Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from Canada to Norway

Canada and Norway have a strong trade relationship. In 2022, Canada made $4.9 billion in merchandise exports to Norway, including nickel, base metals, precious stones, copper, and machinery.

If your business offers these merchandise and you want to tap into the Norway export market from Canada, you’ve come to the right place. Before you endeavor to ship to Norway, here’s every you need to know about your shipping options, estimated costs and transit times, customs clearance, and more. 

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

Shipping freight from Canada to Norway can be done through ocean or air freight. 

Ocean Freight From Canada to Norway

Ocean freight is the cheapest way to send your goods from Canada to Norway. It’s also the most accommodating, able to ship any type of cargo of any size, weight, or volume. 

Ocean freight offers two shipping options: less than container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL). 

In LCL, your goods will be consolidated with shipments belonging to other sellers. You share the space of a container with them, which means you can enjoy cheaper shipping rates. However, the consolidation process can also add to your transit time, making LCL slower than other shipment modes. 

In FCL, on the other hand, you rent the space in an entire container, which means you can ship large, heavy cargo. This also allows for isolated shipping, which may be necessary for delicate or fragile goods. Since you own the space in the entire container, however, FCL can be expensive. However, it does give you the benefit of faster transit times. 

Air Freight from Canada to Norway

Air freight is the fastest way to get your goods from Canada to Norway. It’s also the most secure mode of shipment, thanks to strict airport regulations. This strictness, however, can also be a double-edged sword, as air freight has stringent rules about the type, size, weight, and volume of cargo it can accommodate. This mode of shipment can also get expensive. 

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

The cost to ship cargo from Canada to Norway depends on the following factors: 

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping




• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port deliveries




• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size




• Weight and size limits

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

Your chosen mode of shipment will primarily determine the time it takes to ship cargo from Canada to Norway. 

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

It takes roughly 13 days for cargo to arrive in Norway from Canada through ocean freight. Check out the table below for transit times according to your chosen port or origin and destination.

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

Air freight from Canada to Norway is much faster, only taking about 13 hours to complete. The table below will show you the estimated air transit times for each airport of origin in Canada to airports of destination in Norway.

Customs Clearance in Canada and Norway

When your goods arrive in Norway, they will be inspected by customs clearance authorities. For a smooth and fast process, you need to provide them with the following documents: 

• 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

Examples of these customs clearance documents are in our full documents list. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

The mode of shipment you choose should be based on your unique needs and the specifications of your cargo. To help you decide, here are some pointers to keep in mind. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is an ideal cost-effective way to get your goods from Canada to Norway. It allows you to ship any type of cargo and can accommodate goods of different sizes, weights, and volumes. However, ocean freight has long transit times. You must also decide if you’ll be shipping by LCL or FCL. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is best for cargo that is: 

• Small, lightweight 
• Few 
• Suitable for consolidation with other cargo 
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Not requiring special handling or movement 
• Not expected in Norway at a specified time 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

FCL, on the other hand, is more suitable for cargo that is: 

• Large, heavy, oversized, or overweight
• High in volume 
• Not ideal for consolidation with other cargo 
• Requiring special handling or movement
• Requiring isolated shipping 
• Expected to arrive in Norway at a specified time 

Air Freight

If you want to get cargo from Canada to Norway fast, you should go with air freight. But remember, this mode of shipment may have strict regulations regarding the type, size, weight, and volume of cargo you can ship. 

It’s best, however, for high-value shipments due to more secure transit and movement. Although air freight is expensive, it’s worth the cost considering the speed and security you enjoy with it. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Canada

Port of Montreal

The Port of Montreal in the Saint Lawrence River seaway serves the areas of Quebec and Montreal. It’s an ideal port because of its short, direct trade route between Europe, North America, and the Mediterranean. 

Port of Halifax

The Port of Halifax is highly efficient, with connections to over 150 economies worldwide. The port has imposed deadlines on itself to move cargo much faster while maintaining quality of service and professionalism. 

Port of Saint John

The Port of Saint John is the largest in the eastern region of Canada. It can handle 28 million metric tonnes of cargo and is connected to 500 ports worldwide. Among the types of cargo this port moves include containers, bulk, breakbulk, dry cargo, and liquid cargo. 

Cargo ports of arrival in Norway

Port of Oslo

The Port of Oslo is Norway’s main seaport, catering to half the Norwegian population. It has advanced terminals, making it the country’s natural logistics center. Every year, the port handles 6 million tonnes of cargo. 

Port of Narvik

The Port of Narvik is important for Norway’s logistics and transportation needs. Its most renowned terminal is the Narvik Terminal, which boasts electronic access control that requires staff to be authorized by Port Control. 

Port of Bergen

The Port of Bergen is located in western Norway, serving the area by handling various cargo types, including containers, bulk liquids, breakbulk, and Ro-Ro. The port is the second-largest in the country and one of Europe's major cruise locations. 

Air Freight from Canada to Norway: An airport guide

Airports of origin in Canada

Toronto Pearson International Airport

The Toronto Pearson International Airport is a significant cargo airport in Canada, handling 45% of its air cargo. It is the busiest airport by cargo and passenger traffic, with scheduled freight services to Europe, Asia, and Latin America. 

Vancouver International Airport 

The Vancouver International Airport is a cargo hub between Asia and North America. It is located 14 km from the Port of Vancouver. This airport prioritizes cargo transfer efficiency, with partnerships with forwarders and trucking companies. 

Calgary International Airport

The Calgary International Airport provides an essential gateway for shipments from Asia, Europe, and Latin America. It has connections to over 140 airports around the world and boasts the longest runway in Canada. 

Airports of arrival in Norway

Oslo Gardermoen Airport

The Oslo Gardermoen Airport, commonly known simply as Oslo Airport, is in Oslo, Norway’s capital and most populous city. It is the country’s biggest airport by cargo traffic, handling 43,500 metric tons in 2021. 

Stavanger Sola Airport

The Stavanger Sola Airport, also called Stavanger Airport or simply Sola, is an international airport in Rogaland County, Norway. In 2021, it handled a volume of 3,000 metric tons, making it the country's second-most-frequented airport for cargo traffic. 

Bodø Airport

Bodø Airport is located in the town of Bodø in Nordland county, Norway. It has a civil and military air force facility and handles about 2,000 metric tons of cargo traffic. The airport is mainly a hub for Widerøe Airlines.