Shipping from China to Canada can be complicated and costly, so it’s important to research it first to know what to expect. When shipping this way, the receiver must know when to expect the goods. In the article below,, we talk about how long it takes to ship from China to Canada, the fees involved,, and the best option for you.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Canada?
There are several things that you need to consider that can affect how much the shipping costs will be. Factors like the weight, dimensions, transportation method, and the weight can all change the price of the shipping. Another cost to factor into the final price is insurance and the time of year you are sending the shipment off.
It might be more expensive to send shipments at certain times of the year. Insurance is vital but will add more cost to the overall price. The shipping company can work out the costs for you and consider everything.
Air freight can be expensive, but for smaller goods, sending them via air freight can be more cost-effective. The cheaper option, in this instance, is LCL shipping. Less than a container load is cheaper for those who cannot fill a shipping container than shipping a half-empty container.
What is the Time Frame For Shipping From China to Canada?
The timeframe will depend on the type of transportation method you are using. The most expensive method is express, which takes 1-4 days. The downfall of the express is it needs to be more suitable for bigger loads. Regarding airfreight, you can expect time frames to be within 6-13 days. Sea freight is only good for items that do not need to be completed on time, as the timeframe for that method is 29-33 days. The duration will also include the port of origin within the China area and the import requirements and duties for the area accepting the shipping. While express shipping may be the fastest option, the costs will be higher. This is where you need to weigh up which option is better for your situation.
Shipping Ports in China
The main China ports include the following:
●Ningbo
●Shanghai
●Shenzhen
The main Sea ports in China are as follows:
●Chengdu
●Hong kong
●Beijing
●Chengdu
●Xian
●Hangzhou
●Shenzhen
●Shanghai
●Wuhan
●Xiamen
●Tianjin
●Qingdao
What are the main Canada shipping ports?
●Saint john
●Halifax
●Vancouver
●Prince Rupert
●Montreal
The main air shipping ports are
●Calgary
●Toronto
●Vancouver
●Montreal
China to Canada, is there a better way to transport?
If you manufacture goods in China for import into Canada, you have various shipping methods, including express mail, air freight, and sea freight. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best method for your goods will depend on several factors, including the type of goods being shipped, the load (size and weight) of the shipped goods, and timing requirements, as well as your budget.
●The type of goods will they expire quickly?
●The load is one option better for larger goods
●Which is the most cost-effective option?
Type of Shipping Methods from China to Canada
If you need to ship your goods from China to Canada quickly and directly, you can choose express shipping services provided by major global couriers like UPS, DHL, and FedEx. This door-to-door service doesn’t require third-party logistics to move your goods from the factory to the departure airport or from the arrival airport to the final destination. It’s an all-inclusive service, meaning the quoted price is the final price and includes any customs duties and taxes. Express shipping is the fastest way to move your goods from China to Canada but is also the most costly.
Air Freight
This is the second quickest way to get your goods from one to the other. Main airline carriers take the cargo. Air freight is a good option for those who wish to receive orders quickly. For loads of 300 to 500 kilograms, you can expect affordable pricing.
When considering air freight as a shipping option to move your goods from China to Canada, it’s important to note that it requires additional responsibilities beyond just paying for the service. However, the added responsibilities can be managed effectively with proper planning and support. The benefits of air freight include its speed relative to sea freight and the ability to transport fragile goods with less chance of damage. Taking the necessary precautions and working with trusted partners can ensure a successful air freight shipment from China to Canada.
One of the main drawbacks of using air freight as a shipping method from China to Canada is that it can be quite expensive compared to sea freight. Additionally, more logistical and customs clearance requirements are involved with air freight, which can add to the overall cost and time required for the shipment.
Sea Freight
Sea freight is another option to get your goods out of China and into Canada.
If time is not a factor and delivery timeframes are not a concern, this is a good option as it is cheaper than air freight and express. A lot of sellers choose this method when their goods exceeds the airfreight economical volume limit, making it more cost-effective to ship the item instead.
When shipping via the sea, there are two options to consider. One is the full container, and the second is the less-than-container load. We talk about what they are below.
Less than a Container Load
A less-than-container load (LCL) is your cargo put in with another importer’s cargo and shipped together. This saves on costs and makes it cheaper than air freight. If the goods you are sending are between 1 and 15 cubic meters, it is the ideal choice of transport.
Full Container Load
A full container load is a shipment stored and then sent out in your container. This is the preferred method of ship for large cargo items.
Is Insurance Important When Transporting From China to Canada?
Insurance is not mandatory, but it is vital that you have it to protect your goods in case of loss or damage. You can get your insurance from a third-party company or a freight forwarder. Insurance costs are usually up to 0.5% of the amount of the goods. There is basic carrier insurance, but it only covers you for a little and is the bare minimum. Choose comprehensive if you can, as it will protect you for a lot more with higher limits.
How to Ship From China to Canada
The process might seem daunting, but it becomes easy to understand once you understand the steps.
1.Find a freight forwarder in China. Allwayforward can help you with this as you must choose someone reliable and affordable.
2.Ask the shipping company in China for their quotes for sending cargo to Canada. It should take into account the speed requirements, the load, and where it is going specifically.
3.Next is the insurance. You don’t want to risk losing your goods or them becoming damaged and not being able to get refunded, along with issuing refunds to those waiting on the shipments. It can become messy when you don’t have any insurance.
4.Ensure that everything is in order with the paperwork. You need to ensure that all the paperwork you need is ready to go. The forwarder can help you with this.
Tips For Reducing Costs and Transit Times From China to Canada
●Avoid shipping at peak times. There are more delays, and the cost can be higher when you ship at peak time. Opting for off-peak, which is the last two weeks of the month can help to bring the costs down.
●Prepare your documents early in case changes need to be made so they aren’t done at the last minute, which can cause delays. Paperwork that isn’t done correctly or is missing information will hold customs up who are very particular about having the correct info.
●Compare quotes. Check out a few quotes and what they offer, and see which company best suits your needs. Some may offer something better than another company, so it’s important to try to save time and money wherever you can.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given you the information you need on shipping from China to Canada. From the shipping times to the costs and the different methods you can choose, you should have a good idea of what to expect and how the process works. The freight forwarder can help greatly with everything you need for a smooth take-off and delivery.
FAQ
Is There a Better Time to Ship From China to Canada?
Another thing to consider regarding the cost of shipping from China to Canada is the seasonal factors. Off-peak and peak times can affect the cost and the timeframe when shipping from China to Canada.
Peak season is from August to the middle of October. This includes the Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, Shopping season, and Golden Week. During these timeframes, the cost can be higher as there is a bigger demand for shipments, but a lower amount of container space is available. When cost is a big factor, shipping in the off-peak season will give you lower prices.
Sometimes shipments are canceled for particular reasons, and the carriers will need to fill the space, so shipping in the last two weeks of the month can be cheaper as carriers are desperate to fill the spots. The cargo spots at the start of the month are higher, and this is because the carriers can add a levy to the cargo spots on the vessels.
How Does Customs Work With Shipments From China to Canada?
When the cargo arrives at the port, the paperwork it has with it will be checked to ensure everything is there and filled out. The fees are then calculated and paid before the goods can be released. Even the slightest mistake can cause a major hold-up, so you must choose a reputable company that knows what they are doing to avoid any customs delays. You can hire a broker to handle the customs clearance, but getting it done with the company you are shipping through is often easier and quicker.
How Long Does the Plane Flight Take From China to Canada?
It will depend on where it is going, but for example, air cargo from Beijing to Toronto takes about 12 hours. There are many direct flights from China to most cities in Canada.
Can I Track My Cargo From China to Canada?
Yes, you can. It does not matter which method you are using to transport the cargo. The shipping company will provide you with a tracking number for your reference. You simply type that into the tracking website, and you will know the shipment details and what process it is up to.
