Are you a shipping company? Get leads Contact us: info@movers-world.com
MOVERSWORLD
Looking for a shipping company? Get 5 Free Quotes

Shipping to Canada from the USA

Moving to Canada from the USA is usually done by road: a moving truck or freight trailer crosses the border and delivers to your door. Compare up to 5 free quotes for household moves, car shipping and freight to Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary and across Canada.

Region
North America & Caribbean
Main sea ports
Vancouver, Montreal, Halifax (and by road across the border)
Main airports
Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary
Sea transit
Typically about 1 to 3 weeks port to port
Shipments
Household goods, cars, boxes and barrels, commercial freight

Compare quotes for Canada

Container shipping to Canada

Most household moves to Canada go by sea container. You can book a container just for your goods (FCL) or share one with other customers (LCL).

OptionSpace (approx.)Usually fits
Shared container (LCL)Pay per cubic metre or footA few rooms, up to about 15 m³ (530 ft³)
20ft container (FCL)About 33 m³ (1,170 ft³)1 to 2 bedroom home
40ft container (FCL)About 67 m³ (2,390 ft³)3 to 4 bedroom home, or household goods plus a car

Not sure how much you have? Use our moving size calculator.

Air cargo to Canada

Air cargo (air freight) is the fastest way to ship to Canada. It is ideal for clothes, documents, electronics and things you need as soon as you arrive. Prices are based on the "chargeable weight": the actual weight or the volume weight, whichever is higher, so air cargo is best for smaller, lighter shipments.

Air shipments to Canada usually arrive at Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary.

Car shipping to Canada

Many U.S. cars can be imported to Canada, but they must be admissible under the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program and may need modifications and an inspection. Export the car through U.S. Customs first, which needs advance notice.

  • RoRo: the car is driven onto the ship. Often the cheapest option, but you can't pack belongings in the car.
  • Container: more protection, and you can combine the car with household goods.
  • To export a car from the USA you need the original title, and the documents must be given to U.S. Customs before the car is loaded.

Get car shipping quotes to Canada ›

Shipping boxes and barrels to Canada

Only sending a few things? Shipping boxes, barrels or excess baggage to Canada is much cheaper than a full move. Many companies collect from your home and deliver door to door.

Get quotes for boxes and barrels ›

Commercial freight to Canada

Shipping goods for your business? Compare quotes for FCL and LCL freight, pallets and air freight to Canada, including customs clearance.

Get commercial freight quotes ›

How much does shipping to Canada cost?

Every shipment is different, so prices vary a lot between companies. Your price depends on:

  • The volume or weight of your goods
  • Shared container, full container or air cargo
  • Your pickup location in the USA and the destination city in Canada
  • Packing, insurance, storage and door delivery
  • Destination charges such as port fees and customs clearance
  • Season and current freight rates

Ask each company what is included, especially destination charges. Compare up to 5 free quotes to find the best price.

How long does shipping to Canada take?

Sea freight from the USA to Canada typically takes about 1 to 3 weeks port to port. Door-to-door delivery takes longer because of collection, customs clearance and final delivery. Air cargo usually arrives within a few days to two weeks.

Customs and documents for Canada

  • When you settle in Canada you can usually import your used personal and household goods duty-free.
  • Prepare a detailed list of everything, including goods that will arrive later ("goods to follow"), and present it to the Canada Border Services Agency when you first arrive. Items not on the list at that time may not qualify.
  • Firearms, plants, food and some other items have special rules.

Rules change, so always confirm with your shipping company. See also our guide to prohibited items and how to pack.

Shipping companies to Canada

We are adding verified shipping companies for Canada. Send one request and up to 5 companies that serve your route will contact you with quotes.

Browse all shipping companies · Read customer reviews

Frequently asked questions about shipping to Canada

How much does it cost to ship to Canada from the USA?

The cost depends on how much you ship (volume or weight), the method (shared container, full container or air cargo), your pickup location in the USA, the destination city in Canada, and extra services like packing, insurance and door delivery. Compare written quotes to know your real price: Movers World gets you up to 5 free quotes with one request.

How long does shipping to Canada take?

Sea freight from the USA to Canada typically takes about 1 to 3 weeks port to port. Door-to-door delivery takes longer because of collection, customs clearance and final delivery. Air cargo usually arrives within a few days to two weeks.

Can I ship a car to Canada?

Many U.S. cars can be imported to Canada, but they must be admissible under the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program and may need modifications and an inspection. Export the car through U.S. Customs first, which needs advance notice.

What documents do I need to ship to Canada?

Usually your passport, a detailed packing list and proof of your move such as a visa or residence permit. For a car you also need the title and bill of sale. Your shipping company will confirm the exact list for Canada.

Is air cargo or sea freight better for shipping to Canada?

Sea freight is much cheaper for furniture and large shipments, but slower. Air cargo is faster and best for small, urgent or valuable items. Many people combine both: a small air shipment for essentials and the rest by sea.

Shipping to other countries in North America & Caribbean