Sea Freight from Shanghai to Montreal
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Shanghai port to Montreal. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
25-30 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Shanghai to Montreal
Cost Effective
80-90% cheaper than air freight for bulk cargo
High Capacity
FCL and LCL options for any shipment size
Reliable Service
Weekly sailings from major carriers
Global Network
Direct routes to major ports worldwide
Sea freight from Shanghai's massive container terminal to Montreal's Port of Montreal offers Canadian businesses exceptional value for heavy machinery, electronics, and consumer goods shipments. The Port of Montreal handles over 1.7 million containers annually and provides direct rail connections to Toronto and western Canada, making your cargo distribution incredibly efficient once it arrives. Major carriers like COSCO, CMA CGM, and MSC operate regular services on this route, giving you reliable sailing schedules and competitive pricing options.
Container shipping protects your goods from weather damage and theft better than other transport methods, while the lower cost per kilogram makes it perfect for non-urgent bulk shipments. Canadian importers particularly benefit from Montreal's streamlined customs processing and bilingual staff who understand both North American and Asian business practices.
Route Highlights
25-30 days
Transit Time
Weekly departures
Sailing Frequency
<0.1%
Cargo Damage Rate
FCL & LCL
Container Options
Pricing Guide
Sea Freight Shipping Rates from Shanghai to Montreal
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Shanghai to Montreal range from $2,800 to $4,200 per twenty-foot container (TEU), depending on your cargo type and seasonal demand fluctuations. A forty-foot container typically costs between $4,500 and $6,800, with electronics and automotive parts commanding premium rates due to special handling requirements. Beyond the base ocean freight charge, expect additional costs including a bunker adjustment factor of $380-520 per container, terminal handling charges at both ports totaling roughly $450, and documentation fees around $125. Canadian customs brokerage and duty payments vary widely based on your commodity classification, but budget approximately $200-350 for standard customs clearance services. Smart shippers reduce costs by booking during shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November), consolidating smaller shipments into full containers, and choosing slower but more economical services over premium express options.
Quick Rate Guide
20ft Container
Standard dry
$1,800-2,800
40ft Container
Standard dry
$2,400-4,200
LCL Shipment
Per cubic meter
$45-85/CBM
Additional Costs
Delivery Timeline
Transit Times for Sea Freight from Shanghai to Montreal
Step 1
Cargo Loading
1-2 days
Container stuffing at origin
Step 2
Export Clearance
1-2 days
Documentation and customs
Step 3
Ocean Transit
15-25 days
Sailing to destination port
Step 4
Import Clearance
1-3 days
Customs inspection and release
Step 5
Final Delivery
1-5 days
Transport to final destination
Express
20-25 Days
Direct service with priority handling
Standard
25-35 Days
Regular service with full tracking
Economy
35-45 Days
Consolidated for maximum savings
Standard sea freight service from Shanghai to Montreal requires 25-30 days total transit time, including approximately 22-25 days of actual sailing time across the Pacific and through the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Vessels typically make one or two intermediate stops at Vancouver or Halifax before reaching Montreal, which can add 2-3 days to your shipment's journey but often reduces overall shipping costs. Canadian Border Services Agency processing at Montreal usually takes 1-2 business days for routine cargo, though complex shipments requiring physical inspection may experience delays of up to one week. Premium services can shave 3-5 days off standard transit times by using faster vessels and priority port handling, while economy options may extend delivery by another week but offer significant cost savings. Plan your inventory needs carefully since weather conditions in the Saint Lawrence River during winter months (December through March) occasionally cause delays of 2-4 additional days beyond normal schedules.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
| Carrier | 40GP (USD) | 40HQ (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| PN3 | $3,650 | $3,650 | 25 days |
Pricing Disclaimer
These prices are subject to change based on market conditions, fuel surcharges, and seasonal demand. Contact us for the most up-to-date pricing and a customized quote for your specific shipment needs. Prices shown are for standard cargo and may vary for special cargo types.
Standard
20ft FCL
6.1m × 2.4m × 2.6m
Contact for pricing
Extra Height
40ft High Cube
12.2m × 2.4m × 2.9m
See 40HQ rates above
Less than Container
LCL Shipment
Per CBM
From $45/CBM
Custom
Special Cargo
Various
Get custom quote
Equipment
Container Types Available
20ft Dry Container
Standard general cargo container
40ft Dry Container
High capacity for large shipments
40ft High Cube
Extra height for bulky cargo
20ft Refrigerated
Temperature-controlled cargo
Open Top Container
For oversized cargo loading
Flat Rack Container
Heavy machinery and equipment
Track Record
Reliable Service
Our Shanghai to Montreal corridor represents years of refined expertise and thousands of successful shipments.
15+
Years Experience
25K+
Containers Shipped
99.5%
On-Time Delivery
24/7
Support Available
Process
How Our Sea Freight Process Works
Quote & Booking
1-2 daysGet a customized quote and book your container.
Collection & Export
2-3 daysWe collect cargo and handle export documentation.
Ocean Transit
12-20 daysYour cargo travels safely across the ocean.
Port Handling
2-3 daysCustoms clearance and port procedures completed.
Final Delivery
1-2 daysCargo delivered to your specified destination.
Key Documents
See full documentation requirements below
Cargo Types
What Ships from Shanghai to Montreal?
Our Shanghai to Montreal service regularly handles shipments across these categories:
Machinery
Construction equipment parts, agricultural machinery, and pumps
Consumer Goods
Home appliances, cooking tools, and storage solutions
Textiles
Seasonal clothing, durable textiles, and furniture fabrics
Plastics & Materials
Industrial plastics, packaging solutions, and building materials
E-commerce
Phone cases, stationery, and novelty gift items
Dangerous Goods
Hazardous materials including batteries and industrial chemicals
Documentation
Required Documents to Ship from Shanghai to Montreal
Ensure your Shanghai to Montreal sea freight clears customs quickly with these required documents.
Universal Requirements
Describes the goods, value, and buyer/seller details
Specifies cargo measurements, weights, and how items are packed
Documentation of the purchase terms and conditions
Verifies Chinese origin for preferential duty treatment
Sea Freight Requirements for Canada
Advance Commercial Information filed to CBSA before vessel arrival
Importer must be registered in the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management system
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Canada Import Specifics
CARM registration is now mandatory for all importers clearing freight in Canada
Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) permits required for food/plant products
Health Canada approval needed for medical devices and pharmaceuticals
Bilingual labeling (English/French) required for consumer products
Customs
Clearing Customs in Montreal
Understanding Canada's customs process helps ensure your Shanghai shipment clears without delays or penalties. With sea freight, you have weeks to prepare documentation, but errors can lead to significant daily storage fees (demurrage) at the port.
Wood Packaging Rules
All wooden pallets and packaging must bear the ISPM-15 stamp. Non-compliant containers face immediate deportation.
ACI Filing
Submit Advance Commercial Information ahead of arrival to facilitate smooth customs processing.
CARM Registration
The CARM Client Portal is now mandatory for paying import duties directly to the government.
Canada Clearance Focus Areas
CFIA permits required for food and plant products
CARM registration is now mandatory for all importers
Bilingual labeling (English/French) required for consumer products
Health Canada approval needed for medical devices
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous Materials: Shanghai to Montreal
Hazardous materials shipments to Montreal are governed by IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods). Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
Current SDS documentation in dual language format is mandatory for all dangerous goods
Formal DGD signed by the shipper declaring the nature and classification of hazardous contents
Round-the-clock emergency contact required—must reach someone who knows the technical specifications
UN-approved packaging with proper certification stamps is required for all hazardous shipments
Sea Freight DG Rules for Canada
ISPM-15 for DG Packaging
If dangerous chemicals are shipped on wooden pallets, the wood must be heat-treated and ISPM-15 certified.
TDG Standards Alignment
TDG compliance required—similar to US 49 CFR but with Canadian-specific additions.
Security Management Plan
High-risk DG classes require submission of a Security Management Plan to Transport Canada.
Canada Dangerous Goods Notes
TDG standards align with US DOT but have Canadian-specific requirements
Equivalency Certificates available for non-standard packaging
ISPM-15 strictly enforced for wooden DG packaging
Class 1 and Class 7 goods need Security Management Plans
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Shanghai to Montreal?
Sea freight from Shanghai to Montreal typically takes 25-30 days for port-to-port transit. Actual delivery time may vary by 2-5 days depending on vessel schedules, customs clearance, and final delivery arrangements.
What is the estimated cost of shipping a container from Shanghai to Montreal?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Shanghai to Montreal ranges from $3,650 to $3,650 depending on the carrier and service level. LCL rates typically start around $45-85 per CBM. Contact us for current rates and a customized quote.
Should I choose FCL or LCL for my Shanghai to Montreal shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Shanghai to Montreal shipment depends on cargo volume. FCL (Full Container Load) is more cost-effective for shipments over 15 CBM, while LCL (Less than Container Load) is better for smaller volumes under 10 CBM. FCL also offers faster transit and lower risk of damage.
What documents do I need to ship from China to Canada?
Documents required to ship from China to Canada include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and customs declaration forms. Canadian imports require a Canada Customs Invoice and may need import permits for certain goods.
What factors can cause delays on the Shanghai to Montreal route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Shanghai to Montreal route include port congestion, adverse weather conditions, customs inspections, incomplete documentation, and peak season volume. Planning ahead and ensuring accurate documentation helps minimize delays.
Which port in Shanghai should I choose for the fastest service to Montreal?
For the fastest sea freight service to Montreal, Shanghai is an excellent choice with 25-30 days transit time. Shanghai and Ningbo ports offer frequent sailings and excellent connectivity.
Are there direct sea freight services from Shanghai to Montreal?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Shanghai to Montreal offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 25-30 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Shanghai, Shanghai to Montreal?
Import duty from Shanghai to Montreal is calculated based on the HS code of your goods, the declared value (CIF), and Canada's tariff rates. Canadian duties range from 0-20% based on the product. The CBSA tariff finder can help estimate costs.
Do I need insurance to ship from Shanghai, Shanghai to Montreal?
Insurance for shipping from Shanghai to Montreal is highly recommended though not legally required. Marine cargo insurance typically costs 0.3-0.5% of cargo value and covers loss or damage during transit. Given the 25-30-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Shanghai to Montreal?
The cost of shipping from Shanghai to Montreal is affected by container type and size, cargo weight and volume, fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, carrier selection, and additional services like customs clearance. Peak seasons (August-October) typically see higher rates due to increased demand.
What is the best way to track my shipment from Shanghai to Montreal?
The best way to track your shipment from Shanghai to Montreal is through our online tracking portal using your Bill of Lading number. You'll receive real-time updates on vessel location, estimated arrival, and customs status. Our team also provides proactive notifications for any schedule changes.
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