Roadrunner Raises Rates, Launches Canada-to-U.S. Service
Shippers moving freight between Canada and the U.S. will face a 5.9% rate hike and gain new direct-truck linehaul options.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Transportation
Live Poll
Do you expect rising transportation and shipping rates to increase your household's cost of living?
Roadrunner has launched a new outbound Canada-to-U.S. less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping service. The company also announced a 5.9% general rate increase that takes effect on November 2.
Why it matters
The rate increase aims to offset rising operating costs while funding ongoing investments in network efficiency and service quality for cross-border logistics operators.
Roadrunner is rolling out a 5.9% general rate increase effective November 2 to support its network of 40 terminals. The firm is simultaneously expanding its logistics footprint by launching a Canada-to-U.S. service covering 40 major U.S. metro markets.
The players
Roadrunner
A provider of less-than-truckload shipping services that operates a network of over 40 terminals using independent drivers.
The details
The new Canada-to-U.S. offering utilizes a proprietary Smart Network to facilitate direct, metro-to-metro long-haul transport. Unlike traditional intermodal options, this service moves freight entirely by truck, bypassing rail transit to maintain control over delivery schedules and service quality.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: Roadrunner announced the new service and rate increase.
November 2, 2026: The 5.9% general rate increase becomes effective.
Market Landscape
Roadrunner's decision to utilize direct, all-truck linehaul marks a departure from the historical reliance of LTL carriers on rail-based intermodal transit for cross-border lanes. This move shifts the competitive dynamic for shippers who prioritize transit speed and control over lower-cost rail alternatives.
Operators currently using or considering cross-border LTL services should account for the upcoming 5.9% rate hike in their Q4 transportation budgets. Audit your current shipping volume and lane requirements to determine if the direct-truck model provides sufficient value to offset the new general rate increase.
The takeaway
The move to bypass rail transit signifies a growing operator preference for service reliability over purely intermodal cost-saving measures. Logistics managers should track their Q4 freight invoices closely following the November 2 rate implementation to measure the impact on landed costs.
Further reading
For more information on logistics network strategies, visit the Transportation section.
Live Poll
Do you expect rising transportation and shipping rates to increase your household's cost of living?
