Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping Restrictions and Requirements

I’d keep this one as a separate article. It complements the FTL booking guide we just migrated without duplicating it too heavily:

• How to Book a Full Truckload (FTL) Shipment with ShipTime → booking process and truck selection
• Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping Restrictions and Requirements → service area, broker requirements, prohibited goods, capacity limits, and preparation requirements

Because the restrictions are substantial, I would not bury all of this in the booking article.

Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping Restrictions and Requirements

Before booking a Full Truckload (FTL) shipment with ShipTime, review the available shipping lanes, freight restrictions, equipment requirements, and cross-border requirements below.

Where is FTL shipping available?

ShipTime FTL service is currently available for:

• Canada to the United States
• United States to Canada
• domestic shipments within the United States

Do I need to arrange load securement equipment?

If your freight requires additional securement, the required equipment must be selected during the booking process.

This can include:

• straps
• load bars
• eTrack systems

Select any required securement equipment before finalizing the shipment so the appropriate equipment can be arranged.

Do I need a customs broker for cross-border FTL?

Yes.

For FTL shipments moving between Canada and the United States, the shipper must arrange their own customs broker.

Make sure your broker is in place and the required customs documentation is complete before the scheduled pickup.

For more information, see Do I Need a Customs Broker for International Shipping?

What items are prohibited from ShipTime FTL service?

Based on ShipTime’s current FTL requirements, prohibited goods include:

• hemp or hemp products containing more than 0.3% THC
• original or fine art valued above $20,000 USD per piece
• automobiles
• motorcycles
• sailboats, motorized boats, and yachts
• cash and currency
• cheques and money orders
• COD payments
• coins
• collectible or display models, including ships, vehicles, airplanes, or architectural models
• live animals
• pharmaceutical drugs
• neon items
• fresh food, produce, or other perishables not transported in a temperature-controlled environment
• gold, silver, precious metals, and loose gemstones
• securities and negotiable documents
• deeds
• gift cards
• manuscripts
• debt-related documents
• flowers, plants, and cotton
• grandfather or grandmother clocks
• windows, plate glass, and flat glass
• loose or non-containerized bulk cargo
• used engines or motors

If you are unsure whether your freight is eligible, contact our Heroic Support™ team before booking.

What are the size and weight limits?

FTL capacity depends on the truck type selected.

Item limit

A truckload may contain up to 50 individual items.

Weight

Maximum weight varies by truck type. Review the equipment specifications shown during booking.

Dimensions

The freight must remain within the interior dimensions and total capacity of the selected truck.

Before booking, confirm that the shipment’s:

• length
• width
• height
• weight
• total freight volume

fit within the selected equipment.

How should I prepare an FTL shipment?

To help avoid delays or unsuccessful pickups:

• package and secure the freight appropriately
• confirm the dimensions and weight before booking
• make sure the pickup location is accessible and ready on the scheduled date
• select any required securement or accessorial services in advance
• accurately declare the shipment contents
• for international shipments, complete all customs documentation before the driver arrives

What if I only need to ship a few pallets?

If your shipment does not require an entire truck, Less Than Truckload (LTL) may be a better option.

For more information, see LTL Shipping with ShipTime.

Need help with an FTL shipment?

If you have questions about shipment eligibility, truck selection, securement requirements, or cross-border documentation, contact our Heroic Support™ team before booking.

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