Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from Australia to Canada

Shipping freight from Australia to Canada is a major undertaking. The two countries are nearly 10,000 kilometers apart, and there's a lot of ground (or ocean) to cover. But with the right planning and execution, it can be a seamless process. 

In this article, we discuss what you need to know about shipping freight from Australia to Canada.

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From Australia to Canada?

To ship freight from Australia to Canada, you can either engage ocean freight or air freight. We discuss the two options in-depth below. 

Ocean Freight From Australia to Canada

There are two main options for ocean freight shipping from Australia to Canada: full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL).

LCL shipping involves sharing a container with other shippers and is a good option for smaller shipments or if you are on a tight budget. Your goods will be packed into crates or barrels along with the other shippers’ goods, so it’s important to properly label and insure your shipment.

FCL shipping is the most common type of ocean freight shipping and involves filling an entire 20 or 40-foot container with your goods. This is the best option for large shipments, as you will have sole use of the container and can pack it as tightly as possible to maximize space. FCL shipping is also generally more expensive than LCL shipping.

Air Freight from Australia to Canada

Airfreight is the fastest way to ship goods from Australia to Canada and is typically used for time-sensitive or high-value shipments. However, it is also the most expensive shipping option.

There are two main types of air freight shipping: direct and indirect. Direct air freight shipping involves shipping your goods on a direct flight from Australia to Canada. This is the fastest and most expensive option.

Indirect air freight shipping involves shipping your goods on a flight with stops in other countries before reaching Canada. This is a slower and more affordable option, but it is still faster than ocean freight shipping.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From Australia to Canada?

There are a number of factors that will affect the cost of shipping your cargo, including:

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping
• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

To estimate your shipping costs, use our online freight costs calculator. The table below also shows the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from Australia to Canada:

How long does it take to ship cargo from Australia to Canada?

Shipping goods from Australia to Canada varies in transit time, primarily based on the international shipping mode you choose. Additional factors impacting this include:

• The shipping season (peak or low)
• The directness of the shipment's route
• The popularity of the trade lane
• Geopolitical issues
• Potential incidents at ports

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from Australia to Canada?

It takes an average of 15 to 50 days to ship cargo from Australia to Canada by ocean freight. 

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from Australia to Canada?

Airfreight shipping times vary depending on the airline and airport but typically take between 2-8 days. 

For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in Australia and Canada

When shipping from Australia to Canada, there are a few things to keep in mind in terms of customs regulations.

In general, customs clearance requirements include: 

• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A certificate of origin
• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

We have a full documents list you can take a look at for examples of these customs clearance documents. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight may be a slow shipping option, but it is highly cost-effective. To decide whether or not you should choose ocean freight, here are some considerations.

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL from Australia to Canada is right for you if your cargo is: 

• Small in size and quantity 
• Lightweight
• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Not requiring special handling or movement 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

FCL freight shipping is suitable for cargo that is: 

• Large in size and quantity 
• Heavy or overweight
• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Requiring special handling or movement 

Air Freight

Air freight is generally the most expensive option, but it is also the fastest. Transit times can vary depending on the airline and airport but typically range from 2 to 8 days. Air freight is also generally the most reliable option, as delays are less common than with ocean freight. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Australia 

Port of Sydney

The Sydney Port is the largest container and general cargo port in Australia. The port is located at the mouth of the Sydney Harbour, about 10 nautical miles upstream from its opening to the Tasman Sea, and about 18 mi east-southeast of the central business district of Sydney.

Cargo handling facilities at the Port of Sydney include five container terminals, two general cargo terminals, a bulk liquids terminal, and a cruise ship terminal.

Port of Melbourne

The Port of Melbourne is Australia's largest container and general cargo port, located in Melbourne, Victoria. The port is located on the Yarra River, south of the city center. It is also the busiest seaport in Australia, handling over 3 million containers per year.

The port consists of three main shipping channels: the channel to the west of the Yarra River, which handles container traffic; the channel to the east of the Yarra River, which handles bulk cargo; and the inner harbor, which handles general cargo. The port also has a fourth channel, known as the turning basin, which is used for vessels that are too large to fit through the other channels.

Port of Brisbane

The Brisbane port is located in the city of Brisbane, Australia. It is the busiest port in the country, handling over AUD $60 billion worth of trade each year. The port is made up of a number of different precincts, each with its own unique facilities and services. The Port of Brisbane is a major contributor to the Queensland economy, providing jobs for over 9,000 people and supporting many local businesses.

The port handles a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk commodities, vehicles, and general cargo. It is also home to a number of cruise ship terminals, which serve both domestic and international cruise ships.

Port of Fremantle

The Fremantle Port is the fourth busiest port in Australia. It is located at the mouth of the Swan River in Western Australia and handles a wide range of cargo including containers, bulk commodities, livestock, and general cargo. The port has been in operation since 1897, and today it is managed by the Fremantle Ports Authority.

The Fremantle Port is an important part of the WA economy, contributing around $2.4 billion annually to the state's GDP. The port supports around 14,000 jobs in WA and provides a vital link for trade with Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Cargo ports of arrival in Canada

Port of Vancouver

The Port of Vancouver is one of the busiest in North America, handling over $200 billion in trade every year. The port is located on Canada's west coast and is home to a large number of container terminals, which makes it an ideal choice for shipping containers.

Port of Montreal

The Port of Montreal is another popular choice for cargo shipping, as it is located on the St. Lawrence Seaway. The seaway is a major waterway that connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, making it an important route for international shipping.

Port of Halifax

The Port of Halifax is another major cargo port in Canada, located on the east coast. The port is a hub for container shipping and is also home to a large number of cruise ships.

Air Freight from Australia to Canada: An airport guide

Airports of origin in Australia

Sydney Airport

The Sydney Airport is an international airport located in Sydney, Australia. It is the busiest airport in Australia and has a terminal for freight and cargo operations. The airport is well-connected to the city center, with a dedicated train station and bus services. It is also close to major highways, making it easily accessible by car.

Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport is the primary airport serving the city of Melbourne, and the second busiest airport in Australia. It was opened in 1970 and is located 23 kilometers northwest of the city center, in the suburb of Tullamarine. The airport has four terminals - two domestic and two international - as well as a dedicated cargo terminal. It handles over 35 million passengers and 1.3 million tonnes of cargo each year.

Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport is the capital city airport of Queensland, Australia. The airport services the Greater Brisbane region and is located 13 kilometers (8 mi) northeast of the city center. It is the third busiest Australian airport by aircraft movements.

Perth Airport

Perth Airport is the primary airport serving Perth, Western Australia. It is located in the city's eastern suburbs, approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the central business district. The airport is operated by Perth Airport Pty Limited, a public company fully owned by the State Government of Western Australia.

Airports of arrival in Canada

Toronto Pearson International Airport

The Toronto Pearson International Airport is the primary international airport serving Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The airport is operated by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority as part of Transport Canada's National Airports System. The airport also has an extensive cargo operation and is a major hub for both Air Canada and WestJet.

Vancouver International Airport

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is an international airport located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. It is the second busiest airport in Canada for aircraft movements and passengers. In terms of land area, YVR is the largest airport in Canada and the fourth largest in North America. The airport is operated by Vancouver Airport Authority and it is a hub for Air Canada and WestJet.

Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

The Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is the primary international airport serving Montreal. It is located on Montreal island and is a hub for Air Canada and Air Transat. It is also a base for Sunwing Airlines and WestJet.

Calgary International Airport

Calgary International Airport is an international airport that serves the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is the fourth busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic and the third busiest by aircraft movements. The airport is located approximately 17 kilometers (11 mi) northeast of downtown Calgary in the municipality of Rocky View County. It is operated by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation on behalf of The City of Calgary.

Edmonton International Airport

Edmonton International Airport (EIA) is the primary international airport serving Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is operated by Edmonton Airports and is a hub facility for Northern Alberta. Its major carriers include Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines.