China is an important trading partner of Canada. A large amount of goods are shipped from China to major ports in Canada by sea. The cost of containers has become a focus of attention for companies and individuals. This article will introduce this in detail.

Container Shipping from China to Canada
Container shipping is the most economical and common choice, especially for bulk commodities, machinery and equipment, household goods and daily consumer goods.
Shipping is usually completed in the form of door-to-port or door-to-door service, with goods departing from ports in China and arriving at major ports in Canada. Major ports in Canada:
- Port of Vancouver: Canada’s largest port, handling most of the goods imported from China.
- Port of Montreal: Located in the east, suitable for goods imported from China to eastern cities.
- Port of Toronto: Located in the Great Lakes region, it is very important for inland logistics.
Differences between 20ft Containers and 40ft Containers
Containers for container transportation are mainly divided into two types: 20ft and 40 containers. The following is the detailed difference between the two:
Category | 20ft container | 40ft container |
Volume | 33 cubic meters | 67 cubic meters |
Maximum loading weight | 28 tons | 26 tons |
Applicable scenarios | Heavy goods, small amounts of goods | Large but light goods |
Shipping cost | Low | High |
You may also be interested in: Different Types of Containers
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Canada
The shipping costs depend on the type of container, the port of destination, the characteristics of the goods and the shipping season. Generally speaking
The cost of a 20ft container, the shipping cost from China to Canada is usually around $2000 – $3500.
Cost Composition of 20ft Container | Approximate Cost Range |
---|---|
Basic Shipping Costs | $2000 – $3500 |
Terminal Handling Charges | $100 – $300 |
Documentation Fees | $50 – $100 |
Insurance | 0.5% – 2% of cargo value |
Customs Clearance Fees | $150 – $350 |
Fuel Surcharges | Variable |
The cost of a 40ft container, the shipping cost from China to Canada is usually around $4000 – $5500.
Cost Composition of 40ft Container | Approximate Cost Range |
---|---|
Basic Shipping Costs | $4000 – $5500 |
Terminal Handling Charges | $200 – $400 |
Documentation Fees | $50 – $100 |
Insurance | 0.5% – 2% of cargo value |
Customs Clearance Fees | $200 – $450 |
Fuel Surcharges | Variable |

Container Rates from China to Canada
Shipping costs involve many factors, including the nature of the goods, the weight of the goods, the mode of transportation, port charges, etc. Here is an overview of the costs of shipping 20-foot and 40-foot containers from China to Canada:
POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
---|---|---|---|
Shanghai | Vancouver | $2050-$3250 | $4000-$4200 |
Shenzhen | Vancouver | $2100-$3300 | $4050-$5250 |
Qingdao | Vancouver | $2050-$3250 | $4050-$5250 |
Ningbo | Vancouver | $2000-$3400 | $4050-$5350 |
Shanghai | Montreal | $2050-$3450 | $4050-$5200 |
Shenzhen | Montreal | $2000-$3200 | $4000-$5300 |
Qingdao | Montreal | $2050-$3350 | $4050-$5200 |
Ningbo | Montreal | $2000-$3150 | $4050-$5150 |
Shanghai | Toronto | $2050-$3250 | $4050-$5250 |
Shenzhen | Toronto | $2050-$3250 | $4000-$5300 |
Qingdao | Toronto | $2000-$3300 | $4000-$5200 |
Ningbo | Toronto | $2050-$3100 | $4050-$5150 |
This article may provide you with reference: Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to USA

Factors Affecting the Cost of Shipping from China to Canada
The cost of shipping a container from China is also affected by the following factors:
- Routes and shipping distances: Differences in routes from different ports in China to ports in Canada affect shipping costs.
- Cargo type and weight: Overweight or dangerous goods may incur additional charges.
- Seasonal fluctuations: Shipping costs may increase during peak seasons and decrease during off-seasons.
- Container type: Special containers such as reefers are more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Fuel surcharges are linked to global fuel prices.
Customs Clearance Documents for Container Ship from China to Canada
Commercial Invoice
Contains description, quantity and value of goods.
Packing List
Details the packaging and loading details of the goods.
Bill of Lading
The transportation contract between the carrier and the shipper.
Certificate of Origin
Document proving the origin of the goods.
Special documents
Licenses, inspection and quarantine reports, etc. may be required depending on the type of goods.
Learn more: Customs Clearance and Fees
Container transportation from China to Canada involves many links. Through this article, you can understand the differences between 20ft and 40ft containers, the cost composition and influencing factors, optimize logistics costs, and ensure that the goods arrive at the destination smoothly.