Sea Freight from Shenzhen to Montreal
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen 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
Shipping sea freight from Shenzhen's massive port complex to Montreal's Port of Montreal offers exceptional value for businesses moving large volumes to Eastern Canada. The Port of Shenzhen handles over 28 million containers annually, giving you access to multiple weekly sailings from major carriers like COSCO, MSC, and CMA CGM that serve this Trans-Pacific route reliably. Your cargo enjoys superior protection in sealed containers during the ocean crossing, with damage rates typically below 0.2% for properly packed goods.
Montreal's strategic location along the St. Lawrence Seaway means your products can reach major Canadian population centers quickly once they arrive, making this route particularly cost-effective for electronics, textiles, and manufactured goods that don't require urgent delivery. The economies of scale with sea freight allow you to move full container loads at roughly 85% less cost per kilogram compared to air transport.
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 Shenzhen to Montreal
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Shenzhen to Montreal range from $1,200 to $1,800 for a 20-foot container (FCL) and $2,200 to $3,400 for a 40-foot container, depending on your chosen carrier and booking timing. Less than container load (LCL) shipments typically cost between $85 and $125 per cubic meter, though rates fluctuate based on seasonal demand and fuel costs. Additional charges include a bunker adjustment factor of roughly $180-220 per container, plus documentation fees around $75 and terminal handling charges at both ports totaling approximately $300-400. Peak shipping season from August through October can increase these base rates by 20-30%, so booking during quieter periods like February through April often yields significant savings. Working with a freight forwarder who consolidates multiple shipments can reduce your LCL costs by up to 15% compared to individual bookings.
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 Shenzhen 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
Ocean vessels sailing from Shenzhen to Montreal typically require 22-27 days for the actual sea voyage, routing through either the Pacific and Panama Canal or occasionally via the Suez Canal depending on carrier schedules. Canadian customs clearance at the Port of Montreal generally adds 2-4 business days to your total transit time, assuming your documentation is complete and accurate upon arrival. Standard sea freight service from Shenzhen consistently delivers within the 25-30 day window, while expedited services that prioritize your containers during loading and unloading can sometimes reduce this to 23-26 days total. Preparing your commercial invoices, packing lists, and any required certificates (like electrical safety compliance for electronics) before departure helps prevent customs delays that could extend delivery by a week or more. Peak season congestion at either port can add 3-5 days to normal transit times, particularly during Chinese New Year shutdowns or Montreal's winter weather challenges.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
Standard
20ft FCL
$2,400 - $3,200
Popular
40ft FCL
$2,800 - $4,000
Standard
40ft HC FCL
$3,000 - $4,300
Standard
LCL Shipment
$45 - $85 /CBM
Note: Rates are estimates and may vary based on cargo type, seasonal demand, and market conditions.
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 Shenzhen 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
Frequently Shipped Goods: Shenzhen to Montreal
The Shenzhen to Montreal route handles a diverse range of cargo. Here are the most commonly shipped items on this corridor:
Machinery
Manufacturing parts, construction tools, and agricultural systems
Consumer Goods
Countertop appliances, food processors, and home organization
Textiles
Winter outerwear, heavy-duty fabrics, and upholstery materials
Plastics & Materials
Building materials, storage bins, and packaging supplies
E-commerce
Yiwu-sourced goods including cases, office supplies, and gifts
Dangerous Goods
DG cargo including battery packs and chemical products
Documentation
Essential Paperwork: Shenzhen to Montreal
To ship goods from Shenzhen to Montreal, you'll need these documents. For sea freight, you'll receive a Bill of Lading (B/L) as your transport receipt.
Universal Requirements
Contains item values, quantities, and seller/buyer information
Evidence of the transaction between parties
Certifies the country of manufacture for tariff purposes
Documents packaging details and physical cargo specifications
Sea Freight Requirements for Canada
Advance Commercial Information filed to CBSA before vessel arrival
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Importer must be registered in the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management system
Canada Import Specifics
CARM registration is now mandatory for all importers clearing freight in Canada
Health Canada approval needed for medical devices and pharmaceuticals
Bilingual labeling (English/French) required for consumer products
Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) permits required for food/plant products
Customs
Customs Clearance for Montreal Imports
Customs clearance is more than a single step—it encompasses compliance verification, valuation assessment, and security screening. With sea freight, you have weeks to prepare documentation, but errors can lead to significant daily storage fees (demurrage) at the port.
CARM Registration
Register with CARM before your first shipment arrives. It is required for duty payment processing.
ACI Filing
The ACI program requires pre-arrival data transmission. Your forwarder files this on your behalf.
Wood Packaging Rules
Wooden packaging without proper heat treatment certification will be refused entry at Canadian ports.
Canada Clearance Focus Areas
Health Canada approval needed for medical devices
Bilingual labeling (English/French) required for consumer products
CFIA permits required for food and plant products
CARM registration is now mandatory for all importers
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous Materials: Shenzhen 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
Safety Data Sheet must be current (within 1 year) and provided in both English and Chinese
All containers require UN-stamped packaging certified for the hazard class of the contents
A signed DGD is mandatory, accurately listing all hazardous materials and their classifications
Include an emergency phone number staffed continuously by personnel with cargo knowledge
Sea Freight DG Rules for Canada
ISPM-15 for DG Packaging
All wood packaging used with dangerous goods must meet ISPM-15 heat treatment standards.
TDG Standards Alignment
Canadian TDG rules closely align with US DOT but have specific national variations.
Security Management Plan
Class 1 and Class 7 dangerous goods require documented security protocols before import.
Canada Dangerous Goods Notes
TDG standards align with US DOT but have Canadian-specific requirements
Equivalency Certificates available for non-standard packaging
Class 1 and Class 7 goods need Security Management Plans
ISPM-15 strictly enforced for wooden DG packaging
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Shenzhen to Montreal?
Sea freight from Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen to Montreal?
The cost of shipping a container from Shenzhen to Montreal varies based on container size, carrier, and current market conditions. FCL rates typically range from $2,800-$4,500 for a 40ft container, while LCL rates start around $45-85 per CBM. Request a quote for accurate pricing.
Should I choose FCL or LCL for my Shenzhen to Montreal shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen to Montreal route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Shenzhen 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 Guangdong should I choose for the fastest service to Montreal?
For the fastest sea freight service to Montreal, Shenzhen is an excellent choice with 25-30 days transit time. South China ports like Shenzhen and Guangzhou provide competitive transit times with multiple weekly departures.
Are there direct sea freight services from Shenzhen to Montreal?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen, Guangdong to Montreal?
Import duty from Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen, Guangdong to Montreal?
Insurance for shipping from Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen to Montreal?
The cost of shipping from Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen to Montreal?
The best way to track your shipment from Shenzhen 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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