Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From Turkey to Canada

Turkey and Canada are two nations with diverse economic portfolios. But both also boast strategic geographic positions, which is particularly what makes their trade relationship interesting. Turkey serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia, while Canada stands as a major player in North America. 

In 2022, Turkey exported $1.89 billion worth of goods to Canada, a testament to their bilateral trade relationship being a platform for economic growth. 

If you are looking to ship goods from Turkey to Canada, then here’s your complete guide on your ocean and air freight shipping options and more. 

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

To ship freight from Turkey to Canada, you can either use ocean freight or air freight. 

Ocean Freight From Turkey to Canada

Ocean freight is the most cost-effective way to ship goods from Turkey to Canada. It’s also quite flexible, able to accommodate a range of cargo types. Shippers particularly like ocean freight because it gives them two options for container shipping: less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL). 

LCL is best for small shipments. Here, goods are consolidated with cargo belonging to other shippers, which means that each shipper only pays for the space their goods occupy. It’s an economical choice, especially when shipping in small quantities or volumes. 

FCL, on the other hand, is ideal for larger volumes of cargo. This is because the shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone, which allows them more control and security for their shipment. FCL is more expensive than LCL, but you can get the value of your money if you’re shipping in large volumes. 

Air Freight from Turkey to Canada

Another way you can ship from Turkey to Canada is by air. Air freight is considered the fastest mode of international shipping. It’s also quite secure, making it ideal for shippers of high-value goods. The only drawback is its cost — air freight is the most expensive way to ship goods from Turkey to Canada. It’s also the least flexible, with strict rules about what you can and cannot ship. 

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

The cost of shipping cargo from Turkey to Canada 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

Use our online freight costs calculator to get an estimate of your shipping costs. The table below provides the current cost for shipping a standard 20-foot container from Turkey to Canada:

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

The transit time for goods shipped from Turkey to Canada depends mainly on the international shipping mode you select. Additional factors influencing the transit time are:

• The shipping season (peak or low)
• Direct or indirect shipment route
• The trade lane's popularity
• Geopolitical instability
• Potential incidents at ports

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

Ocean freight from Turkey to Canada will take roughly 15 to 50 days. 

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

Air freight from Turkey to Canada is much faster, only taking between 2 to 8 days. 

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

Customs Clearance in Turkey and Canada

When your goods from Turkey arrive in Canada, they will go through the Canadian customs clearance authorities. For this process, you will need to prepare and 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

Here is a full documents list that you can peruse for examples of each customs clearance requirement. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

When choosing between ocean and air freight, you need to consider your needs, priorities, and the requirements of your cargo. Here are some pointers to help you make the right decision about which mode of international shipping to go for. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is right for you if you prioritize cost efficiency and flexibility. It can accommodate any type of cargo you need to ship and provides two options for transporting your goods. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is best 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, on the other hand, is more 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

You can also go for air freight, particularly if you are shipping time-sensitive, perishable, or high-value goods. This is because of air freight’s speed and security, which can guarantee the timely arrival and safety of your cargo. 

While air freight is attractive, keep in mind that it is also fairly expensive to ship by air. It might also restrict or prohibit the type of goods you’re looking to transport, so make sure to check beforehand. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Turkey

Port of Haydarpaşa

The Port of Haydarpaşa is the oldest and most profitable port in Turkey. It spans 55 thousand square meters in land area, providing the port with large container handling ability. The port boasts 5 major terminals and 22 berths for containers and general cargo. 

Port of Mersin

The Port of Mersin is the second oldest port in Turkey. It handles between 2.2 to 2.5 million TEUs per year, mainly because of its strategic location adjacent to the Mediterranean waters. The port serves as a gateway for Turkey’s trade relationships with Europe. 

Port of Izmir

The Port of Izmir is the third largest airport in Turkey. Its operations started in the year 1959 and later expanded to occupy 902 thousand square meters of land area. It mainly operates container cargo, handling 60% more container volume than other ports under the TCDD. 

Cargo ports of arrival in Canada

Port of Prince Rupert

The Port of Prince Rupert is an alternative to the Vancouver port. It has connections to the worldwide market, mainly for the export of wheat and barley. The port houses the Prince Rupert Grain production terminal, which can ship over 7 million tonnes of grain per year. 

Port of Halifax

The Port of Halifax has connections to 150 economies around the world. It’s famous for its efficiency, having self-imposed deadlines that allow it to move cargo fast. It is an ice-free harbor and deep water port, allowing it to comfortably operate all year round. 

Port of Saint John

The Port of Saint John is located in East Canada and is the largest port in the region. It handles over 28 million metric tonnes of cargo, which include bulk, breakbulk, liquid cargo, dry cargo, and containers. The port is connected to 500 ports worldwide. 

Air Freight from Turkey to Canada: An airport guide

Airports of origin in Turkey

Istanbul Airport

The Istanbul Airport is the largest airport among the two serving Istanbul in Turkey. It is located in the district of Arnavutköy, which is located on the city’s European side. The airport serves as a hub for Turkish Airlines, AtlasGlobal, Onur Air, Meraj Airlines, MNG Airlines, and ULS Airlines Cargo.

Ankara Esenboga Airport

The Ankara Esenboga Airport is located in the capital city of Turkey, Ankara. Its operations began in 1955, which makes it an important airport in the nation. The airport is a hub for Pegasus Airlines, AnadoluJet, and Borajet Airlines.

Adana Sakirpasa Airport

The Adana Sakirpasa Airport is located in Adana, Turkey, mainly serving the Cilicia region and its surrounding provinces. It has a frequent domestic flight schedule and several flights to international destinations. The airport is a hub for SunExpress, Onur Air, and Borajet Airlines.

Airports of arrival in Canada

Toronto Pearson International Airport

The Toronto Pearson International Airport is located is Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. It is the main airport serving Toronto and its metropolitan area. The airport is a hub for Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, Air Transat, and more. 

Vancouver International Airport

The Vancouver International Airport is located on Sea Island, Richmond, British Columbia. It serves the city of Vancouver and its lower mainland region. Specifically, the airport is 12 kilometers from Downtown Vancouver. 

Hamilton International Airport

The Hamilton International Airport, formally known as the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It serves as a hub for passenger and cargo airlines like Swoop, Cargojet, UPS Airlines, SkyLink Express, and KF Cargo.