Ocean Freight to Canada
Shipping ocean freight to Canada provides access to one of North America's largest and most stable consumer markets, backed by strong infrastructure, diversified import demand, and global trade connectivity. With major ports such as Vancouver, Montreal and Halifax, iContainers helps you compare rates, select the ideal route and book ocean freight to Canada easily.
Why Ship to Canada with iContainers?
Canada offers a compelling mix of logistical efficiency, high-import demand and solid regulatory transparency. Whether you're shipping from Asia, Europe or the Americas, iContainers provides seamless tools and full service support for Canadian destinations.
A High-Value Market with Import Demand
- Trade contributes a large share of Canada's economy, reflecting strong import flows.
- Key imports include machinery, transportation equipment, consumer goods and components, aligning with opportunities for global shippers.
- Reliable infrastructure and regulatory environment make Canada a lower-risk destination for ocean freight.
Flexible Service Options - FCL & LCL
- Full Container Load (FCL) is ideal for high-volume shipments that fill 20′ or 40′ containers.
- Less than Container Load (LCL) suits smaller shipments, mixed cargo or market tests.
- iContainers offers instant quoting, transparent cost breakdowns and global pickup to Canadian ports.
End-to-End Support into Canada
- iContainers supports all shipping steps: origin pickup, export documentation, ocean transit, Canadian port arrival and inland delivery.
- Multiple Canadian port options provide flexibility in routing and cost-time optimization.
Ocean Freight Services to Canada
FCL Shipping to Canada
When your cargo fills a 20′ or 40′ container - for example industrial equipment, full pallet loads or multiple SKUs - FCL offers better control, fewer handling points and often faster transit times.
LCL Shipping to Canada
If you have smaller volumes, mixed SKUs or are entering the Canadian market for the first time, LCL is a cost-efficient choice. Consolidation means lower cost, though may involve slightly longer handling times.
Shipping Costs to Canada
What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost?
Key cost drivers when shipping to Canada include:
- Origin region & route: Asia vs Europe vs Americas; direct vs transshipment.
- Container type & size: 20′ vs 40′ vs 40′ HC, reefer, special equipment.
- Destination port: Vancouver, Montreal, Halifax - each has different cost implications.
- Inland haulage and final delivery location: Canada's geography and inland logistics matter.
- Port handling, surcharges, fuel/currency adjustments: Market fluctuations impact cost.
iContainers provides full cost transparency so you can budget your landed cost into Canada accurately.
Container shipping rates
How much does it cost to ship a container to Canada?
Transit Times to Canada
Typical Transit Durations
Transit times to Canada vary by origin, routing and destination port:
- From Asia to West Coast Canadian ports: shorter transit due to Pacific routing.
- From Europe or Americas to East/central Canada: longer transit depending on carrier and routing.
Factors That Can Affect Delivery Speed
- Vessel scheduling and transshipment stops.
- Port congestion at major Canadian gateways.
- Inland delivery distance and rail/road connections.
- Documentation accuracy and customs clearance.
Main Ports in Canada
Canada offers several major container gateways that serve different regions and routing strategies.
Port of Vancouver (West Coast)
Canada's largest container port and a major gateway for Pacific and Asia trade lanes.
Port of Montreal (East/central Canada)
Strategic Atlantic-facing port with access to inland markets.
Port of Halifax (East Coast)
Important east-coast container gateway with advantageous access to Europe and Atlantic trade lanes.
How to Choose the Right Port
- Select based on origin region and routing (Pacific vs Atlantic)
- Consider final delivery location within Canada (West, Central, East)
- Compare cost vs transit time trade-offs
- Verify carrier service availability, container equipment and intermodal links
How to Book Your Shipment to Canada
Required Documents
Common documentation includes:
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List.
- Bill of Lading / Sea Waybill.
- HS codes and accurate cargo description.
- Consignee/importer registration in Canada and any required customs documentation.
- Any permits/certificates required for regulated goods.
Customs & Regulatory Overview
- Canadian customs and import regulations require precise documentation and classification.
- Duty, GST/HST and other taxes may apply depending on product type and value.
- Understanding inland logistics and intermodal connections (rail/road) is vital for efficient delivery.
Step-by-Step Booking Process
- Request an online quote (origin → Canada, cargo details)
- Compare service types (FCL vs LCL), ports, transit times, and cost
- Confirm booking and upload required documentation
- Arrange origin container pickup and loading
- Track the ocean transit to Canadian port
- Complete customs clearance and inland delivery in Canada
- Final delivery to warehouse, distribution centre or consignee's location
FAQs About Shipping to Canada
The cost of shipping a container to Canada depends on your origin, container type (FCL or LCL), cargo weight and volume, and current market rates. The most accurate way to get a price is to request an instant quote on the iContainers platform, where you'll see all charges itemized before booking.
Transit times to Canada vary by origin and service. Shipments from nearby ports in the Americas can arrive within days, while shipments from Europe or Asia may take several weeks. When you request a quote with iContainers, estimated transit times are displayed alongside the rates so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule.
The best container type depends on your cargo's size, weight, and characteristics:
- 20' or 40' dry containers for most general cargo
- 40' High Cube for lighter, voluminous goods
- Reefer containers for temperature-controlled products
- Special equipment (open top, flat rack) for oversized items
If you're unsure which option is right for you, our specialists can review your cargo details and recommend the most suitable container type.
