Ocean Freight Guide
Container shipping is the most cost-effective method for large shipments from China to Canada. This guide covers FCL vs LCL, port pairs, transit times, and customs clearance on arrival.
Container shipping from China to Canada takes 12–35 days depending on the port pair. Vancouver and Prince Rupert are the fastest routes for western Canada. Choose FCL (full container) for large volumes or LCL (shared container) for smaller shipments under ~15 CBM. Eztrans books FCL and LCL from all major Chinese ports.
Container Options
You book an entire container. Your cargo loads at the factory, seals, and ships directly to the destination port. Most cost-effective when cargo fills 60–70% or more of the container.
Your cargo shares a container with other shippers. You pay per cubic meter (CBM). Cost-effective for volumes under approximately 15 CBM.
Routes
Indicative port-to-port transit times. Add 2–5 days for customs clearance and inland delivery.
| Origin Port (China) | Destination Port (Canada) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (SHA) | Vancouver (VAN) | 12–16 days |
| Ningbo (NGB) | Prince Rupert (PR) | 11–15 days |
| Shenzhen (SZX) | Vancouver (VAN) | 13–18 days |
| Shanghai (SHA) | Montreal (MTL) | 28–35 days |
Container Specs
25–28 CBM / ~18,000 kg payload
Common for dense cargo — machinery, industrial goods
55–58 CBM / ~26,500 kg payload
Most common container type for consumer goods
67–68 CBM / ~26,300 kg payload
Extra height for lightweight bulky cargo — furniture, appliances
FAQ
Clear answers for Canadian importers evaluating freight forwarding, China–Canada shipping, and integrated logistics options.
FCL (Full Container Load) is generally more cost-effective once your cargo fills roughly 60–70% of a container. For smaller volumes, LCL (Less-than-Container Load) is better — you share a container with other shippers and pay per cubic meter. The typical threshold is about 15 CBM.
Shanghai to Vancouver: 12–16 days. Shenzhen to Vancouver: 13–18 days. Ningbo to Prince Rupert: 11–15 days. Shanghai to Montreal: 28–35 days. Add 2–5 days for customs clearance and inland delivery.
FCL rates fluctuate with market conditions. Indicative ranges: 20ft container USD 2,000–3,500; 40ft container USD 3,000–5,000. LCL is typically USD 80–200 per cubic meter. Request a current quote from Eztrans for accurate pricing.
Your customs broker files a customs entry with CBSA. CBSA may release the container immediately (the majority of shipments) or select it for examination. After release, the container is transported by truck or rail to your warehouse or drayage depot.
Eztrans books FCL and LCL from all major Chinese ports into Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Montreal. Contact us for current rates.