Shipping Costs and Freight Forwarders from China to Canada

Ordering from China is becoming increasingly popular. Since the Chinese produce significantly high-quality products for the interior market, this is not surprising. However, ordering and delivering goods from China is a rather complicated task that not everyone can handle on their own. Freight forwarding companies help to solve such problems.

Shipping Methods from China to Canada

Air freight is a fast and expensive method that is suitable when you need to transport something perishable or very valuable. Air is used when specific conditions need to be met when transporting goods — temperature, humidity, oxygen, etc. Air freight is used to transport medicine, food, equipment, and electronics. It is often the best option when speed is a top priority.

Ocean freight is the most popular and affordable option. But it is also quite slow. An ocean freight from China to Canada can take about two months. It is also four times cheaper than air. Sea freight is the primary mode of transportation used for importing and exporting worldwide. The advantages that make sea freight the first choice for most Canadian importers include low prices, high volume, full container load (FCL), or less than container load (LCL) options.

What determines the price of delivery from China?

Shipping costs are a constant value. Each company has its own fixed rate per unit of weight. In general, the cost calculation depends on the following factors

  • Volume, weight, and dimensions of the cargo;
  • Transport vehicle;
  • Shipping route;
  • Delivery time.

Additional charges, such as customs duties, taxes, and other fees, must also be considered. When calculating the total cost of shipping, it’s important to take into account the ocean freight charges and additional fees. The total shipping cost consists of the Ocean Freight Charges, which are determined based on the shipping route, container size, and cargo volume; Customs Taxes, which are determined by the type and value of goods; and additional fees, including documentation, terminal handling, and customs brokerage. These fees vary by carrier, so it’s important to research them in advance. Letting professionals with experience in working with China to help you calculate costs is a good idea. Companies can successfully ship goods from China to Canada by understanding the available routes, selecting a reliable freight forwarder, and estimating the associated costs.