Revealed: the cheapest shipping method from China to Canada

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The cost of shipping something from China to Canada depends on many factors. Some of these factors are the type of goods, the shipping method, how big and heavy the goods are, how far they are going, where they’re coming from and where they’re going, and the size of the goods. It may seem complicated, but finding the right shipping company can solve the problem. This article will analyze the shipping costs to Canada in detail.

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Sea Freight is usually the cheapest way to import from China, especially for large shipments. It costs less per unit than Air Freight, but it takes longer.

The main factors affecting shipping costs from China to Canada

  • Type of Goods: Different goods have different volumes, weights, packaging requirements and insurance costs.
  • Shipping Method: Sea Freight is usually the cheapest but takes longer; Air Freight is the most expensive but faster. Different shipping methods have different costs.
  • Shipping Distance: The farther the distance between the port of origin and destination, the higher the shipping cost.
  • Seasonal Fluctuations: During holidays (such as the Spring Festival), shipping demand increases, which may lead to price increases.
  • Destination port or airport: Shipping costs vary between cities and ports in Canada. Choosing the right destination can help save on shipping costs.
cargo ship sailing at port of north vancouver

Shipping cost from China to Canad

Shipping ModeIdeal ForCost RangeKey Considerations
LCLSmaller shipments$200 – $400 per palletHigher per cubic meter costs
FCLLarger shipments$5,500 (Toronto – 20GP), $5,500 (Montreal – 20GP), $6,900 (Toronto – 40GP), $6,900 (Montreal – 40GP)Cost-effective for full container loads
Express ShippingVery urgent, small packagesFrom $100Fastest transit times, premium pricing
Air FreightUrgent shipments$5.10/kg (Vancouver), $7.50/kg (Toronto), $7.50/kg (Montreal)Balance between speed and cost, variable pricing

Choosing the right China to Canada freight forwarder

Choosing a reliable freight forwarder can help you reduce transportation costs and ensure a smooth shipping process. The following are the factors to consider when selecting a freight forwarder:

  • Professionalism and experience: Choose a freight forwarder with a team of experienced and professional staff who can better handle various issues during the shipping process, such as customs clearance, cargo packaging, and transportation route planning.
  • Qualifications and reputation: Choose a freight forwarder with legal qualifications and a good reputation. You can learn more about this by checking the company’s business license, industry certification, customer reviews, etc.
  • Price and fees: Consult multiple freight forwarders for prices, compare different companies’ costs and service content, and choose a cost-effective agent. At the same time, pay attention to whether there are hidden fees, such as fuel surcharges, customs declaration fees, customs clearance fees, etc.
  • Scope of services and capabilities: Find out what services the freight forwarder provides, whether it covers multiple transport modes such as Sea Freight, Air Freight, and Land Freight, and whether it can provide one-stop services such as door-to-door delivery, customs declaration, customs clearance, and warehousing.
  • Customer reviews: Refer to feedback from other customers to ensure the agent’s service quality.

How long does shipping from China to Canada by Sea Freight take?

LCL: Usually takes 12-30 days, depending on the destination port.

FCL: It also usually takes 12-30 days, but this depends on whether the container goes directly to the destination or makes any stops along the way.

Note: Transit time may be extended due to weather, port congestion, holidays, etc.

What’s the least expensive way to ship from China to Canada?

Sea Freight is usually the cheapest way to ship large goods from China to Canada. Sea Freight is the best option if you don’t need to ship your goods quickly and want to save as much money as possible.

How to use HongOcean to ship to Canada

1. Preparing the shipment and getting a quote

  • Provide shipment information: Provide the freight forwarder with detailed information about the shipment, such as weight, volume, type, destination, etc.
  • Get a quote: Based on the shipment information, the freight forwarder will provide a shipping quote and explain the cost structure (such as shipping fees, insurance fees, tariffs, etc.).

2. Sign the contract

  • Confirm the terms of service: Once you have decided to work together, the two parties will sign a contract specifying the transport details, responsibilities, costs and schedule.
  • Confirm the transport method: Select the appropriate transport method (Air Freight, Sea Freight, Rail, etc.) and confirm the transport route and time frame.

3. Cargo preparation and packaging

  • Packaging requirements: Ensure that the goods meet the requirements for transportation, especially for fragile or unique items (such as dangerous goods, food, etc.), which need to follow packaging standards.
  • Prepare relevant documents: Prepare the necessary documents, such as invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, commercial contracts, etc., according to the requirements of the destination country.

4. Transport arrangements

  • Arrange transport: The freight forwarder will arrange an appropriate mode of transport and coordinate bookings for ships, flights or trains.
  • Pick-up and transport: The agent will arrange for the goods to be picked up from the supplier/shipper and delivered to the designated transport hub (e.g. airport, port, etc.).

5. Customs clearance and tax processing

  • Export customs clearance: When the goods leave the country, the freight forwarder will handle the export customs clearance procedures to ensure compliance with Chinese customs regulations.
  • Import customs clearance: Upon arrival at the destination, the freight forwarder will handle Canadian import customs clearance procedures, including payment of duties, value-added tax (VAT) and other fees.
  • Document review: The freight forwarder will ensure the correct documents are in place for smooth customs clearance.

You may want to know: What documents do I need for international shipping?

6. Transportation and tracking

  • Tracking during transport: The freight forwarder will provide a shipment tracking service so you can monitor the status and location of your goods.
  • Coordination during transport: If there are problems with the weather, port congestion or other issues, the agent will coordinate a solution to ensure the transport runs smoothly.

7. Arrival at destination and delivery

Destination transport: Once the goods arrive at their destination, the agent coordinates the transport of them from the port or airport to their final destination.

Receipt and inspection of goods: When you receive the goods, you need to check that they are intact. You can apply for compensation through the freight forwarder if there is any damage or loss.

Payment of duties and fees: Depending on the terms of carriage, duties, VAT and other fees may need to be paid, and the freight forwarder will assist you in making these payments.

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