Overview: Ocean freight moves over 80% of global trade and remains the most cost-effective way to ship heavy or bulky cargo to and from Canada. This guide explains LCL vs FCL, typical transit times, cost drivers & surcharges, major Canadian ports, when air is smarter than ocean, and how CARM & CERS affect your shipments. Use the checklists to reduce demurrage/detention and avoid surprise fees.
Ocean Freight Basics: Containers, TEUs & CBM
Ocean freight uses standardized containers—most commonly 20-foot (1 TEU) and 40-foot (2 TEU) boxes. Specialized equipment (e.g., high-cube, reefer, open-top, flat-rack, tank) supports temperature-controlled, out-of-gauge, and liquid/bulk cargo.
- TEU: “Twenty-foot equivalent unit,” the standard measure of container capacity.
- Typical use-case: Ocean is ideal for pallets/containers; air is better for small, urgent, or high-value items.
- CBM (m³) = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 1,000,000 × number of pieces
- Air chargeable weight often = max(actual kg, volumetric kg). For bulky cargo, ocean usually wins on cost.
- Rule of thumb: Shipments under ~100–200 kg may still price better by air once ocean minimums/surcharges are added.
Air vs. Ocean: Which Is Best?
Air = fast & secure; Ocean = lowest cost at scale. For small parcels, postal/courier wins; for pallets/containers, ocean’s cost advantage grows with volume.
- Speed: Air = days; Ocean = weeks.
- Cost: Ocean can be 5–10× cheaper than air for heavier freight; but small LCL can be more expensive than economy air after minimums/fees.
- Compliance: Air DG and screening rules are stricter; ocean accepts more DG classes (carrier/port policies still apply).
- Emissions: Ocean’s CO₂ per tonne-km is significantly lower than air.
Need mode guidance? We compare air vs. ocean vs. courier on your lane, including port/terminal realities and all-in landed cost. Request a quote.
How Long Does Ocean Freight Take?
Door-to-door ocean moves typically run ~1–3 months depending on the lane and the time spent off the water (origin/destination handling, consolidation, customs, drayage).
- Asia → Western Canada: ~20 days on water; ~1–2 months door-to-door
- Asia → Eastern Canada (via Panama/rail): ~30 days on water; ~1–2 months door-to-door
- Europe → Canada (Halifax/Montreal): ~20–25 days on water; ~1–2 months door-to-door
- South America/Caribbean → Canada: ~30 days on water; plan ~1–2 months door-to-door
Note: Most delays happen in port/terminal, not at sea. Schedules, congestion, rail capacity, documentation, and customs release drive total time.
LCL vs. FCL: Which Should You Choose?
What is LCL (Less-than-Container Load)?
Your cargo shares a container with others. Good for small volumes but allow extra time for stuffing/de-stuffing and multiple handoffs.
What is FCL (Full Container Load)?
You book an entire 20’ or 40’ container. Fewer handoffs, faster terminal time, lower risk of damage/mis-sorts.
General crossover guide (varies by lane):
- < 20–30 kg: Postal surface options
- 30–100 kg: Economy air often wins
- 100–500 kg: Compare LCL vs. economy air
- > 500 kg: Ocean usually wins
Common Ocean Charges (and How to Avoid Them)
- Base ocean freight (port-to-port)
- THC (Terminal Handling Charges) at origin & destination
- Documentation (e.g., Bill of Lading, handling)
- Fuel & surcharges (e.g., bunker)
- CFS (warehouse), deconsolidation—primarily for LCL
- Customs & brokerage (duty/taxes, entry filing)
- Demurrage/Detention/Storage (when time limits are exceeded)
- Special equipment (reefer, flat-rack, open-top), overweight/oversize fees
- Pre-clear with complete docs; align HS codes & values with invoices.
- Book drayage & delivery windows in advance; know free-time at port.
- Use accurate CBM & weight to avoid re-rating; confirm special equipment early.
- For LCL: expect extra handling time; pack to withstand multi-stop handling.
Typical Routes to Canada & Major Canadian Ports
Common routings: Europe → Halifax/Montreal; Asia → Vancouver/Prince Rupert (rail to inland); Asia → East Canada via Panama; South America/Caribbean via East Coast hubs.
Key Canadian Ports
- Port of Vancouver (BC): Canada’s largest, Asia-Pacific gateway.
- Port of Prince Rupert (BC): Deep-water, efficient rail links, container & bulk.
- Port of Montreal (QC): Core link to Europe via St. Lawrence; inland container hub.
- Port of Halifax (NS): Deep-water, East Coast access & rail connectivity.
- Saint John (NB): Growing East Coast gateway.
- Toronto (ON): Inland Great Lakes port for select cargo types.
Customs: CARM vs. CERS (Canada)
CERS (Canadian Export Reporting System): Exports from Canada valued > CAD $2,000 (or controlled goods) generally require an export declaration.
CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management): All commercial importers must register, designate their broker, and maintain a surety bond/deposit before importing. See: CERS/B13A and CARM setup.
Incoterms to Know (Plus CIF)
- FOB: Seller clears export & loads; risk passes at ship’s rail; buyer handles ocean & import.
- EXW: Seller makes goods available at premises; buyer handles everything else.
- DDP: Seller handles delivery and import duty/taxes/fees—simple for buyer but can be costly for the shipper.
CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight): A valuation term often used by customs: value of goods + insurance + freight.
Useful reads: Incoterms explained & Declared value & CIF.
What We Need to Quote Your Ocean Shipment
- Pickup & delivery postcodes; business or residential delivery
- Pieces, dimensions (L×W×H) & actual weight per piece
- Commodity details, HS codes (if known), declared value & currency
- Preferred mode (LCL/FCL) and timing window
- Special requirements (reefer/DG/over-dimensional)
- Import program (e.g., FTA claim) & who will act as importer of record
FAQs: Ocean Freight to & from Canada
Is ocean always cheaper than air?
No. Small LCL shipments can cost more than economy air once you add minimums, CFS, and handling. Usually, sea freight is the lowest cost option for shipping over 100-200 kilograms.
How long does sea freight take door-to-door?
Plan on around 1–2 months depending on lane and port/rail conditions. On-water time is often 20–30 days; the rest is terminals, customs, and drayage.
Can I ship a single box by ocean?
For single packages, postal surface is usually the only low-cost “ocean-like” option. Commercial ocean forwarding focuses on pallets/containers.
Why did my ocean bill include storage/demurrage?
Fees apply when containers sit beyond free time. Avoid them by pre-clearing, booking drayage promptly, and providing accurate documents.
What’s the difference between LCL and FCL?
LCL shares a container (more handling, longer). FCL books a whole container (faster, fewer hand-offs). A partly filled FCL can be cheaper than LCL.
What’s the difference between CARM and CERS?
CERS is for exports over CAD $2,000 (or controlled). CARM is for imports; commercial importers must register, assign their broker, and maintain security.
Do I need a bill of lading and a commercial invoice?
Yes. You’ll need a B/L from the carrier and a detailed commercial invoice with HS codes, values, and origin; plus any permits for controlled goods.
Is ocean freight more sustainable than air?
Per tonne-km, ocean’s CO₂ emissions are far lower than air. For urgent shipments, consider splitting orders: send a small portion by air and balance by ocean.
Disclaimer: The information in this article and all Jet Worldwide content is for general guidance only. Always confirm requirements with your consignee, customs broker, carrier, and relevant authorities.
