Auto makers, grocery chains and chemical firms import sealed 20′, 40′ & 40′HC boxes straight into Viau, Cast, Termont or Racine terminals, then rail or truck to Toronto, Detroit and Chicago.
SMEs cut freight bills up to 50 % on loads < 15 m³ via weekly LCL consolidations that devan in bonded depots at Viau.
Popular mode: FCL still rules automotive & food supply; LCL is surging for Amazon-CA and Shopify restocks.
Ports / airports served: Montreal-Port (MTR), Contrecœur (future); urgent air via YUL & YMX.
Typical cargo: Auto parts, forest products, electronics, bulk wine & spirits.
Transit-time references:
Country-specific challenges:
Alternative option: Air freight trims door-to-door to 3-5 days via YUL/YMX for pharma and AOG parts.
Container shipping rates to Montreal
Asia cargo discharges at Vancouver / Prince Rupert, then rides CN or CPKC stack-trains east; North-Atlantic services berth Montreal directly after Liverpool, Antwerp or Rotterdam; MSC and Maersk short-sea loops link Halifax and the Gulf.
Common commodities | Restricted / Prohibited |
---|---|
Automotive parts & machinery | Counterfeit brands |
Electronics & appliances | Controlled chemicals without HC licence |
Wine, spirits & food ingredients | Meat/dairy lacking CFIA permits |
Forestry products & paper | Hazardous waste without ECCC permit |
Most goods clear at 0–8 % duty plus 5 % GST on the CIF value.
Yes—below 15 m³ you avoid paying for unused FCL space, typically saving 40–60 %.
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended—add door-to-door cover at checkout.
Secure space 6 – 8 weeks ahead of December to buffer for St Lawrence ice and holiday congestion.