China is one of Canada’s important trading partners. The trade volume between the two countries is increasing, and the demand for efficient logistics and transportation is also increasing year by year. It is very important to understand the shipping time.
Canada is located in North America, bordering the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the United States to the south. Its unique geographical location allows multiple ways to transport goods from China. China and Canada have a long-term and stable trade relationship. This article will introduce the shipping time from China to Canada in detail to optimize transportation efficiency.
Shipping Time from China to Canada
The specific shipping time will be affected by many factors, including but not limited to:
- Mode of transportation: Air transportation is usually faster than sea transportation.
- Transportation route: Direct routes are usually faster, and transshipment takes more time, especially when the goods need to change ports or airlines.
- Season and weather: Winter blizzards and other extreme weather may affect shipping time. Peak season (such as before Christmas) logistics peaks will extend shipping time.
- Customs clearance and quarantine: Complex customs clearance processes will delay delivery, especially for food or pharmaceutical products.
Sea Freight Time from China to Canada
Sea freight is cheaper and suitable for large quantities of goods. It is mainly divided into two service modes, FCL and LCL. The transportation time is also affected by factors such as ship size and port congestion.
It takes about 30-40 days for goods to be transported from major ports in China to Halifax and Montreal on the east coast of Canada due to the long voyage and complex waterways.
It takes about 20-30 days for goods to be transported from major ports in China to Vancouver on the west coast of Canada, which is closer to Asia.
Average transportation time, sailing and shipping schedule for shipping containers from major ports in China to Canada:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | Transport time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Vancouver | 20-28 days |
| Shenzhen | Vancouver | 20-30 days |
| Qingdao | Vancouver | 22-29 days |
| Ningbo | Vancouver | 21-28 days |
| Shanghai | Montreal | 20-28 days |
| Shenzhen | Montreal | 20-30 days |
| Qingdao | Montreal | 21-28 days |
| Ningbo | Montreal | 22-29 days |
| Shanghai | Halifax | 20-30 days |
| Shenzhen | Halifax | 21-28 days |
| Qingdao | Halifax | 20-30 days |
| Ningbo | Halifax | 22-29 days |
Air Freight Time from China to Canada
Air freight is much faster and safer than sea freight, and is suitable for high-value or time-sensitive goods. It usually takes 3-7 days from major airports in China to major airports in Canada (such as Vancouver International Airport or Toronto Pearson International Airport).
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Canada) | Transport time (days) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Vancouver | 3-6 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Vancouver | 4-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Vancouver | 3-6 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Toronto Pearson | 3-6 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Toronto Pearson | 3-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Toronto Pearson | 4-7 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau | 3-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau | 3-6 days |
| Beijing Capital | Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau | 3-7 days |
Express Shipping Time from China to Canada
For urgent or time-critical shipments, express services can be used. These expedited services significantly reduce shipping time, taking approximately 2 to 5 days. However, express delivery costs are higher, so it is suitable for specific situations where speed is of the essence.
You may also be interested in: Door to door shipping from China
How to Optimize Shipping Time to Improve Efficiency
Choose direct routes
Avoid transshipment to reduce transit delays.
Plan and book space in advance
Book before peak season to avoid congestion.
Be familiar with customs clearance policies
Prepare all documents in advance to ensure fast customs clearance.
Optimize packaging design
Design lightweight and strong packaging to reduce material and transportation costs while protecting products from damage.
Use smart logistics systems
Track goods in real time to improve overall transportation transparency.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Canada
Container shipping is the most popular mode of international cargo transportation. The main peak season for shipping from China to Canada is from mid-August to mid-October. During the peak season, prices go up due to high demand and less container space. Therefore, it is cheaper to ship cargo during the peak season.
The following is the cost range for shipping containers (20ft and 40ft) from China to Canada:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Vancouver | $2050-$3250 | $4000-$4200 |
| Shenzhen | Vancouver | $2100-$3300 | $4050-$5250 |
| Qingdao | Vancouver | $2050-$3250 | $4050-$5250 |
| Ningbo | Vancouver | $2000-$3400 | $4050-$5350 |
| Shanghai | Montreal | $2050-$3450 | $4050-$5200 |
| Shenzhen | Montreal | $2000-$3200 | $4000-$5300 |
| Qingdao | Montreal | $2050-$3350 | $4050-$5200 |
| Ningbo | Montreal | $2000-$3150 | $4050-$5150 |
| Shanghai | Toronto | $2050-$3250 | $4050-$5250 |
| Shenzhen | Toronto | $2050-$3250 | $4000-$5300 |
| Qingdao | Toronto | $2000-$3300 | $4000-$5200 |
| Ningbo | Toronto | $2050-$3100 | $4050-$5150 |
Because the shipping industry is so rapidly changing and affected by a variety of factors, it is important to request quotes from different shipping companies to accurately estimate the shipping costs for your specific shipment. Ubest Shipping will usually provide a detailed quote that lists all the associated costs to help you make an informed decision.
Learn more: How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Canada
Shipping Steps from China to Canada
Preparation of goods
Purchase and pack according to customer needs to ensure that the goods meet the transportation requirements.
Choose a mode of transportation
Choose sea or air transportation based on the timeliness, budget and characteristics of the goods
Arrange documents
Prepare all documents required for export and customs clearance.
- Commercial Invoice: Used to state the value and details of the goods.
- Packing List: Record the specific loading information of the goods.
- Bill of Lading: The transportation contract and receipt of goods for sea freight.
- Airway Bill: The transportation certificate for air freight.
- Certificate of Origin: Ensure that the goods meet Canada’s import requirements.
Shipment of goods
Send goods from China to Canada with real-time tracking services.
Customs clearance and pickup
Complete customs clearance procedures after arriving in Canada, arrange pick-up and delivery.
Learn more: Customs Clearance and Fees
Through this article, you can arrange the logistics transportation from China to Canada more efficiently, optimize both cost and time, and provide greater competitive advantages for your trade.