How much does it cost to ship a container to Canada

Ocean freight shipping to and from Canada range from $2,000 to over $3,000. Canada’s top exports are refined and crude petroleum, petroleum gas, and vehicle parts. Its top imports include cars, delivery trucks, refined and crude petroleum, and computers. Canada is currently experiencing a rise in its growth rates thanks to its open-market system, making it the 12th largest export economy in the world. Ocean freight to Canada is a very important part of their economy, and the US is its largest trade partner making up for over half of the country’s import value.

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Main ports in Canada

Finding the best port in Canada to ship to from Spain at a decent price is no easy task. Luckily, at iContainers we offer 5 different ports in Canada from Spain for ocean freight transport -FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than a Container Load) - at the best rates.

FAQs about shipping your container to Canada

What is the estimated transit time for shipping a container to Canada?

Estimated transit time to ship a container to Canada widely varies according to the port of origin and the port of destination. For instance, a container leaving from Spain to Toronto can take between 15 to 24 days: the route Bilbao, Spain - Toronto takes around 24 days on average, while the estimated transit time for the Valencia, Spain – Toronto route is around 15 days.

What type of cargo can be sent in a container?

If you’re thinking of shipping dry commodities, you will soon see there are several container options to choose from. Dry shipping containers are the most commonly used containers in the world because of their variety in sizes and volume capacities. However, because they don’t offer air-flow or temperature control, they’re not an advisable choice for freight that includes, say, perishable goods.

How do you figure out shipping cost to Canada?

Most international shipping costs are related to the kind of goods you will need transporting and your specific requirements for their handling, but there are other factors you should consider. The Incoterm you select, the route you choose for your ocean freight or the container you use are also aspects that will determine the final price you pay for your shipping.

What container capacity do I need for my cargo?

If your shipment is high enough in volume to require a Full Container (FCL), you will be happy to know you can choose from a range of volume capacities: the smallest dry shipping container (20ft) has a volume capacity of 1,172 CFT / 33.2 CBM, whereas the largest (45ft) can offer up to 3,122 CFT / 88.4 CBM. If you’re dealing with small freight, a Shared Container (LCL) may be a more cost-effective option for you.

FOB vs CIF: What´s the difference?

FOB and CIF – although commonly used Incoterms – frequently lead to confusion and misunderstandings among shippers. The root of the issue seems to be with the party who is held liable for the goods, so let’s clarify this: under FOB, the seller conveys liability to the buyer once the cargo is loaded on the vessel; with CIF, on the other hand, liability is only transferred from the seller to the buyer when the goods reach the destination port.

What paperwork is needed for international shipments to Canada?

Even though – as you can imagine – every country sets its own requirements when it comes to paperwork for international shipping, there are of course mandatory documents that you will encounter no matter where you are shipping to and from: a Bill of Lading, a commercial invoice or a packing list are a few examples. Other necessary paperwork may include customs authorization or power of attorney.

Importing From Asia In 2022

Discover how to import or export from/to China, India or Vietnam and avoid delays on your cargo. Includes Incoterms and documents.

asia eBook
Klaus Lydsal

"Customs duties play an important role in your international shipment. How they're determined and calculated varies from country to country"

Klaus Lydsal, vice president of operations at iContainers