Container Shipping to Canada from Australia 2025 Cost

If you’re planning to ship your goods to Canada from Australia but you don’t know how to go about it, we’re here to help! 

We’ve prepared a guide on how container shipping works, covering all the basics to give you an idea of what to expect, especially when it comes to costs and regulations. Let’s go!

Major Ports and Routes Connecting Canada and Australia 

When it comes to container shipping between Canada and Australia, understanding the key ports and routes is essential. These major connections play a pivotal role in facilitating trade and transportation between these two countries, so let’s explore the major ports and routes that connect Canada and Australia.

Major Ports in Canada

1. Vancouver (Port of Vancouver)
   Bordering the Pacific Ocean, it is the largest port in the country, allowing the entry and exit of all kinds of goods through the province of British Columbia.

2. Montreal (Port of Montreal)
   Located on the St. Lawrence River, it’s a significant international port that serves as a gateway between several US locations and Central Canada.

3. Prince Rupert (Port of Prince Rupert)
   The third biggest port in Canada (after Vancouver and Montreal), it connects East Asian markets to Northern American markets. 

4. Halifax (Port of Halifax)
   On the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the Port of Halifax is Canada’s gateway to Europe and the east coast of the US. 

Major Ports in Australia

1. Sydney (Port Botany)
   Australia’s largest port.

2. Melbourne (Port of Melbourne)
   An important port for commercial transport, it’s the busiest per cargo volume.

3. Brisbane (Port of Brisbane)
   A newer port that connects Northeast Australia to major sea routes.

4. Perth (Port of Fremantle)
   The biggest connection to Australia’s west coast.

Popular Sea Routes Connecting Australia and Canada

• Sydney to Vancouver: A major route in the Asia-Pacific trade. The route enables container ships to connect these two trade hubs 1-2 times a week, with each ship taking about 21-26 days to arrive.
  
• Melbourne to Prince Rupert: An important sea freight connection that takes about 32 days to complete, with container ships arriving 2-4 times a week.
  
• Brisbane to Montreal/Halifax: A route crucial for breakbulk shipping between Australia and Canada. It’s usually completed within 26-33 days from departure to arrival.

Cost Factors in Container Shipping to Canada from Australia

When you’re shipping goods from Australia to Canada, you must consider the costs of not only the fee of the vessel but also additional charges that have a significant effect on the final price. Here, we listed the most important metrics that impact the cost of shipping.

Please note that most companies offer insurance, pick up and delivery, storage, and handling services. Some services are included in the quoted prices, though some may cost extra (for example, pick up and delivery) and are optional.

It’s a good idea to learn about all the extra services and costs before you shake hands with a company. For example, packing and delivering your goods may not be an issue for you in Australia, but depending on the location of the destination port and weather conditions in Canada, it may not be safe for you to transport the cargo on your own. 

Insurance

• Types: Most shipment companies offer Carrier Liability, meaning they will offer you limited compensation for any physical damages to your goods that arise due to transportation mistakes. However, weather and packing-related damages aren’t covered by this category of insurance, and even if you can prove that the damages are the company’s fault, you will receive only a fraction of what you paid, as the upper payment limit will be quite low, perhaps around 500 USD per unit of shipment, regardless of the actual value of your goods.
  
  Therefore, most people tend to purchase extra insurance for their shipments. There are two types of insurance you can purchase – All Risk and Total Loss. 
  
  All Risk insurance covers the value of your whole shipment and is considered the most comprehensive insurance type. While the exact coverage depends on your policy, this type of insurance ensures you will be compensated for any damages, regardless of the source of the damage (including weather conditions, for example).
  
  Finally, there is Total Loss Only (TLO) insurance, a low-cost alternative to All Risk insurance. As the name suggests, this type of insurance is only valid if your whole shipment is lost. It doesn’t cover the value of your shipment and usually has a low upper limit.
  
• Coverage: Depending on your insurance policy, the insurance company may be liable for potential damages during the transit but not loading or offloading. If that’s the case, you won’t be able to claim liability for damages that may arise due to rough handling. It’s important to ensure your coverage includes all potential risk factors.
  
• Cost considerations: Insurance rates may vary depending on the nature of your shipment, the distance, destination, routes, and other considerations.

Packing Services

• Benefits: You can hire a professional packing service to ensure your cargo is packed as efficiently and securely as possible. Efficient packing may prevent potential damages during the transportation stage and is usually worth the extra cost. Full coverage shipment companies usually offer packaging services.
  
• Types: You can get full coverage and partial service. With the former, the company is responsible for packing everything for you. You can also opt for partial service and let them handle particularly fragile or important cargo.
  
• Costs: The amount usually varies depending on the amount of goods. Sea freight companies may offer professional packaging services at reduced prices.

Pick-up and Delivery

Depending on the size of your shipment and your location, you may be able to get your shipment to the port by yourself. However, hiring a pick-up and delivery service will ensure your cargo reaches its destination in good time and condition.

Most shipment companies operate warehouses and trucks for picking up and delivering cargo home-to-home. Pick-up and delivery costs vary depending on transport types (rail, van, truck) and transport time (including the distance and the urgency of delivery).

Taxes and Duty Charges

If you are moving to Canada from Australia, you don’t have to worry about paying taxes or duty charges for your personal effects and household items (including household appliances like TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, and so on). You don’t have to pay taxes for jewelry either. 

Generally, the rule is that items for personal use are exempt from tax, but you must pay taxes for equipment you plan to use for farming/construction/manufacturing.

You can bring vehicles (cars, trucks, and so on) without paying duty charges as long as it’s for your personal use and it fits Canada’s pollution and safety standards. However, Canada’s rules for imported cars are quite strict, and depending on the status of your car and the territory you are moving to, you may have to pay taxes.

For more information, check out Canada’s official immigration and import rules.

Storage

• Options: Most companies offer both short and long-term storage for your goods. Short-term storage is a good option if you plan to move your belongings as fast as possible between the first and final destination, but longer-term storage can also be useful if you haven’t made permanent arrangements yet.
  
  Some companies also provide mobile storage units with pick-up and delivery prices included to make the move easier. Mobile storage units tend to be smaller compared to regular container units (think one bedroom compared to a 2-3 bedroom home).
• Costs: Storage fees vary based on the amount of goods, the location of the storage unit, and of course, on duration. Additional charges may apply for valuable or fragile cargo.

Additional Charges

• Handling fees: Handling fees are usually included in the total price but they are separate from shipment fees. Shipment fees usually depend on the size of your package and the distance of the route. Handling fees, on the other hand, cover the logistics of loading and offloading your shipment. For a 20-foot container, you may expect to pay around 200-500 CAD and 250-600 AUD in Australia.
  
  Most companies include handling fees in the total price quote but you can call and make sure there won’t be an extra invoice.
• Documentation: Documentation fees are usually handled by the moving company but it’s a good idea to make sure they have it covered.
  
• Other: If your cargo requires special services, you will be asked to pay extra to cover the costs.

Modes of Container Shipping

As you can imagine, container shipping involves packing your goods into steel crates to transport them easily from one vehicle to another. The size of containers is standardized across the world, so you can easily calculate how many containers you need for the journey.

However, the amount and type of goods you ship may change the mode of container shipping. Let’s see the options.

Full Container Load (FCL)

If you are shipping an FCL or a full container load, you have an entire container for your goods. This makes handling, transportation, and delivery easier. It’s also more profitable than hiring a partial container since the rates per cubic meter are lower for this option.

FCL is the better option if you are shipping a large amount of goods. If your cargo requires extra security or a controlled environment, you should go with FCL.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

With LCL, you pay for the volume you fill in a container but the rates are higher due to extra handling and packing costs.

LCL might be more suited to you if you are considering moving to Canada and taking personal items with you. 

Breakbulk and Bulk Shipping

With bulk shipping, you can transport dry goods, like coal and iron, without packing them separately in pallets or containers.

Breakbulk shipping is used to transport cargo that has to be specially packed in pallets, straps, bags, and crates. It’s used to transport vehicles and machinery as well.

Shipping Container Sizes and Options

As we said before, container shipping is standardized across the world, which means your options when it comes to container types and sizes are limited. 

Standard Sizes

• 20-foot container: A 20-foot container can fit around 10 pallets of goods. That means you can move a 2-3 bedroom apartment in a 20-foot container easily if the packaging is done right.
  
• 40-foot container: You can move around 20-22 pallets of goods or pack a three-bedroom house in a 40-foot container.

Specialized Containers

• Refrigerated (or Reefer) containers: As you can guess, these types of containers are designed to keep the goods at a given temperature. They are used in transporting perishable goods.
  
• Open-top containers: Open-top containers are used to transport objects that won’t fit regular containers.
  
• Flat-rack containers: You can pack flat-rack containers from the sides and the top, as the outer walls are collapsible.
  
• Side door containers: As the name suggests, these containers use side doors instead of front doors for loading/unloading of cargo. Providing this flexibility, they’re ideal for a variety of goods, such as furniture, pallets, etc.
  
• Insulated containers: Different from refrigerated containers, this container type is specifically made to have double walls that use vacuumed space to prevent temperature changes.

	Length	Height	Width	Volume	Price Range
20ft Shipping Container	19.7 ft 6 m	7.8 ft 2.4 m	7.7 ft 2.3 m	1,173 ft³ 33.2 m³	CAD 954 – 6,881 AUD 1,064 – 7,674
40ft Shipping Container	39.7 ft 12.1 m	7.8 ft 2.4 m	7.7 ft 2.3 m	2,390 ft³ 67.7 m³	CAD 2,136 – 7,132 AUD 2,383 – 7,954
Shipping a Car	19 ft 5.8 m	7.2 ft 2.2 m	7.2 ft 2.2 m	982.8 ft³ 27.83 m³	CAD 1,831 – 6,499 AUD 2,042 – 7,248

All prices indicate container shipping from port to port in October 2023.

Sea Freight Container Prices to Australia from Canada

After rigorous research into shipping costs from Canada to Australia, we’ve pinpointed the most affordable options.

As you can see from the table below, shipping from Sydney or Melbourne to Vancouver is the cheapest option (CAD 954 – AUD 1,064). However, you can get better prices at different times of the year, so try to get a quote before you make a decision.

You can see the current prices in the tables below:

20ft Shipping Container 

	Shipping to Vancouver	Shipping to Montreal	Shipping to Halifax
Shipping from Sydney	CAD 991 AUD 1,105	No fixed prices. Use the quote tool below	CAD 2,187 AUD 2,439
Shipping from Melbourne	CAD 954 AUD 1,064	No fixed prices. Use the quote tool below	CAD 2,443 AUD 2,725
Shipping from Brisbane	CAD 3,965 AUD 4,422	CAD 6,881 AUD 7,674	CAD 6,735 AUD 7,511

All prices indicate container shipping from port to port in October 2023.

40ft Shipping Container 

	Shipping to Vancouver	Shipping to Montreal	Shipping to Halifax
Shipping from Sydney	CAD 2,173 AUD 2,424	No fixed prices. Use the quote tool below	CAD 2,668 AUD 2,975
Shipping from Melbourne	CAD 2,136 AUD 2,383	No fixed prices. Use the quote tool below	CAD 2,918 AUD 3,254
Shipping fromBrisbane	CAD 5,093 AUD 5,680	CAD 6,644 AUD 7,410	CAD 7,132 AUD 7,954

All prices indicate container shipping from port to port in October 2023.

Shipping a Car: What You Need to Know

Importing a car to Canada from Australia isn’t very easy. Canada has strict rules for imported cars and usually doesn’t allow people to bring over their vehicles unless they are made in the US or Mexico. 

However, you may still be able to ship your car if it fits the conditions we outline below.

Regulations and Requirements

If your vehicle meets the special circumstances outlined below, you may ship it to Canada.

• It’s a vehicle (buses are not included) that fits the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

• It’s a bus but it was manufactured before January 1, 1971.

• It’s not a vehicle regulated by the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations.

• It’s purchased new from the manufacturer and fits all Canadian standards. You will need pre-authorization from Transport Canada.

• It was bought in Canada and is now returning to Canada. You have to apply for pre-authorization from Transport Canada.

• It was purchased new (not secondhand) in the U.S. and used there or shipped abroad. You must check with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles to ensure it qualifies for import.

Overall, it’s fair to say that if your car is newer than 15 years old, it must meet Registrar of Imported Vehicles criteria and it may require expensive modification. If it’s older than 15 years, you may be able to import it, but you may have trouble registering it in certain territories due to special requirements.

You can find out more about importing vehicles by checking out Canada Border Service import rules for vehicles.

Please note that you are responsible for ensuring that your vehicle meets all the regulations. You should also contact your insurance provider and local licensing authority to see if there are any additional requirements, as different provinces/territories in Canada may have additional rules for imported cars.

Once you know for certain that your car complies with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, you can fill out a “Vehicle Import” form. Your vehicle will be checked by the customs agents at the border to verify it complies with all the applicable regulations.

Preparation and Necessary Documentation

• Vehicle preparation: Clean your car and remove your personal effects. Ensure that the car is up to date with maintenance.  The fuel level should be ¼ tank or lower before it can be shipped.
  
• Vehicle title: Proof of ownership that shows you are the legal owner.
  
• Bill of sale: The purchase date, the seller, and the amount you paid.
  
• Bill of lading: The shipping contract that shows the vehicle’s age, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN).
  
• Vehicle Import form: The vehicle registration certificate (V5C).

	Shipping to Vancouver	Shipping to Montreal	Shipping to Halifax
Shipping from Sydney	CAD 2,598 AUD 2,897	CAD 4,910 AUD 5,476	CAD 4,747 AUD 5,295
Shipping from Melbourne	CAD 2,736 AUD 3,051	CAD 5,059 AUD 5,642	CAD 4,896 AUD 5,461
Shipping from Brisbane	CAD 1,831 AUD 2,042	CAD 5,505 AUD 6,140	CAD 4,763 AUD 5,312
Shipping from Perth	CAD 6,499 AUD 7,248	CAD 6,499 AUD 7,248	CAD 6,499 AUD 7,248

The prices are average and indicate shipping a 2020 Jeep Renegade from port to port in October 2023.

Shipping Times for Sea Freight to Australia from Canada

	Shipping to Vancouver	Shipping to Montreal	Shipping to Halifax
Shipping from Sydney	21 – 26 days	27 – 32 days	29 – 34 days
Shipping from Melbourne	23 – 28 days	29 – 34 days	30 – 35 days
Shipping from Brisbane	20 – 25 days	26 – 31 days	28 – 33 days
Shipping from Perth	28 – 34 days	28 – 34 days	28 – 34 days

Government Regulations and the Customs Process

Getting the necessary documents ready will save you not only your goods when they arrive at customs but also a lot of headaches.

Necessary Documentation for Shipping

• Bill of lading: The most important document you must have. It’s a contract between you and the shipping company that details your cardo, its destination, and all the relevant details nice people at the customs will ask for.
  
• Packing list: A document that shows the contents of your shipment, its size, quantity, and weight.

If you are exporting commercial goods, you will also need:

• Certificate of origin: A document that shows the production country.

• Commercial invoice: A document that lists the content of your shipment and its value.
  
• Import/export declaration: All the necessary import and export forms.

Canada’s Customs Regulations

Canada Customs regulations are designed with the collaboration of several key departments and institutes in Canada to protect the country’s well-being. Special attention is given to certain items to protect Canada’s ecosystem.

You may need to check with the institutions below to ensure your cargo doesn’t get stuck on the border.

• The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA): The border agency works closely with all the other departments to ensure their import and export regulations are correctly followed.
  
• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA): Regulates the food, plant, and animal products in Canada. CFIA has strict import regulations for these products.

• Environment and Climate Change Canada: ECC Canada works to prevent pollution and imposes regulations to protect the environment.

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO): Managing Canada’s oceans and waters, the department is responsible for protecting aquatic habitats.

• Transport Canada: Transport Canada regulates transport policies across Canada and is responsible for imported vehicle management.

Australia Export Regulations

Australia has some export guidelines, though if you are moving your home, they aren’t your concern. However, if you are considering exporting goods from Australia to Canada, you have to check in with Australian authorities to ensure you aren’t exporting prohibited or restricted goods.

• The Australian Border Force (ABF): Regular checks at borders to ensure safe passage of goods and people.
  
• The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF): Regulates imported and exported goods for the health of the Australian ecosystem.
  
• The Department of Home Affairs: Enforces export-import regulations.

Top Goods and Services Imported by Canada

Canada imports several goods and services to support its economy. The country’s top imports include cars, car parts and accessories, oil (processed and crude), phones, computers, medications, and turbo jets.

Major Goods Imported to Canada from Australia

Australia and Canada have a strong trading relationship. Canada imports several Australian products, including:

• Inorganic chemicals
• Precious metal compounds
• Pearls, precious stones
• Metals, coins
• Pharmaceutical products
• Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers
• Beverages, spirits, vinegar
• Meat, cereals, dairy products
• Eggs, honey, fruits, nuts, melons

Restricted Items for Shipping to Canada

Canada has strict regulations for imported items, banning goods that could threaten Canada’s lively ecosystem, including its forests, oceans, rivers, and soil.

You must always declare all firearms, food, animal, and plant products, including hides, skins, wood furniture and carvings, canned products, firewood, and flowers. You can find a list of commonly brought restricted items on the Canada Customs Agency website.

While you can receive special permission to ship some restricted goods to Canada, there are certain items you can’t ship to Canada at all.

Canada Border authorities regularly update their import and customs rules to guard against invasive species. 

Prohibited Goods 

• Certain foods, plants, and animals may threaten Canada’s ecosystem and health guidelines. Check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) for more information. If you want to import food to Canada, check out this step-by-step guide by CFIA.
• Cannabis
• Endangered species and objects from endangered species 
• Certain firearms and weapons

Restricted Items

You must obtain permits for the following items:

• Antiques and culturally and/or historically significant items
• Prescription drugs
• Fireworks, certain types of ammunition, and explosives

You must also declare all firearms and weapons and check they aren’t prohibited.

Prohibited and Regulated Consumer Items

Prohibited Products

• Baby Walkers
• Yo-Yo Balls with long cords
• Lawn Darts with Elongated Tips
• Jequirity Beans
• Infant Self-Feeding Devices
• Balloon Blowing Kits
• Relight Candles

Regulated Products 

• Strollers
• Hockey Helmets and Face Protectors
• Car Seats
• Playpens
• Lighters
• Baby Gates
• Cribs, Cradles, and Bassinets

Special Considerations

You can’t bring birds or associated products from regions affected by Avian Influenza. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has stopped allowing commercial dogs from countries at risk for dog rabies.

Obtaining a Personalized Quote

The best way to know how much your move is going to cost you is to get a personalized quote. 

Why Get a Personalized Quote?

• Accuracy: You will get a close estimate of your shipment costs without hidden fees. Transport costs vary according to the time of the year and sea freight traffic, so you will get a much more accurate price than generic listed prices.
  
• Efficiency: It only takes a few minutes and a couple of clicks to get a personalized quote.
  
• Clarity: You will see a breakdown of all the costs, helping you understand what exactly you are paying for.

Use our free tool below to get an accurate personalized quote quickly.

How to Use the Tool and What Information is Required

• Step 1: Visit our website and locate the “Free Quote” section.
  
• Step 2: Input details of your shipment – origin, destination, size of the container, type of goods, etc.
  
• Step 3: Provide your personal details such as name, phone number, and email.
  
• Step 4: Submit the form, and you’re done! Your personalized quote will be generated shortly.

Providing precise information is crucial for an accurate quote, preventing potential discrepancies. If you ever have questions, uncertainties, or need assistance, our team of experts is readily available to support and guide you throughout your shipping process.

F.A.Q.

Can I ship my car to Canada?

Canada has strict vehicle regulations and importing cars from foreign countries (except for US and Mexico) can be hard. You can ship your car to Canada if it meets Transport Canada regulations.

Can I ship a baby walker to Canada? 

Baby walkers are banned in Canada due to health and safety regulations. You should not ship a baby walker to Canada.

How long does a typical shipment take from Australia to Canada?

The duration of shipment depends on the ports and the weather conditions. You can expect your shipment to arrive between 30 to 80 days.

Can I track my container in real-time during transit?

Most shipping companies offer real-time tracking, allowing you to check on the location of your cargo.

What is the benefit of hiring professional packers?

Most shipping companies offer professional packing services. Professional packers are experienced in packing for container shipping and avoid mistakes that could lead to physical damage to your goods. They may also help you save on space.

Why would I need a personalized quote when there’s a standard rate list?

Standard rate lists do not take specific circumstances into account. Shipping prices often change due to weather conditions, shipment traffic, and other events that may affect the journey.

Other Useful Guides to Canada

• 2025 Sea Freight Container Shipping Rates To & From Canada
• 10 Best Money Transfer Companies in Canada
• 40 Best International Moving Companies in Canada
• Moving to Canada? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips
• 12 Best Places to Live in Canada
• 21 Secrets About Living In Canada To Know Before Moving
• Moving to Canada From The United States
• Container Shipping to Canada from the United States 2025 Cost
• Moving to Canada From The UK
• Container Shipping to Canada from the UK 2025 Cost
• Moving to Canada from Dubai and The UAE
• Container Shipping to Canada from Dubai 2025 Cost
• Container Shipping to Canada from the UAE 2025 Cost
• Container Shipping to Canada from New Zealand 2025 Cost
• Moving to Canada From Qatar
• Container Shipping to Canada from Qatar 2025 Cost
• Container Shipping to Canada from Singapore 2025 Cost
• Moving to Canada From Kuwait
• Moving to Canada From Bahrain