Shipping from China to Canada can be a tedious and expensive process, but it doesn't have to be. It's important to find the best shipping company for your needs and one that you can trust.
This guide will take you through the complete process of shipping from China to Canada, including what you need to know before starting your shipment, how to get a quote, how much it costs, and what steps are involved in the process of shipping goods internationally.
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What are the shipping costs from China to Canada?
Shipping costs can vary greatly based on several factors. These include the volume, weight, and dimensions of the package(s) being shipped, what the goods are that are being shipped; and the method of transportation. Also, it is important to consider the shipment’s insurance and the time of year.
SeaRates can help calculate the shipping costs from China to Canada, but as a general rule:
- Air freight is typically more expensive than sea freight (although it can be cheaper to send small packages via plane).
- Shipping expensive goods that carry a high insurance premium will increase your shipping costs.
- If you can’t fill a shipping container with your goods, LCL shipping (less than container load) is a cheaper shipping method than FCL shipping (full container load).
Considering these cost factors can feel overwhelming. SeaRates’ Online Freight Marketplace can help you figure out the best freight rates; to see what your options are, all you need to know when you plan to ship your cargo is your ports of origin, destination, and what type of shipment you’re sending.
In general, the cheapest shipping from China to Canada would be FCL shipping via the ocean outside of the peak time of the year.
How long does it take to ship from China to Canada?
Door-to-door China-to-Canada shipping could take anything up to 64 days, depending upon your chosen port of origin and destination, what is being shipped, and the method of transportation.
Air freight delivery from China to Canada is the fastest transportation method, with cargo taking between 1 and 5 days to reach its destination in Canada.
Ocean freight takes longer. It can take up to 52 days for goods to reach their Canadian destination port from China.
In addition, FCL shipping is a faster process than LCL shipping because of the logistics involved in loading and unloading the goods at either end of the journey.
Sea, Air freight time from China to Canada
| Port to port | Door to door | |
| Sea FCL | 26-52 days | 31-57 days |
| Sea LCL | 26-52 days | 34-64 days |
| Air cargo | 1-5 days | 4-11 days |
When is the best time to ship from China to Canada?
Both air and sea freight rates, especially for FCL shipping, are affected by seasonal factors.
The main peak season to consider when shipping from China to Canada is from mid-August to mid-October, ahead of Chinese New Year, Golden Week, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Holiday Shopping Season. During peak times, prices increase because demand is high and container space is low. Therefore, shipping freight away from the peak season is cheaper.
When in the month you choose to transport goods can also make a difference in the price.
Booking a shipment in the last two weeks of the month can be cheaper because carriers are trying to fill spots on vessels. The beginning of the month can be a more expensive time, as carriers can levy general sea cargo rate increases on cargo spots.
Generally, the cheapest shipping costs come from booking early.
What are the shipping rates from China to Canada
As shipping rates can vary significantly, the SeaRates Online Freight Marketplace can help you find a quote that suits you.
After adding in the basic details, such as the destination and date of shipment, the marketplace will allow you to compare various freight journeys, allowing you to view details on how your shipment will be processed and the duration of transit. The marketplace also provides a cost breakdown for each leg of the journey to help you control your budget and spending.
You can request a more tailored quote. This more detailed process asks specific questions about your shipment, such as its commodity type, HS Code, and weight. SeaRates will then contact you directly with some options.
What do you need to think about before starting container packing?
Taking a practical approach to your container packing requirements when shipping cargo is vital. You will need to consider your shipment’s weight, dimensions, and what packaging material you will require.
While there is a lot to think about, SeaRates’ Load Calculator can help you understand what your shipment will look like and the space it will need.
There are six steps in the load calculator, which includes a selection of:
1. Transport mode
2. Package type
3. Parameter details
4. Palletizing option
5. Transport unit
6. Orientation
And voila, you get a step-by-step loading plan in just a few clicks.
What Are the Essential Shipping Documents Needed for Shipping from Hong Kong to the USA?
Transporting goods from Hong Kong to the USA requires several essential shipping documents, which are evaluated by customs officials. With these essential documents, your shipment will pass through customs clearance with ease.
Essential Documents Include:
• Commercial invoice
• Bill of lading
• Shipping quote
• Certification of origin
• Material safety data sheet
• Shipper’s letter of instruction
• Booking confirmation
• Bill of lading/air waybill
• Packing list
• Letter of credit.
What Is the Best Cargo Insurance Practice?
We encourage our customers to always insure their cargo. Cargo insurance is often the only protection you have if your shipment is damaged or lost.
You can find cargo insurance through the freight forwarding company or a third-party insurance agent. SeaRates can also help you find the right insurance policy for you.
Insurance costs are typically in the region of 0.3% to 0.5% of your commercial invoice value.
What Are the Major Shipping Ports in China?
Your factory, supplier, or freight forwarder will likely be happy to offer advice on which port is right for you. Certain ports may prove better for you based on their location, customs processes, and goods handling volumes, or perhaps your factory has a special agreement with a particular port.
Major ocean cargo ports in China include:
- Shanghai
- Ningbo
- Shenzhen
Major air cargo ports in China include:
- Beijing
- Chengdu
- Guangzhou
- Hong Kong
- Shenzhen
- Shanghai
- Hangzhou
- Xian
- Xiamen
- Qingdao
- Wuhan
- Tianjin
What are the major shipping ports in Canada?
Major ocean cargo ports in Canada include:
- Vancouver
- Montreal
- Prince Rupert
- Halifax
- Saint John
Major air cargo ports in Canada include:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Calgary
- Montreal
Is it time to find an easy route from China to Canada?
Shipping to a new destination can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be.
The SeaRates platform ensures you secure the most convenient route at the best price. We aim to help you navigate the complexities out of the market so that you can concentrate on growing your business.
ENDS
