Sea Freight from Tianjin to Montreal
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Tianjin 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 Tianjin 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 Tianjin Port to Montreal offers compelling advantages for businesses moving goods to eastern Canada. The Port of Montreal serves as Canada's second-largest container port and provides direct access to Quebec's manufacturing centers and the broader North American market via the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Major carriers like COSCO, MSC, and CMA CGM operate regular services on this route, ensuring reliable weekly departures and competitive capacity options.
Your cargo enjoys excellent protection during the 25-30 day journey, with modern container vessels equipped with climate control and GPS tracking systems. The cost savings compared to air freight can reach 70-80% for standard containers, making this route ideal for furniture, machinery, electronics, and consumer goods destined for Canada's French-speaking markets.
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 Tianjin to Montreal
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Tianjin to Montreal range from $2,800 to $4,200 per 20-foot container (TEU) and $4,500 to $6,800 per 40-foot container, depending on carrier and booking timing. These base rates include ocean freight but you should budget an additional $800-1,200 for bunker adjustment factors, terminal handling charges, and documentation fees. Peak season surcharges during September through November can add 15-20% to your shipping costs as retailers stock up for holiday seasons. Smart shippers reduce expenses by booking 4-6 weeks ahead, consolidating smaller shipments into full containers, and choosing flexible delivery dates to avoid rush charges. Currency fluctuations between the yuan and Canadian dollar also impact final costs, so consider forward contracts for large shipments.
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 Tianjin 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
Sea freight from Tianjin Port to Montreal typically requires 25-30 days door-to-door, including 20-23 days for ocean transit and 3-5 days for customs clearance at both ends. Vessels sailing this route usually make 1-2 intermediate stops at ports like Busan or Vancouver before reaching Montreal, which explains the longer journey compared to direct services. Standard service represents the most common option, while premium services can reduce total time by 2-3 days through priority vessel space and expedited customs processing. Customs clearance at Montreal moves efficiently for properly documented shipments, but expect delays if your cargo requires Canadian Food Inspection Agency approval or meets specific Quebec import regulations. Prepare complete commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin at least one week before departure to ensure smooth processing at Montreal's automated customs systems.
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 Tianjin 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
Common Goods Shipped from Tianjin to Montreal
From Tianjin to Montreal, we frequently transport these cargo types:
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: Tianjin to Montreal
Ensure your Tianjin to Montreal sea freight clears customs quickly with these required documents.
Universal Requirements
Contains item values, quantities, and seller/buyer information
Certifies the country of manufacture for tariff purposes
Evidence of the transaction between parties
Documents packaging details and physical cargo specifications
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
Bilingual labeling (English/French) required for consumer products
Health Canada approval needed for medical devices and pharmaceuticals
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.
Wood Packaging Rules
All wooden pallets and packaging must bear the ISPM-15 stamp. Non-compliant containers face immediate deportation.
CARM Registration
The CARM Client Portal is now mandatory for paying import duties directly to the government.
ACI Filing
Submit Advance Commercial Information ahead of arrival to facilitate smooth customs processing.
Canada Clearance Focus Areas
CFIA permits required for food and plant products
Bilingual labeling (English/French) required for consumer products
CARM registration is now mandatory for all importers
Health Canada approval needed for medical devices
Hazardous Materials
Shipping Hazmat to Montreal
Transporting dangerous goods from Tianjin requires careful compliance with IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) and Canada import rules. 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
A signed DGD is mandatory, accurately listing all hazardous materials and their classifications
All containers require UN-stamped packaging certified for the hazard class of the contents
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 Tianjin to Montreal?
Sea freight from Tianjin 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 Tianjin to Montreal?
The cost of shipping a container from Tianjin 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 Tianjin to Montreal shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Tianjin 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 Tianjin to Montreal route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Tianjin 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 Tianjin should I choose for the fastest service to Montreal?
For the fastest sea freight service to Montreal, Tianjin is an excellent choice with 25-30 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.
Are there direct sea freight services from Tianjin to Montreal?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Tianjin 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 Tianjin, Tianjin to Montreal?
Import duty from Tianjin 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 Tianjin, Tianjin to Montreal?
Insurance for shipping from Tianjin 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 Tianjin to Montreal?
The cost of shipping from Tianjin 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 Tianjin to Montreal?
The best way to track your shipment from Tianjin 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.
More Routes
Explore Other Routes
Sea Freight from Tianjin
Sea Freight to Montreal
Get Your Sea Freight Quote
Ready to ship from Tianjin to Montreal? Get a competitive quote for your cargo. Our team will respond within 24 hours.
delivered
countries
response