Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from Canada to the US

Canada and the U.S. have a strong history of trade, with annual goods and services trade between the two countries totaling more than $718.4 for imports and exports. This trade value positions Canada as the second-largest goods trading partner for the U.S., highlighting the significance of their economic relationship.

If you are looking to tap into the U.S. market, read on to learn all about ocean and air freight shipping from Canada to the U.S. 

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From Canada to the U.S.?

To ship goods from Canada to the U.S., you can choose between ocean or air freight, depending on the goods you’re looking to export. 

Ocean Freight From Canada to the U.S.

Ocean freight is the most economical way to ship goods from Canada to the U.S. Although it comes with long transit times, it provides versatile shipping either through less-than-container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL). 

LCL is best for smaller shipments as goods are consolidated with other consignments. They are shipped together in one container, making shipping costs lower than FCL. LCL, however, has longer transit times. 

FCL, on the other hand, is best for larger and heavier cargo that isn’t suitable for consolidation. In this mode of ocean freight shipping, you rent the space in an entire container unit, which makes shipping costs higher but transit times shorter than in LCL. 

Air Freight from Canada to the U.S.

Air freight is the faster way to ship freight from Canada to the U.S. It’s also the most secure, thanks to strict airport regulations. However, air freight may be limited to what you can ship and its size, weight, and volume. It’s also the most expensive transport option. 

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From Canada to the U.S.?

The cost to ship cargo from Canada to the U.S. will depend 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 shipment
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

For an estimate of your shipping costs, use our freight costs calculator online. The table below lists the current cost for shipping a standard 20-foot container from Canada to the US:

How long does it take to ship cargo from Canada to the U.S.?

The time it takes to ship goods from Canada to the U.S. is largely dependent on the international shipping mode selected. However, the following factors also play a role:

• The season (peak or low) during which you ship
• Whether the shipment route is direct
• The popularity of the trade lane
• Geopolitical instability
• Incidents that might occur at ports

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from Canada to the U.S.?

Ocean freight from Canada to the U.S. can take about 15 to 50 days. 

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from Canada to the U.S.?

Air freight from Canada to the U.S. only takes 2 to 8 business days. 

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

Customs Clearance in Canada and the U.S.

Before your goods can enter U.S. borders, they must undergo customs clearance. This requires you to submit 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

For examples of these customs clearance requirements, take a look at our full documents list. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Whether you should ship via ocean or air freight is a decision you shouldn’t take lightly. Here are some pointers to help you make the right choice. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is best if you’re looking for an economical way to ship your goods from Canada to the U.S. but don’t mind the long transit times. It’s a very versatile shipping option, allowing you to choose between two modes of ocean freight: 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

Less than container load is ideal for you if your shipment is: 

• Small, lightweight
• Suitable for consolidation with other cargo 
• Not requiring special handling or movement 
• Not fragile, delicate, or high-value 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

On the other hand, you might be better off choosing FCL if your cargo is: 

• Large, heavy 
• Not suitable for consolidation with other cargo
• Requires special handling or movement 
• Fragile, delicate, or high-value

Air Freight

If you’re looking for a fast and secure way to ship goods from Canada to the U.S., you should choose air freight. Capable of getting your goods to their destination in a matter of days, this is perfect for high-value and perishable goods. However, you should know that air freight regulations are strict and that this mode of shipment can get expensive. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Canada

Port of Hamilton

The Port of Hamilton is Ontario’s biggest port, providing access to the Greater Toronto-Hamilton area. It is linked to two shipping routes in the Great Lakes and facilitates the flow of goods in its region. 

Port of Toronto

The Port of Toronto in Ontario, Canada, is situated on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario. It is one of the country’s largest freshwater ports covering 20 hectares of land. The port boasts a heated storage container terminal. 

Port of Sydney

The Port of Sydney is a deepwater port in Nova Scotia, Canada. It is Atlantic Canada’s busiest port and has several facilities for container shipping. It is a great contributor to the region’s and Canada’s economy. 

Cargo ports of arrival in the U.S.

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston in Texas, USA, handles a large number of shipments in a year, making it one of the busiest ports in the world. It handles about 284.9 million metric tonnes of cargo, both inward and outwards of the U.S. 

Port of South Louisiana

The Port of South Louisiana in Laplace, USA, has been around for decades, opening its cargo operations in the 1940s. The port handles 60% of grain cargo handling in the Midwest and is one of the biggest ports in the country. 

Port of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey is located in the New York Harbor. It is the largest natural harbor in the world and provides direct access through the Atlantic Ocean. This port is the busiest in the world, earning the U.S. $5.5 billion annually. 

Air Freight from Canada to the U.S.: An airport guide

Airports of origin in Canada

Toronto Pearson

The Toronto Pearson International Airport, also known as the Lester B. Pearson International Airport is in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. It primarily serves the Toronto metropolitan area and handles 303,000 tonnes of cargo annually. 

Vancouver International

The Vancouver International Airport is located in Richmond, British Columbia. It caters to Vancouver and the lower mainland region. The port houses airlines such as Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Pacific Coastal Airlines which handle 232,600 tonnes of cargo annually.

Montreal Trudeau

The Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, formerly the Montréal–Dorval International Airport, is located in Dorval, Quebec, Canada. It houses Air Canada, Air Transat, and Sunwing Airlines, which handle 81,400 tonnes of cargo per year. 

Airports of arrival in the U.S.

Memphis International Airport

The Memphis International Airport is one of the biggest airports in the world by total cargo tonnage. It contributes $23.3 billion to the U.S. economy and handles around 4,290,638 tons of cargo per year. 

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport’s operations mostly concern freight, handling 80% of all goods shipped by freighter aircraft over the Pacific. Every year, it sees about 2,630,701 tons of cargo. 

Louisville Regional Airport

The Louisville Regional Airport is one of the most popular in the world, accommodating more than 5 billion pounds and  2,350,656 tons of cargo annually. It boasts a Worldport for cargo, which sorts 416,000 packages per hour.