Sea Freight from Xiamen to Montreal
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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 the Port of Xiamen to the Port of Montreal offers exceptional value for Canadian businesses importing electronics, textiles, and machinery from China's southeastern manufacturing hub. Xiamen's modern container facilities handle over 12 million TEU annually, providing reliable weekly sailings through major carriers like COSCO, MSC, and CMA CGM that serve the Saint Lawrence Seaway route efficiently. Montreal's strategic location as Canada's second-largest container port means your cargo reaches central Canada and the northeastern United States with minimal inland transportation costs.
The consistent sailing schedules and established trade relationships between these ports result in predictable delivery windows and competitive freight rates. Sea freight from this route typically costs 85% less than air shipping while offering superior cargo protection for large shipments and oversized items that manufacturers commonly export from Xiamen's industrial zones.
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 Xiamen to Montreal
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Xiamen to Montreal range from $2,800 to $4,200 per 20-foot container (FCL) and $180 to $280 per cubic meter for less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments, depending on seasonal demand and fuel costs. Peak shipping season from August through October typically sees rates increase by 25-30% due to back-to-school and holiday merchandise volumes flowing into North American markets. Additional costs include bunker adjustment factor (BAF) averaging $320 per container, port handling charges of approximately $150 at Xiamen and $280 at Montreal, plus Canadian customs brokerage fees ranging from $125 to $200 per shipment. Smart shippers can reduce costs by consolidating smaller shipments into full containers, booking during shoulder seasons in spring and early summer, and working with freight forwarders who have negotiated volume discounts with carriers serving this trans-Pacific route. Currency fluctuations between the Chinese yuan and Canadian dollar can impact final landed costs by 3-8% over the transit period.
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 Xiamen 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 transit from Xiamen to Montreal typically requires 25-30 days of sailing time, with vessels traveling through the Pacific, Panama Canal, and Saint Lawrence Seaway route that operates from late March through December. Customs clearance at Montreal usually adds 2-4 business days for standard commercial shipments, though Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) can expedite processing to 24-48 hours for established importers with proper documentation and trusted trader status. Standard service offers the most economical option with regular weekly departures, while premium services can reduce total door-to-door delivery by 3-5 days through priority vessel space and expedited port handling. Preparation significantly impacts delivery speed, so ensure your commercial invoices, packing lists, and any required certificates for regulated goods like electronics or food products are complete and accurate before departure from Xiamen. Winter shipping from January through March may experience delays of 5-10 additional days due to ice conditions in the Saint Lawrence River, making fall bookings particularly attractive for time-sensitive cargo.
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 Xiamen 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 Xiamen to Montreal?
The Xiamen to Montreal route handles a diverse range of cargo. Here are the most commonly shipped items on this corridor:
Machinery
Heavy-duty machinery, industrial components, and equipment parts
Consumer Goods
Small kitchen appliances like air fryers, blenders, and organizers
Textiles
Cold-weather apparel, insulated fabrics, and home textiles
Plastics & Materials
Construction plastics, household containers, and PVC products
E-commerce
Consumer accessories, school supplies, and promotional items
Dangerous Goods
Lithium batteries and chemicals (requires MSDS documentation)
Documentation
Documentation for Xiamen to Montreal Shipments
Every shipment to Canada requires proper paperwork. Here's what you need for sea freight from Xiamen to Montreal.
Universal Requirements
Details weights, dimensions, and packaging specifications
Official record of goods, their value, and parties involved
Required for duty rate determination and trade agreements
Proof of the commercial agreement between buyer and seller
Sea Freight Requirements for Canada
Importer must be registered in the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management system
Advance Commercial Information filed to CBSA before vessel arrival
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Canada Import Specifics
Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) permits required for food/plant products
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
Customs
Import Clearance: Xiamen to Montreal
The customs clearance process in Montreal requires accurate documentation and regulatory compliance. With sea freight, you have weeks to prepare documentation, but errors can lead to significant daily storage fees (demurrage) at the port.
ACI Filing
CBSA requires ACI data before the ship docks. This ensures security screening can be completed.
Wood Packaging Rules
Ensure all wood materials carry ISPM-15 marks. Canada does not allow non-compliant packaging.
CARM Registration
Importers must register in the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management portal to manage duties and taxes.
Canada Clearance Focus Areas
CARM registration is now mandatory for all importers
Bilingual labeling (English/French) required for consumer products
Health Canada approval needed for medical devices
CFIA permits required for food and plant products
Hazardous Materials
Canada Dangerous Goods Requirements
Canada has specific requirements for dangerous goods in addition to international IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) standards. Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
Outer packaging must bear the UN certification mark confirming it can withstand the specific hazards
Provide recent Safety Data Sheets in English and Chinese—documents older than 1 year are rejected
A 24/7 emergency number is mandatory; the contact must understand the hazardous materials involved
Shipper must complete and sign the official Dangerous Goods Declaration form
Sea Freight DG Rules for Canada
Security Management Plan
Class 1 (Explosives) or Class 7 (Radioactive) imports require a formal Security Management Plan.
TDG Standards Alignment
Transport Canada standards mirror US regulations but include additional Canadian requirements.
ISPM-15 for DG Packaging
Canada enforces strict ISPM-15 compliance for any wood packaging containing hazardous materials.
Canada Dangerous Goods Notes
ISPM-15 strictly enforced for wooden DG packaging
Class 1 and Class 7 goods need Security Management Plans
TDG standards align with US DOT but have Canadian-specific requirements
Equivalency Certificates available for non-standard packaging
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Xiamen to Montreal?
Sea freight from Xiamen 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 Xiamen to Montreal?
The cost of shipping a container from Xiamen 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 Xiamen to Montreal shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Xiamen 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 Xiamen to Montreal route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Xiamen 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 Fujian should I choose for the fastest service to Montreal?
For the fastest sea freight service to Montreal, Xiamen 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 Xiamen to Montreal?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Xiamen 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 Xiamen, Fujian to Montreal?
Import duty from Xiamen 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 Xiamen, Fujian to Montreal?
Insurance for shipping from Xiamen 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 Xiamen to Montreal?
The cost of shipping from Xiamen 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 Xiamen to Montreal?
The best way to track your shipment from Xiamen 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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