Road, air, or ocean — domestic or cross-border. Shippers First provides transparent freight quotes backed by 40+ years of combined experience and CIFFA membership.
Getting an accurate freight quote in Canada should not be complicated. Whether you are moving a pallet of goods across Ontario, a full container from overseas, or an urgent air freight shipment across the border, Shippers First delivers clear, itemised quotes with no hidden fees — so you can make confident logistics decisions. Here is everything you need to know about how our quoting process works and what information to have ready.
Reach us whichever way is most convenient. Every channel connects you directly with an experienced freight specialist — not an automated system.
Speak with a freight specialist right now. Best for urgent shipments or complex routing questions.
888-826-6118Send your shipment details and we will reply with a full quote. Ideal for non-urgent or complex shipments.
[email protected]Submit your freight details through our website. We follow up promptly during business hours.
Get a Quote OnlineThe more detail you provide upfront, the faster and more accurate your freight quote will be. Here is what our team needs to quote most shipments on the first request:
Not sure about some of these details? That is fine — call us at 888-826-6118 and our team will walk through the requirements with you. Understanding what drives freight costs in Canada can also help you prepare.
Shippers First quotes across all major freight modes — domestically within Canada and for international shipments. We match your cargo to the right service based on timeline, budget, and commodity type.
LTL and FTL trucking across Canada and cross-border into the US. Reefer capacity available for temperature-sensitive cargo.
Express and standard air cargo internationally. Fastest option for time-critical or high-value goods. Compare air vs. ocean freight.
FCL and LCL container freight to and from Canada. Cost-effective for large volumes with flexible timelines. See our ocean freight guide.
Rail and road combinations for long-haul Canadian moves. Efficient for coast-to-coast or corridor freight. Learn about intermodal rail shipping.
Temperature controlled freight from chilled to deep frozen across Canada and cross-border. Full cold chain freight quote available.
Oversized, heavy-lift, and complex project freight requiring specialised equipment and route surveys. See our project cargo services.
We have streamlined our quoting process to give you a clear answer quickly — with no obligation to proceed until you are satisfied with the rate and service plan.
Contact us by phone, email, or online form with the information from the checklist above. The more detail you provide, the faster we can respond with an accurate quote.
An experienced freight specialist reviews your shipment — commodity, routing, mode options, timeline, and any compliance requirements (customs, CFIA, hazmat, etc.).
We draw on our carrier network to find the best fit for your shipment — balancing cost, transit time, and service quality. For cross-border moves, we confirm customs clearance requirements upfront.
Your quote includes base freight, fuel surcharges, and any known accessorial charges. We explain every line item — no surprises. Learn more about how freight costs are structured in Canada.
Once you approve the quote, we handle booking, documentation, real-time tracking, and delivery coordination end-to-end.
Freight rates are not one-size-fits-all. Several factors influence the final price of any shipment. Understanding these helps you prepare — and helps us quote accurately the first time.
| Factor | How It Affects Your Rate |
|---|---|
| Weight & Dimensions | Carriers charge by actual weight or dimensional weight (whichever is greater). Compact, dense cargo often ships more efficiently. |
| Origin & Destination | Lane density and carrier coverage affect rates. Remote or rural destinations typically carry additional charges. |
| Mode of Transport | Air freight is fastest but most expensive. Ocean is most cost-effective for volume. Road sits in between for domestic and Canada-US. |
| Freight Class (LTL) | For LTL shipments, NMFC freight class affects base rate. Dense, easy-to-handle freight typically has lower classes and lower rates. |
| Fuel Surcharge | A variable surcharge applied by carriers based on current fuel prices. Changes weekly or monthly depending on carrier tariff. |
| Special Handling | Temperature control, hazardous materials, oversized cargo, and liftgate requirements all add to base freight costs. |
| Customs & Duties | For cross-border or international shipments, customs brokerage fees and import duties are separate from the freight rate. We provide full cost transparency upfront. |
| Transit Time | Expedited or guaranteed services cost more than standard transit. We can quote multiple options so you can choose the right speed vs. cost trade-off. |
Shippers First is based in Vaughan, Ontario and serves clients across Canada for domestic and international freight. Our core service areas include:
Not sure if we service your lane? Call 888-826-6118 and we will confirm within minutes.
Contact Shippers First today. No obligation, no hidden fees — just a clear, accurate quote from experienced freight specialists.