Frequently Asked Questions
Pricing, booking, skid counts, fuel surcharges, multi-stop rates, liftgate, same-day availability — everything you need to know before you call.
BASE RATES, ZONE PRICING, SURCHARGES, HOW INVOICES WORK
PRICING AND RATES
How much does skid delivery cost in Toronto?
Our base rate for standard skid delivery within Toronto starts at $110 for 1–3 skids, plus a 16.5% fuel surcharge (FSC). That brings a standard Toronto run to approximately $128.15 total before any accessorial charges.
Additional skids beyond the base are priced at +$20 per skid (2nd and 3rd) and +$25 per skid (4th and beyond).
All rates are in Canadian dollars and do not include applicable provincial taxes or any accessorial charges (liftgate, inside delivery, residential surcharge, etc.) not specified at time of booking.
How are additional skids beyond the base 3 priced?
The base rate includes 1 to 3 skids. Beyond that:
- 2nd and 3rd skid: +$20.00 per skid (included in base)
- 4th skid and beyond: +$25.00 per skid each
The fuel surcharge is applied to the base freight total only — not to individual skid add-ons.
Example: 5 skids to Mississauga = $145 base + $20 (2nd SK) + $20 (3rd SK) + $25 (4th SK) + $25 (5th SK) = $235 freight + 16.5% FSC ($38.78) = ~$273.78 total
What is the minimum charge for a delivery?
Our minimum charge covers 1 skid at the base zone rate. There is no minimum number of deliveries per week or month — single-skid orders are always accepted.
For Toronto Core, the minimum charge is $110 base + 16.5% FSC = ~$128.15 before any accessorial charges.
What accessorial charges can appear on my invoice?
The following charges may apply depending on the delivery details. All are disclosed upfront at booking — there are no surprise charges on your invoice:
Fuel Surcharge (FSC), Liftgate/Tailgate, Inside Delivery, Residential Surcharge, Appointment/Timed Window, Waiting Time (after 30 min free), Empty Skid Return (stackable), Empty Skid Return (single/unstackable), Extra KM, Saturday/After-Hours Delivery, Refused/Re-delivery, Hazardous Goods Handling.
Do you offer volume or contract pricing?
Yes. Businesses shipping 3 or more times per week on consistent routes qualify for preferred volume account pricing. Volume accounts typically receive:
- Reduced per-delivery base rates (negotiated by route and volume)
- Blended or capped fuel surcharge rates
- Priority scheduling on high-demand days
- Monthly consolidated invoicing
To discuss a volume account, call (647) 285-9605 or email toledotradingcompany@gmail.com with your typical delivery frequency, zones, and skid counts.
Is there a charge for waiting time at pickup or delivery?
Every delivery includes 30 minutes of free waiting time at both the pickup location and the delivery address. After the first 30 free minutes, detention is charged at $30 per 15 minutes.
To avoid detention charges, ensure your team is ready at the confirmed time and that dock doors, freight elevators, or access points are available immediately upon driver arrival.
What happens if my consignee refuses the delivery?
If the consignee refuses a delivery or is unavailable at the confirmed appointment time, a refused/re-delivery charge of $75.00 applies per attempt. The freight is returned to the origin or held pending your instruction.
To avoid this charge, always confirm the delivery appointment with your consignee before the scheduled run and ensure someone with authority to receive freight is on-site during the delivery window.
Do you charge extra for deliveries beyond the published zone band?
Yes — if your delivery address requires driving beyond the published kilometre band for its zone, an overage charge of $2.25 per km is applied to the additional distance. This is disclosed at quote time once we have your specific postal code.
For most commercial addresses within city limits, this charge does not apply. It is most commonly relevant for rural addresses on the outskirts of a named zone.
How do I get an exact quote with all charges included?
To receive a complete quote with every charge itemised, provide us with:
- Full pickup address (city + postal code)
- Full delivery address (city + postal code)
- Number of skids
- Whether liftgate is required (yes/no)
- Whether inside delivery is required (yes/no)
- Residential or commercial delivery
- Preferred delivery date and any appointment requirements
Call (647) 285-9605 or email toledotradingcompany@gmail.com — we respond with a full itemised quote within 15 minutes during business hours.
Are your rates all-inclusive or are there hidden fees?
Our rates are fully transparent. We disclose every charge upfront at booking — the only items that can appear on your invoice are the ones you are quoted for. There are no hidden fees, no surprise line items, and no charges added after delivery that were not discussed at booking.
The only exception is detention time, which is charged if the driver waits beyond 30 minutes at pickup or delivery. This is noted at booking and is within your control to avoid.
MULTIPLE ADDRESSES, COMBINED ROUTES, SPLIT DELIVERIES
MULTI-STOP DELIVERY
Can you deliver to multiple addresses on the same run?
Yes — multi-stop deliveries are available and are one of the most cost-effective ways to ship to multiple GTA locations on the same day. We can deliver to 2, 3, or more addresses on a single run from one pickup.
Multi-stop pricing is calculated based on the zones of each delivery stop plus a per-stop fee for the additional time. Call (647) 285-9605 with your full stop list for an accurate multi-stop quote.
How is multi-stop pricing calculated?
Multi-stop pricing is structured as follows:
- Stop 1: Full base rate for the zone + FSC
- Stop 2: Reduced rate based on zone proximity to Stop 1 + per-stop fee
- Stop 3+: Additional per-stop fee applied for each subsequent address
Stops within the same city or adjacent zones are significantly cheaper to combine than stops in opposite directions. For example, a Toronto → Mississauga → Brampton run is more efficient than a Toronto → Markham → Hamilton run.
Multi-stop rates are always quoted individually based on the specific addresses and sequence. Call us for an exact figure — multi-stop pricing cannot be calculated from the rate sheet alone.
Can I add a stop mid-route after the delivery is already in progress?
We prefer that all stops are confirmed at booking to allow proper route planning and scheduling. However, if an additional stop is required after the driver has departed, call us immediately at (647) 285-9605 and we will assess feasibility based on the driver's current position and the additional stop's location.
Same-day stop additions are subject to a route deviation fee and are not guaranteed — they depend entirely on timing and proximity.
Can I ship from multiple pickup locations to one delivery address?
Yes — multiple pickup addresses consolidating to a single delivery can be arranged. This is common for businesses consolidating freight from two warehouses or suppliers before final delivery. Pricing is based on the total route distance with a per-stop pickup fee applied.
Provide all pickup and delivery addresses when requesting a quote so we can route efficiently.
Is it cheaper to combine a Kitchener and London delivery on one run?
Yes — deliveries along the same highway corridor (e.g. Kitchener + Cambridge + London, or Brampton + Hamilton + Burlington) are significantly more cost-efficient when combined on one run than booked separately. The driver passes through each zone on the same route, reducing the per-stop cost for clients.
This is especially valuable for southwestern Ontario routes. Call to discuss consolidated corridor pricing if you have freight for two or more stops along Hwy 401 West.
What is the maximum number of stops on a single run?
There is no fixed maximum — runs are designed around time feasibility. A standard box truck day accommodates 4–6 stops within the GTA comfortably. Runs with more than 6 stops, or stops spanning long distances (e.g. Toronto to London with 4 stops in between), may be split across two vehicles or two days.
For complex multi-stop routes, contact us at least 48 hours in advance so we can plan the most efficient dispatch.
SIZING, WEIGHT, STACKING, PREPARATION, WHAT WE ACCEPT
SKID AND PALLET
What is the difference between a skid and a pallet?
the logistics and freight industry, the terms skid and pallet are used interchangeably in most contexts. Technically, a skid has no bottom deck boards (it slides on runners), while a pallet has both top and bottom deck boards. In practice, when customers and carriers say "skid," they mean any standard pallet-sized unit of freight — and that is how Toledo Trading Company uses the term throughout our rate sheets and invoices.
What are the maximum dimensions and weight for a standard skid?
Standard skid dimensions accepted by Toledo Trading Company:
- Footprint: 48" × 40" (standard North American pallet) or similar
- Maximum height (floor to top of load): 72" (6 feet)
- Maximum weight per skid: 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Oversized skids (non-standard footprint, height over 72", or weight over 2,000 lbs) can be quoted individually — call before booking to confirm feasibility and pricing.
Does my freight need to be on a pallet or can you pick up loose boxes?
For standard delivery service, freight should be palletized and wrapped before pickup. Loose boxes (floor-loaded freight) are accepted at a higher per-unit rate since they require individual loading and require significantly more handling time.
If your freight is not palletized, let us know at booking and we will quote accordingly. For most commercial shippers, pre-palletizing is strongly recommended for cost efficiency and cargo protection.
Does my skid need to be stretch-wrapped?
Yes — all palletized freight should be stretch-wrapped before pickup. Stretch wrap protects the load from shifting, falling, or sustaining damage during transit. We will not be held liable for product damage on unwrapped loads.
If your freight cannot be wrapped (e.g. machinery, oversized equipment), advise us at booking so we can take additional securing measures.
Can you stack skids on top of each other in the truck?
Double-stacking is done at the driver's discretion based on freight type, weight distribution, and load stability. Do not mark loads as "Do Not Stack" unless the freight genuinely cannot bear weight above it — this limits load efficiency and can increase your freight cost.
Fragile, top-heavy, or liquid-containing loads should be marked clearly. We will respect "Do Not Stack" instructions where provided and confirmed at booking.
What should I do with empty skids after delivery?
If the carrier (our driver) needs to remove and transport empty skids from the delivery address, an empty skid return chargeapplies:
- Stackable empty skids: $4.00 per skid
- Single/unstackable skids: $6.00 per skid
If you do not require empty skid pickup, simply retain them at the delivery address. There is no charge for leaving empties at the delivery location.
Can you deliver refrigerated or temperature-sensitive skids?
Our current fleet consists of standard dry box trucks. We do not currently operate refrigerated (reefer) trailers. Temperature-sensitive freight (fresh food, pharmaceuticals requiring cold chain, etc.) cannot be accepted at this time.
Frozen or ambient shelf-stable goods, non-perishable food items, and standard commercial freight are all accepted without restriction.
Do you accept hazardous goods or TDG-regulated shipments?
Select TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) regulated shipments are accepted with advance notice and proper documentation. A hazardous goods handling fee of $55.00 per shipment applies. All required TDG documentation (shipping document, emergency response information) must be provided by the shipper before pickup.
We do not accept explosives, Class 1 or Class 7 (radioactive) materials under any circumstances. Call to confirm acceptability of specific TDG classifications before booking.
WHAT IT IS, HOW IT'S CALCULATED, WHY IT EXISTS
FUEL SURCHARGE (FSC)
What is a fuel surcharge and why is it applied?
A fuel surcharge (FSC) is a variable percentage added to the base freight charge to help carriers offset the cost of diesel fuel, which fluctuates significantly throughout the year. Unlike a fixed delivery fee, the FSC moves with fuel prices to ensure our rates remain fair and sustainable for both sides.
Every reputable carrier in Canada applies a fuel surcharge — it is a standard, transparent, and industry-wide practice. Toledo Trading Company always discloses the current FSC percentage upfront at quote time.
What is the current fuel surcharge percentage?
The current fuel surcharge is 16.5% of the base freight charge (Q1–Q2 2026). This is applied to the base delivery rate only — not to accessorial charges such as liftgate, inside delivery, or residential surcharges.
Example: Mississauga delivery, base rate $145 × 16.5% FSC = $23.93 FSC. Total freight = $168.93.
The FSC is reviewed quarterly and tied to average Toronto-area diesel prices. The rate applicable at the time of booking is the rate that applies to your invoice — it does not change mid-shipment.
How often does the fuel surcharge change?
Our FSC is reviewed and adjusted quarterly — in January, April, July, and October — based on the average Toronto-area diesel rack price during the preceding quarter. Changes are communicated to volume account holders in advance of the new quarter.
You can always confirm the current FSC before booking by calling (647) 285-9605 or emailing toledotradingcompany@gmail.com
Is the fuel surcharge applied to accessorial charges as well?
No — the fuel surcharge is appliedonly to the base freight charge, not to accessorial charges such as liftgate, inside delivery, residential surcharge, detention, or re-delivery fees. Each accessorial charge is a flat fixed rate with no FSC applied on top.
Can the fuel surcharge be negotiated or capped for volume accounts?
Yes. Volume account customers shipping 3+ times per week can negotiate a blended or capped FSC rate as part of their rate agreement. This protects both parties from significant quarterly swings in diesel pricing.
To discuss a capped FSC arrangement as part of a volume account, contact us at (647) 285-9605.
LIFTGATE, INSIDE DELIVERY, SAME-DAY, COURIER, TRACKING
SERVICES AND CHARGES
What is liftgate service and do I need it?
A liftgate (also called a tailgate) is a hydraulic platform mounted to the rear of the truck that lowers freight from truck bed height to ground level. It is required at any address that does not have a loading dock or forklift available to unload the skid.
If you are receiving freight at a retail store, office, residential address, or any ground-level location without a dock, you need liftgate service. The charge is $7.50 per skid.
Always advise us at booking if liftgate is required — dispatching without a liftgate vehicle to a no-dock address will result in an inability to complete the delivery and a re-delivery charge
What is inside delivery and when does it apply?
Inside delivery means the driver brings the freight beyond the building threshold — past the front door, into a specific room, up a freight elevator, or to a designated area inside the building. Standard delivery (without inside delivery) ends at the threshold of the building, tailgate, or dock door.
Inside delivery is charged at $15.00 per skid. It does not include disassembly, product placement, or stocking services.
Do you offer same-day delivery?
Yes — same-day delivery is available for GTA and inner-zone destinations for bookings placed before 11:00 AM, Monday through Friday, subject to availability. Call (647) 285-9605before 11 AM to check same-day capacity for your specific route.
For longer routes such as London or Kitchener–Waterloo, same-day service requires booking by 8:00 AM and is subject to driver availability. We recommend 24–48 hours notice for these routes.
What is the difference between standard delivery and courier service?
Standard delivery is our scheduled box truck service for skids and pallets — it handles 1 to 10+ skids of commercial freight on defined daily routes. Best for: warehouses, retailers, distributors, and manufacturers shipping consistent volumes.
Courier service is our express delivery option for smaller, time-sensitive shipments — packages, envelopes, and commercial freight under approximately 500 lbs that require same-day or next-day urgency. Best for: documents, product samples, small retail restocking runs, and urgent B2B freight.
Do you provide proof of delivery?
Yes — a signed proof of delivery (POD) is provided on every shipment without exception. The POD includes the delivery address, date and time of delivery, and the signature of the person who received the freight.
Digital POD copies are available by email on request — typically within the hour of delivery completion. If you require POD for invoicing, accounts payable, or compliance purposes, let us know at booking.
Can I track my delivery in real time?
We provide real-time updates via phone or text throughout the day. Our driver will contact you before departure from pickup, upon arrival at the delivery address, and upon completion.
We currently operate a direct-communication model rather than an automated tracking portal. If you need continuous visibility, our dispatch team can provide estimated arrival windows and live status updates at any point during the run. Call (647) 285-9605 for a status check at any time during business hours.
Do you offer freight insurance or cargo coverage?
Toledo Trading Company is fully insured and carries commercial vehicle and cargo liability insurance on every run. Our standard cargo liability coverage applies to all shipments as per our carrier agreement.
For high-value shipments, we recommend declaring the freight value at booking so appropriate coverage can be confirmed. For shipments requiring declared value coverage above standard carrier limits, a supplemental cargo insurance arrangement can be arranged — ask at booking.
Can you handle deliveries that require a timed or appointment window?
Yes — appointment deliveries and timed window deliveries (e.g. "deliver between 10 AM and 12 PM") are available. An appointment/timed window fee of $25.00 per stop applies to cover the additional scheduling and dispatch coordination required.
Appointment deliveries must be confirmed at booking with a specific window. We cannot guarantee timed delivery on same-day bookings without prior scheduling
Do you offer residential delivery for online or e-commerce businesses?
Yes — residential delivery is available across all of our service zones. A residential surcharge of $35.00 per stop applies to deliveries at houses, townhomes, apartments, condos, and narrow residential streets.
Liftgate service is almost always required for residential deliveries since most homes do not have a loading dock. Expect both the residential surcharge ($35) and liftgate fee ($7.50/skid) to apply on residential runs.
HOW TO BOOK, LEAD TIMES, CANCELLATIONS, CHANGES
BOOKING AND SCHEDULING
How do I book a delivery with Toledo Trading Company?
To book a delivery, contact us with the following information:
- Full pickup address (including postal code and contact name)
- Full delivery address (including postal code and contact name)
- Number of skids and approximate weight per skid
- Whether liftgate is required at either address
- Any special requirements (inside delivery, appointment window, residential)
- Preferred delivery date
Call or text: (647) 285-9605
Email: toledotradingcompany@gmail.com
We confirm availability and provide a full itemised quote within 15 minutes during business hours.
How much advance notice do you need to book a delivery?
Lead time varies by destination:
- Toronto Core & Inner GTA: Same-day available before 11 AM, otherwise next business day
- Outer GTA (Oshawa, Oakville, Brampton, Hamilton): Same-day before 11 AM or next business day
- Kitchener–Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge: 24 hours preferred; same-day possible before 8 AM
- London, Brantford, Barrie: 24–48 hours recommended
- Volume/multi-stop runs: 48 hours advance notice preferred for complex routing
What are your business hours for booking and delivery?
Office / Booking hours:Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Deliveries:Monday – Friday, standard hours. Saturday by appointment — book by Friday 12:00 PM.
After-hours bookings:Leave a voicemail or send an email and we will respond by 7:30 AM the next business day.
Can I cancel or reschedule a booking after confirming?
Cancellations and reschedules are accepted with at least 2 hours notice before the scheduled pickup time at no charge. Cancellations with less than 2 hours notice may be subject to a cancellation fee to cover driver dispatch costs.
For long-haul routes (London, K-W, Barrie), please provide at least 4 hours notice for cancellations or reschedules.
What information do you need from the consignee (receiving party)?
For a smooth delivery, ensure the consignee has been advised of the following:
- Estimated delivery window or appointment time
- Number of skids to expect and approximate weight
- Whether liftgate or inside delivery has been arranged
- Name of a specific contact to sign the POD
- Dock door number, access code, or parking instructions if applicable
The most common cause of delivery delays and additional charges is a consignee who was not advised the freight was coming. Always confirm with your receiving party before we depart.
Can I provide a purchase order number or reference for my delivery?
Yes — we accommodate PO numbers, internal reference numbers, job numbers, and any other identifiers you need on your proof of delivery or invoice. Provide any reference numbers at the time of booking and we will include them in the delivery documentation.
Do you offer recurring pickup schedules for regular shippers?
Yes — standing pickup schedules are available for customers with regular delivery cadences (e.g. every Monday and Thursday, or every weekday). Volume account customers can set a standing schedule with no need to book individually each time.
Contact us to set up a recurring schedule. We will confirm timing, routes, and pricing in writing. One call to adjust, 24 hours notice to cancel any individual occurrence within the standing schedule.
WHAT CITIES WE SERVE AND HOW ZONES WORK
COVERAGE AREA AND ZONES
What cities do you deliver to?
Toledo Trading Company delivers across the Greater Toronto Area and all of Southern Ontario. Our regular service area includes:
- Toronto Core: Downtown, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, East York
- Inner Suburbs: Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville
- Outer GTA: Burlington, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Stoney Creek, Milton, Concord, Thornhill
- Hamilton Corridor: Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Aurora, Orangeville, Alliston, Barrie
- K-W Corridor: Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo
- Southwestern Ontario: Brantford, Woodstock, Niagara/Fort Erie, London
For destinations not listed, call us — we can often accommodate special routes with custom pricing.
How are delivery zones determined?
Zones are based primarily on distance from our Toronto dispatch base, measured in kilometres. Each zone has a defined kilometre band — for example, Toronto Core is 0–70 km, Mississauga is 0–39 km. The base rate covers delivery to any address within that zone's band.
Addresses that fall beyond a named zone's band (e.g. a rural address 15 km outside Guelph city limits) are subject to the extra km overage charge of $2.25/km for the additional distance.
Do you deliver outside of Southern Ontario?
Our standard delivery network covers Southern Ontario. For destinations outside this zone — Northern Ontario, Quebec, the Maritimes, or cross-border US freight — we can assist with freight forwarding referrals or custom one-off long-haul arrangements.
Call us to discuss — if the destination is reachable in a single business day, we may be able to accommodate it with custom pricing.
Can you deliver to addresses without a specific street number (rural routes)?
Yes — rural route and concession road addresses are deliverable with advance notice. Provide the full GPS coordinates or detailed directions at booking if the address does not have standard civic numbering. Rural addresses may incur the extra km overage charge depending on distance from the nearest named zone.
Do you deliver to construction sites or temporary addresses?
Yes — construction sites and temporary delivery locations are accepted. Provide a site foreman's contact number, site address or GPS coordinates, and any access or safety requirements at booking. Liftgate service is typically required at construction sites unless a forklift or skid steer is on-site.
Do you have location-specific pages I can reference for my city?
Yes — we have dedicated delivery information pages for the following cities, each with local rates, zones, and FAQs specific to that location:
WHO WE ARE, CREDENTIALS, AND HOW TO REACH US
ABOUT TOLEDO TRADING COMPANY
How long has Toledo Trading Company been operating?
Toledo Trading Company was founded in 2019 and has been serving businesses across the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario since then. We are a Toronto-based, Canadian-operated carrier — not a broker, not a franchise, and not an automated platform. When you call, you speak to the people running the business.
Are you a carrier or a freight broker?
We are a carrier— we operate our own fleet and our own drivers. We do not broker your freight to a third-party carrier. The driver who picks up your skid is our driver, operating under our insurance, under our operational standards. This means direct accountability and consistent service quality on every run.
Is Toledo Trading Company licensed and insured?
Yes. Toledo Trading Company holds all required provincial operating authority for commercial freight transportation in Ontario and carries:
- Commercial vehicle liability insurance
- Cargo insurance covering all standard freight categories
- WSIB coverage for all operational staff
Certificates of insurance are available upon request — contact us at toledotradingcompany@gmail.com if required for your procurement or vendor onboarding process.
What types of businesses do you typically work with?
Our client base spans a wide range of industries including:
- Distributors and wholesalers shipping to retail accounts
- Manufacturers delivering finished goods to commercial customers
- E-commerce and DTC brands shipping B2B palletized freight
- Import and export businesses receiving/dispatching container freight
- Logistics companies and 3PLs requiring reliable last-mile execution
- Retail chains receiving regular skid replenishment
If your business moves skids regularly, we are built to be your carrier.
How do I contact Toledo Trading Company?
Phone / Text: (647) 285-9605
Email: toledotradingcompany@gmail.com
Website: toledotradingcompany.ca
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST
Saturday: By appointment — contact by Friday 12 PM
We respond to all inquiries within 15 minutes during business hours. For urgent same-day delivery requests, always call rather than email.
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BASE RATES BY ZONE
Toronto Core — $110
Mississauga/Markham — $145
Brampton — $140
Oakville — $155
Burlington/Whitby — $205
Hamilton — $245
Kitchener/Waterloo — $325
London — $480
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PER-SKID CHARGES
Base (1–3 skids) — Included
2nd & 3rd skid (each) — +$20
4th+ skid (each) — +$25
Liftgate (per skid) — $7.50
Inside Delivery (per skid) — $15.00
Empty Skid Return — $4–$6
Fuel Surcharge (FSC) — 16.5%
KM Overage — $2.25/km
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PER-STOP CHARGES
Residential Surcharge — $35.00
Appointment Window — $25.00
Saturday/After Hours — $65.00
Refused/Redelivery — $75.00
Detention (per 15 min) — $30.00
Hazmat Handling — $55.00