Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from France to Canada

France exports a variety of goods to Canada, ranging from agricultural products to manufactured items.

The majority of France's exports to Canada are finished goods, such as aircraft, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles. France is also a major supplier of agricultural products to Canada, with wheat, beef, and pork being among the most popular items.

If your business handles any of these items, you might be thinking about expanding your reach to the Canadian market. But first, you need to know about shipping. Here’s everything you need to know about ocean and air freight shipping from France to Canada. 

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

There are a few different ways to ship freight from France to Canada. The most popular methods are by air and sea.

Airfreight is the fastest option but also the most expensive. It is typically used for time-sensitive shipments or when shipping high-value items. Seafreight is a slower option, but it is less costly. It is generally used for large or heavy shipments.

Ocean Freight From France to Canada

Ocean freight is the most common method of shipping goods from France to Canada. It is also the most economical option for large shipments. Ocean freight offers two options for container shipping: LCL and FCL. 

LCL shipping is a service offered by freight companies for shipments that do not fill an entire container. LCL shipping consolidates multiple small shipments into one larger shipment to maximize space and reduce costs.

FCL refers to the standard size container used to ship goods overseas. These containers are typically 20 or 40 feet long and can hold up to 25 tons of cargo. FCL shipments are usually made by ocean freight carriers, and the cost of shipping is typically based on the size and weight of the shipment.

Air Freight from France to Canada

Air freight is one of the most popular methods for shipping goods from France to Canada. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that it is a fast and efficient way to get your goods to their destination. Additionally, air freight is generally more secure than other shipping methods, which is important when shipping valuable or delicate items.

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

The cost of shipping cargo from France to Canada can vary greatly depending on:

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

To determine your shipping costs, use our online freight costs calculator. Additionally, you can find the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from France to Canada in the table below:

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

The duration for shipping goods from France to Canada is primarily influenced by the international shipping mode chosen. Other factors that can affect this include:

• The season (whether it's peak or low season)
• The directness of the shipment route
• How popular the trade lane is
• Geopolitical instability
• Potential incidents at the ports

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

It takes an average of about 15 to 50 days to ship cargo by sea from France to Canada.

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

It typically takes 2-8 days to ship cargo by air from France to Canada. 

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

Customs Clearance in France and Canada

When it comes to customs clearance, there are a few things you need to prepare before your goods can be cleared to enter Canada. These 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

Check out our full documents list for examples of each of these documents. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Ocean Freight

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to ship your goods via ocean freight or another method. Some of the key considerations include:

• The time frame for shipping. Ocean freight is typically slower than air freight, so if you need your goods to arrive quickly, it may not be the best option.
• The cost. Ocean freight is usually less expensive than air freight, so if cost is a major consideration, it may be the better choice.
• The type of goods being shipped. Some items are better suited for ocean freight than others. For example, heavy or large items are often better shipped by ocean freight because it is more cost-effective.

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL freight shipping is a great option for cargo that 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 shipping is usually the best option 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 often the most expensive shipping method, but it also offers the fastest transit times. If you need to get your goods to their destination quickly, air freight may be the best option.

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in France

Port of Marseille

The Port of Marseille is France's largest and busiest port. It is located on the Mediterranean Sea and is also one of the busiest ports in Europe. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including containers, roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) traffic, and passengers.

Port of Le Havre

The Port of Le Havre is a major French port located on the English Channel in Normandy. It is the largest container port in France and the fourth busiest container port in Europe, handling over 3 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year. The port is also a hub for car imports and exports.

Port of Bordeaux

The Port of Bordeaux is located in southwestern France on the Garonne River. As one of the busiest ports in the country, it plays an important role in the economy of both Bordeaux and France as a whole. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including containers.

Cargo ports of arrival in Canada

Port of Vancouver

The Port of Vancouver is a seaport located in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is the largest and busiest port in Canada and one of the largest ports in North America. The port handles over 140 million tonnes of cargo annually and is responsible for nearly $200 billion in trade yearly.

Port of Montreal

The Port of Montreal is a major seaport in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is a deep-water port that handles container traffic and general cargo. The port has a total of 26 berths and can accommodate ships up to 225 meters long.

Port of Halifax

The Port of Halifax is the largest natural harbor in the world and is located on the eastern coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. The harbor is formed by a large, deep glacial fjord that meets the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Halifax is one of Canada's busiest ports, handling over 3 million TEUs of containerized cargo each year.

Air Freight from France to Canada: An airport guide

Airports of origin in France

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 60 million passengers and 2.6 million tons of cargo per year. The airport is home to several major airlines and freight carriers, making it an important hub for international air travel.

Orly Airport (ORY)

Orly Airport is a popular travel destination in France, and it offers a variety of cargo services to its visitors. The airport has a dedicated cargo terminal, which handles all of the airfreight that arrives and departs from Orly. There are also several storage facilities on-site, which can accommodate both perishable and non-perishable goods.

Nice Airport (NCE)

Nice Airport (NCE) is one of the busiest airports in France, handling over 14 million passengers and more than 100,000 tons of cargo every year. The airport's cargo services are provided by several different airlines, including Air France, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, and British Airways.

Airports of arrival in Canada

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

As the largest airport in Canada, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is a significant hub for air cargo. The airport offers a wide range of services to support the shipping needs of businesses and individuals. YYZ is home to two cargo terminals - Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 - which can handle a combined total of over 1.6 million tons of cargo per year.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is one of the busiest airports in Canada, handling over 19 million passengers and more than 400,000 aircraft movements annually. The airport is also a major cargo hub, handling over 1.3 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is one of the busiest airports in Canada, handling over 20 million passengers and over 400,000 tons of cargo annually. The airport is a major hub for both passenger and cargo traffic, with direct flights to destinations all over the world.