Most Common Freight Mode
53' Standard Dry Van
- Payload
- Up to 45,000 lbs (20,412 kg)
- Pallets
- 26 Single-Layer / 52 Double-Stacked
Ideal for: General cargo, retail inventory, parts, and bulk pallets.
Full truckload shipping. Dedicated & direct.
Full truckload shipping across Canada and the U.S. with dedicated dry van, reefer, and flatbed capacity. Compare equipment options and plan pickup and delivery with UUCargo.
What is full truckload shipping?
Full truckload shipping (FTL) reserves an entire trailer for one shipper. Dedicated equipment moves directly from origin to destination without terminal transfers, offering dependable transit and flexible dock scheduling.
Dedicated trailer capacity
The trailer is yours alone—no shared space or mixed loads.
Direct point-to-point transit
Origin to destination without cross-docks or terminal stops.
Minimal touchpoints & cargo risk
Sealed at pickup and opened at delivery, with less handling risk.
Flexible scheduling & dock control
Choose pickup and delivery windows that fit your docks.
FTL equipment and trailer capacity
Dry van, reefer, or open deck—matched to the load.
Climate Controlled Transport
53' Temperature-Controlled Reefer
- Payload
- Up to 43,500 lbs (19,731 kg)
- Pallets
- 24–26 Standard Pallets
Ideal for: Produce, frozen goods, food products, and temperature-controlled cargo.
Open-Deck & Oversized
Flatbed & Step Deck Trailers
- Payload
- Up to 48,000 lbs (21,772 kg)
- Pallets
- Custom configuration
Ideal for: Industrial machinery, steel, lumber, and oversized cargo.
Full truckload vs. LTL shipping
A quick side-by-side comparison with LTL.
Shipment Volume & Pallet Count
LTL freight
1–6 Standard Pallets (150–15,000 lbs)
FTL dedicated
10+ Pallets or 15,000+ lbs (Dedicated Trailer)
Transit Time & Handling Points
LTL freight
Moves through 2–4 regional cross-dock terminals
FTL dedicated
Direct origin-to-destination with zero terminal stops
Cargo Risk & Packaging Integrity
LTL freight
Frequent forklift handling and mixed freight co-loading
FTL dedicated
Exclusive use, sealed with security bolt at origin
Specialized Equipment & Climate
LTL freight
Standard dry freight with seasonal protect-from-freeze
FTL dedicated
Continuous temperature recording, flatbed, step deck, crane
| Compare | LTL freight | FTL dedicated |
|---|---|---|
| Shipment Volume & Pallet Count | 1–6 Standard Pallets (150–15,000 lbs) | 10+ Pallets or 15,000+ lbs (Dedicated Trailer) |
| Transit Time & Handling Points | Moves through 2–4 regional cross-dock terminals | Direct origin-to-destination with zero terminal stops |
| Cargo Risk & Packaging Integrity | Frequent forklift handling and mixed freight co-loading | Exclusive use, sealed with security bolt at origin |
| Specialized Equipment & Climate | Standard dry freight with seasonal protect-from-freeze | Continuous temperature recording, flatbed, step deck, crane |
From quote to delivery in four steps.
- 01
Share Load & Route Details
Enter pickup and delivery postal codes, cargo description, weight, pallet dimensions, and target schedule.
- 02
Match Equipment & Carrier Rates
Our freight team matches your freight with dry van, reefer, or flatbed capacity at transparent all-in rates.
- 03
Confirm Dock Appointments
Lock in pickup and receiving dock time slots to ensure smooth driver check-in and on-time loading.
- 04
Bolt Seal, Dispatch & Live Tracking
The driver applies a security seal, signs the BOL, and the shipment is tracked live through delivery.
Get a quote-ready truckload shipment
Complete details help match the right trailer the first time and reduce quote revisions.
Route and timing
Addresses, contacts, dock hours, and delivery deadline.
Dimensions and weight
Commodity, piece count, pallet sizes, weight, and stackability.
Special requirements
Temperature, securement, loading equipment, and customs details.
Smaller load? Compare LTL freight shipping.
FTL questions, answered.
What is full truckload (FTL) shipping, and how does it compare to LTL?
Full truckload (FTL) shipping reserves an entire dedicated trailer (typically a 53-foot dry van or reefer) exclusively for your shipment. The trailer is loaded, sealed, and travels directly from shipper to receiver with no terminal stops or intermediate handling. FTL offers faster transit times, predictable delivery windows, lower cost-per-pallet for larger shipments, and minimal cargo damage risk compared to LTL.
How many pallets and how much weight can a 53-foot trailer hold?
A standard 53' dry van has internal dimensions of 53' L x 102" W x 110" H, fitting 26 standard 48" x 40" pallets on the floor in a single layer, or up to 52 pallets if stackable. Under North American highway weight regulations, maximum legal cargo payload is typically 44,000 to 45,000 lbs (20,000–20,400 kg) depending on tractor and trailer tare weight.
Does UUCargo handle cross-border FTL freight between Canada and the U.S.?
Yes. We coordinate dedicated cross-border truckload shipments in both directions between Canadian provinces and U.S. states. Our vetted cross-border carriers carry bonded authority, and our team helps synchronize commercial invoices, PAPS/PARS barcodes, and customs brokerage pre-clearance prior to border arrival.
What temperature ranges are available for refrigerated (reefer) FTL?
Our refrigerated fleet handles deep frozen (-20°F / -28°C), chilled fresh produce (34°F–38°F / 1°C–3°C), and protect-from-freeze ambient settings (up to 65°F / 18°C). Modern reefer units feature continuous automated temperature logging throughout the journey.
What are detention and layover charges, and how can they be avoided?
Detention is an hourly fee billed when loading or unloading exceeds the carrier's standard free time (typically 2 hours at dock). Layover applies if a dock delay prevents the driver from loading/unloading the same day, forcing an overnight hold. Providing confirmed dock appointment times and ensuring labor is ready upon arrival prevents these extra charges.
How is cargo security maintained during transit?
Upon completion of loading, a numbered high-security bolt seal is applied to the trailer doors in the shipper's presence, and the seal number is recorded on the Bill of Lading (BOL). The receiver verifies that the seal is unbroken and matches the BOL before cutting it at delivery.
How do I get a full truckload freight quote?
Submit your shipment details via our online portal or connect with our truckload team at (604) 998-1888 / info@uucargo.ca for immediate capacity checks and all-in pricing.
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