can often negotiate better rates.

How Long Does a Toronto to London Run Take?

The drive from Toronto to London is about 2 hours on the 401 under normal conditions. But a complete freight run — including pickup, loading, transit, unloading, and return — is a full day of work. Here's a realistic breakdown:

• Pickup window: 9–11 AM
• Loading at origin: 30–60 minutes
• Drive to London: 2–2.5 hours
• Unloading at destination: 30–60 minutes
• Return to Toronto: 2–2.5 hours

Total: roughly 7–9 hours of vehicle and driver time. This is why a dedicated one-way run is priced the way it is — the carrier isn't just billing for the drive to London, they're billing for the full day commitment.

LTL vs. Dedicated (FTL) — Which Should You Use?

LTL (Less Than Truckload) means your pallet shares space on a truck with other shippers' freight. It's cheaper per pallet but slower, less predictable, and involves more handling — which increases the risk of damage.

Dedicated (FTL or straight truck) means the truck is booked exclusively for your load. It's faster, more predictable, and the freight is handled fewer times. For high-value goods like fixtures, vanities, or fragile commercial products, dedicated delivery is almost always worth the premium.

For the Toronto–London corridor with 1–3 pallets, a dedicated 20ft box truck with tailgate is typically the right tool for the job.

What to Ask Your Carrier Before Booking

Before confirming any pallet delivery on this route, get answers to these questions:

• Do you have tailgate/liftgate service?
• Is this a dedicated run or will my freight be consolidated?
• What is the quoted price all-in?
• Do you provide proof of delivery?
• What is the pickup window and estimated delivery time?
• How do I reach the driver on the day of delivery?

Backhaul and Return Freight

One thing many shippers don't think about: the carrier has to get back to Toronto from London with an empty truck. This dead mileage is factored into the pricing. If you have freight that needs to move in both directions — or if you can coordinate a return load from London — you may be able to negotiate a better rate.

Shipping Regularly on This Corridor?

If your business moves freight between Toronto and London on a recurring basis, it's worth setting up an account with a dedicated carrier rather than calling around for spot quotes every time. Recurring clients typically get priority scheduling, faster response times, and account-based pricing that beats spot rates over the long run.

Summary

Shipping a pallet from Toronto to London, Ontario doesn't have to be complicated. Know your load, know your access conditions, and work with a carrier who gives you a clear quote and direct communication from start to finish. The Toronto–London corridor is active, well-serviced, and manageable — you just need the right partner.

Have a shipment ready to move? Request a Delivery Quote