Riz Datoo
3 mins read
12 mins read
RAHEEL LADAK
June 12, 2025
Meeting delivery deadlines without exceeding your budget isn’t easy—it’s a common operational hurdle for businesses of all sizes. If you're a Canadian eCommerce seller, you're surely not alone. It's an absolute game-changer for staying competitive, and honestly, it's tougher than it looks.
Consider our vast Canadian geography, those wildly unpredictable weather patterns (hello, blizzards in April!), and all the unique regional demands.
Choosing the right carrier type for your shipment is a critical task in your logistic operation checklist.
It’s a strategic decision that shows a direct impact on faster delivery, pricing, and customer experience.
Say, a wrong carrier selection could ruin your entire shipment and cause frustrating delays, damaged parcels, and additional expenses. As a result, your investment is at a loss. And ultimately? That hits your reputation.
That's precisely why we've put together this practical guide.
We're going to discuss the different types of carrier trucks out there, delve into what kinds of goods they're truly built for (we're talking about capacity and specific dimensions), and highlight the real-world situations where each one genuinely excels.
Our goal is straightforward: to help you ship smarter, sidestep those costly mistakes, and keep your customers smiling from the moment they click "order" to the package arriving safely at their door.
Canada's landscape is a beast – from bustling city centers to remote communities, rugged mountains, and everything in between. This makes freight logistics here uniquely challenging, to put it mildly. With over 70% of goods moving by truck, ground transportation isn't just a lifeline for Canadian commerce, it is the lifeline.
Your freight needs? They vary wildly.
Are you trying to ship temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals that demand a perfectly controlled environment?
Or maybe oversized industrial equipment that simply won't fit into a standard trailer?
What about a constant stream of regional B2C orders that need agility and quick turnarounds?
Fluctuating fuel prices, unpredictable Canadian winters, and cross-border compliance can make the fulfillment operation even worse.
This is where the right truck selection can make a difference.
By meticulously matching the vehicle type to your cargo's unique characteristics – its weight, precise dimensions, fragility, and temperature requirements – and aligning that with your specific route demands (think urban flexibility versus highway efficiency or off-road capability), and most importantly, your customers' delivery expectations (expedited, standard, or even white-glove service), you can dramatically improve delivery performance and genuinely optimize cost-efficiency across your entire supply chain.
Understanding the nuances between different carriers and their specialized equipment is critical.
Are you finding it a challenge to select the right-fit truck for your cargo? It's simple. All you have to do is analyze which truck's specifications and your shipping requirements. We have created a list of carrier types that you will find useful for successful shipping practices.
1. Dry Van Trucks: The Workhorse of the Highway
Best for
General freight that doesn't need special temperature controls or unusual handling – think non-perishables, electronics, apparel, packaged consumer goods, or auto parts.
Use Case
These are the common trucks navigating the high-traffic Canadian roads. They're fully enclosed to offer supreme protection from weather and theft. These are the most preferred choices of shipping companies to execute their logistic operations.
2. Flatbed Trucks: For the Unconventional Loads
Best for
Anything that just won't fit neatly into an enclosed trailer – think oversized cargo, heavy machinery, large building materials (like lumber or steel beams), or bulky industrial components.
Use Case
The structural design of the Flatbed Trucks has openings at the sides and roofs. It gives higher convenience and easy access to carrier companies to load and unload their goods.
If you're shipping heavy construction materials or massive manufacturing pieces, an industrial carrier specializing in flatbed transport is essential.
This truck is best suited for shipping heavy construction materials and massive manufacturing pieces.
Mostly used in regions like Alberta and Saskatchewan.
3. Refrigerated Trucks (Reefers): Keeping it Cool or Warm!
Best for
Temperature-sensitive goods like food, pharmaceuticals, flowers
Use Case
Crucial for industries requiring cold chain logistics, especially during hot Canadian summers or cross-border shipping. This is a highly specialized carrier type.
Best for
Local deliveries, business-to-consumer (B2C) eCommerce orders, furniture, appliances, or smaller business-to-business (B2B) shipments within urban or regional areas.
Use Case
Popular in urban centres like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Great for tight streets and small business shipments. Further, these are commonly used by express carriers for their last-mile delivery services in urban settings.
5. Step Deck (Drop Deck) Trucks: When You Need That Extra Headroom
Best for
Tall cargo that exceeds height restrictions on standard flatbeds
Use Case
Heavy machinery, industrial equipment
6. Tankers: For the Flowing Goods
Best for
Liquids, chemicals, fuel
Use Case
These highly specialized trucks are purpose-built to transport large volumes of liquid or gaseous commodities.
They come in various configurations depending on the specific product being carried – for example, insulated for food-grade liquids, pressurized for gases, or baffled for stability during transit.
7. Curtain Side Trucks: The Best of Both Worlds
Best for
Palletized freight that needs weather protection but also demands easy side access for loading and unloading (e.g., with a forklift).
They're fantastic for regional B2B transport, construction sites, or distribution centers.
Use Case
Picture a dry van, but instead of rigid, solid walls, the sides are made of heavy-duty, retractable tarpaulin curtains.
This innovative design offers the weather protection of a dry van but allows for incredibly quick loading and unloading from the sides, which is often much faster than just backing up to a dock.
| Truck Type | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Max Weight | Best For | eCommerce Product Fit |
| Dry Van | 53' x 8.5' x 9'2" | 44,000 lbs | General freight, non-perishables | Electronics, apparel, packaged goods |
| Flatbed | 48' x 8.5' x 8'6" | 48,000 lbs | Oversized cargo, construction materials | Large equipment, building supplies |
| Refrigerated (Reefer) | 53' x 8.5' x 8'7" | 42,500 lbs | Temperature-sensitive goods | Perishables, pharmaceuticals |
| Box Truck (Straight Truck) | 12'-26' x 8.3' x 8.5' | 12,000 lbs | Local deliveries, furniture | Home appliances, small furniture |
| Step Deck (Drop Deck) | 48' x 8.5' x 10' | 45,000 lbs | Tall cargo exceeding standard height | Industrial machinery |
| Tanker | Varies | 45,000 lbs | Liquids, chemicals | Bulk liquids, hazardous materials |
| Curtain Side | 48' x 8.5' x 13.5' | 44,000 lbs | Palletized freight requiring side access | Palletized goods, machinery parts |
Selecting the right carrier truck is essential to ensuring your freight arrives safely, on time, and within budget.
In Canada, where deliveries span everything from dense urban centres to remote rural regions, your choice of truck must align with your shipping needs, cargo type, and delivery routes. Here are the key factors to consider:
This is ground zero. The fundamental nature of your cargo is the biggest determinant. Is it fragile? Huge? Does it need to stay frozen? Or is it plain old dry goods?
Fragile/Sensitive
Think electronics, glass, or delicate machinery. You'll need a stable ride, potentially air-ride suspension, and careful handling.
Oversized/Overweight
This immediately points to flatbeds, step decks, or specialized heavy-haul trailers. You'll also need to consider provincial permit requirements, pilot cars, and restricted travel times for truly massive loads.
Perishable/Temperature-Sensitive
Reefers are non-negotiable here. Understanding the precise temperature range (∘C or ∘F) and the duration of transit is crucial.
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
This is a whole different ballgame. Tankers for liquids/gases or general freight with HAZMAT require specific dry van operations, placarding, driver endorsements (TDG – Transportation of Dangerous Goods in Canada), and strict regulatory compliance.
General Freight
Standard dry vans are your reliable, cost-effective choice for most non-perishable packaged goods.
The geography of your shipment hugely influences the best truck.
Urban Deliveries
Smaller box trucks or Sprinter vans are kings here. They're agile, can navigate tight streets, and can often park where larger rigs can't. Liftgates are a huge bonus for residential or small business deliveries.
Long-Haul/Interprovincial
Larger dry vans or full tractor-trailers are designed for efficiency on highways, offering higher load capacities and better fuel economy for extended distances.
Remote/Rural Areas
Here, road conditions become a major factor. You might need trucks with better ground clearance, all-wheel drive capabilities, or a freight carrier experienced with challenging access points.
If you're delivering to places like the Yukon or remote Northern Quebec, factor in potential road closures due to weather, limited service facilities, and the absolute need for robust, reliable equipment.
Don't just assume! Take precise measurements for your cargo's volume (cubic feet/meters) and its total weight.
Weight Restrictions
Every truck has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and a payload capacity. Overloading leads to fines, safety hazards, and immediate delays. Know your total loaded weight.
Cubic Capacity
Even if you're under the weight limit, if your cargo is bulky but light (e.g., insulation, empty boxes), you might "cube out" a trailer before you "weigh out."
Ensure the truck has enough interior space.
Underutilization
Let’s be realistic, sending a huge 53-foot dry van with a single pallet is a massive waste of money.
This is where Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping comes in, combining your freight with others to optimize space.
Time is money, especially in shipping.
Expedited/Just-in-Time (JIT)
If timing is critical, you're likely looking at dedicated truckload (FTL) services, or air freight (if ground is too slow). P.S. These come at an extra cost.
Standard Delivery
This is typically full truckload (FTL) or Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) services, balancing cost and reasonable transit times.
Special Handling
Does your shipment need white-glove service, inside delivery, liftgate service at the destination, or extra security measures?
These all influence the carrier and truck type chosen. Real-time tracking and temperature monitoring systems are also common tech add-ons for critical shipments.
While chasing the lowest price is tempting, it often leads to headaches.
Value vs. Price
The cheapest option might mean slower transit, less reliable service, or even higher risk of damage.
For high-value or time-sensitive goods, investing in a slightly more expensive but reliable option pays off.
Hidden Costs
Factor in potential accessory charges (detention time, fuel surcharges, liftgate fees, re-delivery fees). A good logistics partner will help you identify and mitigate these.
FTL vs. LTL
If you don't have enough freight to fill a full truck, LTL is generally more cost-effective as you only pay for the space your goods occupy.
However, LTL can involve more handling and slightly longer transit times due to multiple stops.
Choosing the right truck has a direct connection with shipping strategy and outcome. It need not be insisted that you have to be a freight expert to select the truck.
That's where a reliable 3PL partner like eShipper becomes your dedicated logistics team.
We do end-to-end analysis, starting from shipment size to budget, and finalize your carrier that improves your logistic operations.
Customized Solutions for Every Business
Whether you're a growing business in Calgary shipping locally or a big national retailer with complex needs across North America, we'll craft a solution that fits your requirements in the best possible way.
Smart Choices, No Guesswork
We are partnered with leading carrier providers that offer you the competence to ship the goods around the clock.
We do a deep consignment analysis and ensure that every space is optimally utilized. Also, we keep track of the truck's scheduled time, which helps us to transport your product with the latest departure carrier.
In addition, we are partnered with carriers offering dry vans to temperature-controlled units, fulfilling your every requirement.
Seamlessly Integrated Logistics
Our truck selection process is fully integrated with other services, like warehousing, order fulfillment, cross-border logistics, and last-mile delivery. We offer our services with fewer delays and competitive shipping costs.
The right carrier type is essential for an efficient, scalable, and cost-effective supply chain. The shipment size, frequency, and delivery speed of the carrier give you an extra edge.
Every single truck choice has a direct and measurable impact on your bottom line. The chosen truck has to fulfill the requirements without compromising on Canada's diverse terrain and customer expectations.
Understanding the truck types and their functions empowers your business to make better, more informed shipping decisions.
A trusted logistics partner like eShipper matches your freight with the perfect truck. They reduce your risk, maintain tight control over your costs, and keep your customers happy.
Let's move your freight smarter—together.
Dry vans, flatbeds, box trucks, and reefers are among the most used carrier types for Canadian shipping.
It truly comes down to four key factors: what you're shipping (its size, weight, fragility, and any special needs like temperature control), where it's going (distance, urban vs. rural), how fast it needs to get there, and your budget. Matching your needs to the correct carrier type is crucial for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Absolutely. Many Canadian 3PLs like eShipper, let you integrate fulfillment and transportation while maintaining full visibility.
Dry vans and reefers are most common for cross-border transport, but your needs may vary based on cargo type and customs compliance. Keep in mind that express carriers also handle cross-border if speed is paramount
