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iContainers is an online logistics platform optimized to help your business easily access the global trade environment. We digitalize international freight forwarding services to simplify global logistics & facilitate trade.

The trade relations between Canada and Germany are fruitful. The latter is one of Canada’s key economic partners, enjoying a strong trade and investment relationship. Germany is Canada’s largest merchandise export market in the EU and the seventh-largest global trading partner. 


If you’re looking to take advantage of the strong trade relations between Canada and Germany, you first need to know your shipping options. 


What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From Canada to Germany?


To ship freight from Canada or Germany, you can utilize either ocean or air freight. 


Ocean Freight From Canada to Germany


Ocean freight is the most economical way to ship goods from Canada to Germany. It can accommodate a range of cargo types, sizes, weights, and volumes and offers shippers the choice between less-than-container load (LCL) or full-container load (FCL) shipping


LCL involves the consolidation of your cargo with shipments belonging to other shippers. This makes LCL cost-effective since you’re sharing the load with other consignments. But this also makes LCL take longer than FCL. 


Speaking of FCL, this is the ocean freight mode of shipment where you rent the space in an entire container. Your goods will be shipped in isolation, which means faster transit times but higher expenses. 


Air Freight from Canada to Germany


Air freight is the fastest way to get your goods from Canada to Germany. It’s also the most secure, considering strict airport regulations. But these rules also mean that air freight is limited in terms of what you can ship and how big and heavy it can be. Air freight is also expensive. 


How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From Canada to Germany?


The cost of shipping cargo from Canada to Germany will depend on the following factors: 


  • Your choice of ocean or air shipping
  • Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment
  • Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
  • Weight and size limits

Determine your shipping costs by using our online freight costs calculator. The table below shows the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from Canada to Germany:

TRADE LANE RATES

Freight Shipping Cost From Canada to Germany for a 20-foot Container

How long does it take to ship cargo from Canada to Germany?


The transit time for goods shipped from Canada to Germany depends mainly on the international shipping mode you select. Additional factors influencing the transit time are:


  • The shipping season (peak or low)
  • Direct or indirect shipment route
  • The trade lane's popularity
  • Geopolitical instability
  • Potential incidents at ports

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from Canada to Germany?


Shipping by sea from Canada to Germany will take around 15-50 days. 


How long does it take to ship cargo by air from Canada to Germany?


It takes approximately 2-8 days to get your goods from Canada to Germany by air, but this would depend on the airports of origin and destination. 


For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in Canada and Germany


Before your goods can be imported to Germany, they must go through customs clearance. This requires that you submit the following documents to the customs authorities: 


  • A commercial invoice
  • A packing list
  • A certificate of origin
  • A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
  • A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

If you’re unfamiliar with these documents, you can refer to our full documents list


Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?


Whether to ship via ocean or air freight will depend on your needs, preferences, and priorities. We outline some points for you to consider below. 


Ocean Freight


Ocean freight is the best option if you’re looking for a cheap way to get your goods from Canada to Germany. However, you must be prepared to wait a while for your cargo to arrive at its destination. 


You must also consider the pros and cons of shipping via LCL or FCL. 


Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping


Shipping via LCL is best for cargo that is: 


  • Small, lightweight, and few 


  • Suitable for consolidation with other cargo 


  • Not requiring special handling or movement 


  • Not delicate, high-value, or fragile 



Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping


If LCL doesn’t seem right, you might consider FCL shipping. This mode of shipment is ideal if your cargo is: 


  • Large, heavy, oversized, overweight 


  • High volume 


  • Not suitable for consolidation with other cargo 


  • Requiring particular movement or handling 


  • Delicate, high-value, or fragile 



Air Freight


If you’re looking for a fast way to get your goods from Canada to Germany, air freight is your best bet. But keep in mind that this mode of shipment will have certain restrictions on the type, size, weight, and volume of goods you can ship. It is also more expensive than ocean freight. 


Ocean Cargo Port Guide


Cargo ports of origin in Canada


Port of St. John


The Port of St. John is the largest in Atlantic Canada, connecting it to the rest of the country by road and rail. Every year, this port sees 28 million metric tonnes of cargo, which it directs or receives from 500 ports worldwide. 


Port of Halifax


The Port of Halifax is a highly advanced and data-driven port that captures shipment data every 15 minutes. This allows it to have one of the lowest wait times for trucks in Canada and move through its operations quickly. 


Port of Prince Rupert


The Port of Prince Rupert is the third-largest port in Canada, handling 32 million tonnes of cargo per year. It handles most of the goods shipped in British Columbia and sees an increase in movement by 9% every year. 


Cargo ports of arrival in Germany


Port of Hamburg


The Port of Hamburg is the busiest in Germany, named as a major hub for container shipping. It has existed for 800 years and handles over 9 million containers yearly. 


Port of Bremerhaven


The Port of Bremerhaven is the second-busiest in Germany, handling over 4 million TEUs annually. It handles a wide range of cargo, including Ro-Ro, bulk commodities, and containers. 


Port of Wilhelmshaven


The Port of Wilhelmshaven is the third-busiest in Germany. Located in Lower Saxony, it connects to the mainland by ferries. The port has the latest harbor facilities for handling cargo, allowing it to handle 656,000 TEUs annually. 


Air Freight from Canada to Germany: An airport guide


Airports of origin in Canada


Halifax/Robert L Stanfield International


Also called the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, this airport is located in Nova Scotia in the Halifax region in Canada. It handles a large amount of air cargo, with its total loaded and unloaded cargo reaching 29,562.8 tonnes in 2021. 


Montréal/Mirabel International


The Montreal-Mirabel International Airport is located in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada. It has a 24/7 all-cargo service, which handled 82,508.1 tonnes of cargo in 2021. 


Montréal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau International


The Montreal Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport is located in Dorval, Quebec. It is the main Canadian airport serving East Great Lakes, and in 2021, it handled 87,749.1 tonnes of cargo. 


Airports of arrival in Germany


Frankfurt


The Frankfurt Airport is the main international airport in Germany. It is located in the country’s fifth-largest city, close to the leading financial centers in the world. In 2022, this airport handled over 2 million tonnes of air cargo. 


Leipzig/Halle


The Leipzig/Halle Airport is located in Schkeuditz, Saxony, Germany. While it mainly conducts flights to leisure destinations in Europe, it also has strong cargo operations, handling over 1.5 million tonnes of cargo in 2022. 


Cologne Bonn


The Cologne Bonn Airport in Cologne, Germany, handled 971 tonnes of cargo in 2022. It is a hub for airlines such as Eurowings, Ryanair, Germanwings, TUI fly Deutschland, and more.

About Us

Why Ship From Canada to Germany With iContainers?

Why Us?

Shipping cargo involves many factors, such as the season, the size of the shipment, the shipping method, and the origin and destination.


With extensive industry experience, iContainers offers traditional freight forwarding services enhanced with modern technology for customer convenience. Our digital platform lets you manage your entire shipment—from requesting a quote to booking and tracking your cargo—all from your mobile device.


Contact us anytime for a free quote. We are always ready to provide you with the information you need.

iContainers is a digital freight forwarder based in Barcelona that assists thousands of companies and families around the globe in moving their merchandise internationally.


Our online freight quoting platform has the latest technology in the sector and simplifies ocean freight, quoting and managing your bookings from the same user area.


We are part of the Agility group, and we work side by side with Shipa Freight to fully cover the demands of our customers.

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