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Sea Freight Cost Breakdown: China → Canada

Cost ComponentVancouverTorontoMontrealNotes / Considerations
Ocean Freight (FCL 20’ container)$800 – $1,500$1,000 – $1,700$1,100 – $1,800Shanghai → Vancouver ~18-25 days, → Toronto ~25-30 days, → Montreal ~28-35 days
Ocean Freight (FCL 40’ container)$1,500 – $2,500$1,700 – $2,700$1,800 – $2,900Longer transit for East Coast ports due to canal transit or transshipment
LCL Rate (per CBM)$70 – $120$80 – $130$85 – $140Less-than-container-load; volume-based; higher per-unit cost
Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)5% – 15%5% – 15%5% – 15%Fluctuates with oil prices
Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF)2% – 5%2% – 5%2% – 5%Applied to USD-denominated invoices
Port Handling / Terminal Charges$200 – $500$250 – $550$250 – $600Includes unloading, storage, and equipment use
Destination Handling Charges (DHC)$150 – $300$200 – $350$200 – $350Varies by port and container type
Inland Transportation (China, factory → port)$100 – $300$100 – $300$100 – $300Depends on distance and truck type
Inland Transportation (Canada, port → destination)$500 – $800$700 – $1,000$800 – $1,200Depends on distance to final city/warehouse
Customs Clearance & Duties (Canada)$50 – $200 broker fee + duties$50 – $200 broker fee + duties$50 – $200 broker fee + dutiesDuties depend on HS code; broker fees vary by city
Documentation Fees$50 – $100$50 – $100$50 – $100Bill of Lading, shipping instructions, etc.
Insurance (Optional)0.3% – 0.5% cargo value0.3% – 0.5%0.3% – 0.5%Recommended for high-value shipments

City-Specific Notes:

  1. Vancouver: Shortest transit for West Coast; ideal for shipments to Western Canada or U.S. West Coast. Lower inland transport cost for nearby warehouses.
  2. Toronto: Central hub; moderate transit; good for Ontario and surrounding provinces; slightly higher port charges.
  3. Montreal: East Coast port; longest transit; higher inland transport to central Canada; suitable for Quebec and U.S. East Coast distribution.

Tips for Customers:

  • For shipments over ~10 CBM, FCL is recommended.
  • Peak season (Aug–Oct): freight rates may rise 20–50%.
  • Consider DDP pricing if customers want duties and delivery included.
  • LCL shipments have higher per-unit costs and may require longer transit due to consolidation.