The trade relationship between China and Canada is cooperative in several areas. In recent years, Canadian exports to China have grown despite political challenges. Today, Presou will analyze the shipping costs from China to Canada.

Air Freight Costs from China to Canada

The cost of air freight from China to Canada varies depending on several factors, including the weight and volume of the shipment, the destination, the mode of transportation (e.g., direct or transshipment), and the airline. Typically, airfreight prices are based on weight or volume, and costs can fluctuate depending on the season.

Air cargo shipping cost from China to Canada per kg

Place of origin	Destination	Air freight costs
Shanghai	Vancouver	US$9.9 to US$13.19
Shanghai	Toronto	US$10.68 to US$14.23
Shenzhen	Toronto	US$10.68 to US$14.23

Factors affecting the cost of air transportation:

Weight and Volume: Air freight costs are generally calculated based on actual or volumetric weight, whichever is greater.

Destination: Transportation costs may vary between cities due to geographical differences and local logistics needs.

Routes and airlines: Direct routes are usually more expensive but shorter, while transit routes may be cheaper but require longer transportation time.

Seasonality: Airfreight costs can rise significantly during certain holidays or peak seasons.

Airports from China to Canada

Departure airports in China

• Beijing Capital International Airport: with a well-developed air route network and direct flights to Toronto Pearson International Airport operated by Hainan Airlines, it provides convenient services for transporting people and goods between the two places.
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport: As an important international aviation hub, many domestic and foreign airlines operate a large number of international routes, with direct or transit flights to the airports of major cities in Canada. The airport is capable of handling all kinds of cargo transportation and has a strong cargo consolidation capacity.
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport: This is an aviation hub in South China. It has abundant international air route resources and provides direct or transit air transportation services to Canada. The airport is surrounded by well-developed industries, booming manufacturing and trade, and ample cargo sources.
• Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport: has air transportation routes to Canada and is located in an area with rapid economic development and active foreign trade, which has advantages in the transportation of electronic products, high-tech products, and other goods, and is surrounded by well-developed logistics facilities.
• Hong Kong International Airport: an internationally renowned aviation hub with high flight density and an extensive route network, providing efficient air transportation services to Canada, a high level of logistics services, and a strong ability to guarantee the transportation of high-value and time-sensitive goods.
• Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport: China Southern Airlines operates the first all-cargo flight route to Canada, Qingdao—Toronto. The route mainly transports e-commerce products, fresh products, and other goods. The airport has the first airside public bonded warehouse in Shandong, with full port functions.

Arrival airports in Canada

• Toronto Pearson International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Canada and an important destination for many international flights. Flights from many cities in China fly directly to or stop over here, and the airport offers global route coverage, strong connectivity, complete infrastructure, and high cargo handling capacity.
• Vancouver International Airport: Located in the western province of British Columbia, Vancouver International Airport is one of Canada’s major aviation hubs. Flights arrive from China’s Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. The airport plays an important role in serving the western region of Canada and the Asia-Pacific region regarding cargo transportation.

Ocean freight costs from China to Canada

Usually, ocean freight costs are cheaper than air freight, but it takes longer.

Shipping Method	From China to Canada(Cost)
Sea Freight (20ft Container)	US$2500 to US$4500
Sea Freight (40ft Container)	US$4500 to US$7500
Sea Shipping (LCL)	US$100 to US$250/m3

Additional charges for sea transportation:

1. Destination port fee: including port operation fee, unloading fee, wharfage fee, etc. It is about 100$-500$, depending on the destination port.
2. Fuel surcharge: The shipping industry commonly charges this surcharge, which fluctuates wildly, usually between 5% and 15% of the cost of sea transportation.
3. Insurance cost: if needed, marine insurance is usually 0.5%-2% of the value of goods.

Factors affecting ocean freight costs:

• Type of cargo: transportation costs may differ for general cargo, fragile items, or dangerous goods.
• Mode of transportation: FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load). FCL is relatively inexpensive but requires a larger volume of cargo; LCL is for smaller volumes but can be more expensive.
• Destination ports: The costs of different Canadian ports (e.g., Vancouver, Montreal, or Toronto) are different.
• Shipping Season: Transportation costs may be higher during peak seasons (e.g., summer and around holidays).
• Additional costs: Including port charges, storage costs, fuel surcharges, etc.

Important Tips:

Route and Season: Different routes (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, and other ports to Vancouver, Montreal, and other ports) and the transportation season will affect the cost, usually higher in the peak season (e.g., before and after holidays).

Customs Clearance Fee: Additional fees may apply if you need to do customs clearance on behalf of the customer.

Door-to-Door Shipping Costs from China to Canada

Ocean Door-to-Door Shipping Costs

Ocean door-to-door shipping usually includes ocean freight costs from the port of origin in China to the port of destination in Canada, customs clearance costs, inland transportation, and last-mile delivery costs.

Cost breakdown:

LCL (Less than Container Load): approx. 300-500 USD/m3

Full Container (FCL)

• 20-foot standard container: approximately US$3,000-5,000
• 40-foot standard container: about US$5,000-8,000

Transportation time:

Ocean Door to Door: takes about 30-45 days (depending on the distance between departure and destination ports, weather and shipping companies, etc.).

Air Door to Door Transportation Costs

Air Door-to-door transportation is more suitable for shipments that need to be transported quickly but is more expensive. Air freight costs are usually calculated by weight and volume.

Cost breakdown:

Costs: 15-40 USD/kg (including air freight, customs clearance, destination port charges, inland transportation, and dispatch).

Minimum Fee: Many air freight companies require a minimum billable weight, usually 50-100 kg, so even if the shipment is light, it will be charged at the minimum weight.

Transportation time:

Door to door by air: usually takes 5-10 days, depending on flight schedule and speed of customs clearance.

Precautions:

Cargo type: The cost may be higher if the cargo is dangerous goods, fragile goods, or special cargo.

Seasonal fluctuation: holidays and promotion seasons may lead to higher transportation costs.

Additional fees: fuel surcharge, insurance fee, storage fee at the destination port, etc.