A comprehensive guide to shipping Costs to Canada from the UK. This article explains all you need to know to get a good quote if you’re moving to Canada.

 Moving to Canada? Do you need to know how much it costs to ship to Canada or want to know how to get the cheapest shipping to Canada? Then read on!

Canada remains one of the most popular countries to move to and no wonder it ranks number one in the world for quality of life. But after making the easy decision to move to Canada you next want to organise your shipping and get an idea of shipping costs to Canada.

This guide will give you an estimate on the price of shipping to Canada – everything from parcels and small packages, large boxes, personal effects, furniture and household goods, shipping containers and even vehicles. We will also detail the other costs involved such as customs fees and duties that may not be part of your main quote.

Recently shipping costs have been impacted by several factors including the coronavirus pandemic and the global shipping shortage, but if you speak to one of our advisers they will be able to find the cheapest method to ship your belongings.

Jump To Canada Shipping Costs 2023 Table

Free Shipping Cost Calculator
The costs listed below are just guideline estimates. To get an accurate and up to date cost for shipping to Cyprus, we recommend you use are free online shipping cost calculator.

FREE Online Shipping Cost Calculator for Canada

 

As Canada is such a big country costs can vary considerably so call our team to get a more reliable quote or estimate for your circumstances.  For shipping boxes and luggage it may be actually cheaper by air freight rather than by sea.

The additional charges and exclusions outlined below are industry standard and typical to whichever shipping company you use, not just PSS International Removals. It is important that you discuss these with your Account Manager so you have a clear idea of which applies to your shipment. For answers to most of your questions, you can also read our comprehensive Guide to Shipping to Canada from the UK.

International Removal Costs and Prices to Canada for 2024

Removals Quote   Quote For Shipping Boxes / Luggage

International Shipping Costs & Removal Prices to Canada for 2023

Household Container Shipping Rates to Canada From the UK

The prices listed here are based on the contents of an average UK property and include delivery to the specified city or location. The cost of shipping to the west coast and central locations can differ significantly from the east coast due to the extra distances involved.

Move Size
(Shipment Volume)
UK to Canada
(Average Cost 2024)
1 Small Parcel (2kg)** £25.55
5 Large Boxes* £399-£812
10 Large Boxes* £573-£1,117
Student Move £1,227-£1,311
Studio Flat £1,543-£2,996
1 Bed Flat £1,595-£3,483
2 Bed Flat £3132-£4,837
3 Bed House
£4,797-£4,958
4+ Bed House
£6,291-£6,998

*Box shipping prices are for self-pack, **Royal Mail parcel service

FREE Online Shipping Cost Calculator for Canada

Any rates above 700 cubic feet are best being sent in a sole use container as this is more cost effective than groupage. All our groupage shipments for Canada will go through Toronto, Ontario where they will then be cleared and onward delivery will take place from there.

Removals Quote   Quote For Shipping Boxes / Luggage

NB: The shipping prices and rates listed above are approximate shipping costs to Canada for 2024. For more accurate prices, please contact PSS for a quote (see removals to Canada).

Many websites list port-to-port costs for shipping containers to Canada. These can significantly underestimate the actual costs for non-commercial users. The prices listed here are for a full door-to-door removals service aimed at people shipping their personal effects.

These prices differ depending on which region of Canada you are shipping to. It’s naturally cheaper to ship to the main ports than to outlying areas. See below for example rates for shipping to Toronto, Vancouver and Halifax.

Free Cost Calculator For Shipping Boxes

Get the latest rates for 2024 – this cost calculator can give you an immediate personal estimate for your shipment of packages, boxes, and other items:

 How long does shipping take from UK to Canada?

Average Sea Freight Shipping Times From UK to Canada

Destination
Full Container
Shared Container
Toronto, Ontario 2-5 weeks 5-9 weeks
Halifax, Nova Scotia 2-6 weeks 5-9 weeks
Vancouver, British Columbia 3-6 weeks   5-9 weeks

Please note recently there have been more delays to shipping times and in customs so please take this into account.

Sea Freight Costs to East Coast and West Coast Cities

Sea Freight Shipping & Removals Costs From UK to Toronto, Ontario 2024

Move Size
(Shipment Volume)
UK to Toronto, Ontario
(
Average Cost 2024)
5 Large Boxes* £397
10 Large Boxes* £572
Student Move £1,032
Studio Flat £1,546
1 Bed Flat £2,219
2 Bed Flat £3,003
3 Bed House
£4,923
4+ Bed House
£6,993

*Box shipping prices are for self-pack
**For volumes over 700 cubic feet it is usually more cost effective to have a sole use container

Sea Freight Shipping & Removals Costs From UK to Vancouver, British Columbia 2024

Move Size
(Shipment Volume)
UK to Vancouver, BC
(Average Cost 2024)
5 Large Boxes* £583
10 Large Boxes* £872
Student Move £1,229
Studio Flat £2,279
1 Bed Flat
(500 cubic feet)
£3,472
2 Bed Flat £4,075
3 Bed House
£4,794
4+ Bed House
£6,297

*Box shipping prices are for self-pack
**For volumes over 700 cubic feet it is usually more cost effective to have a sole use container

Sea Freight Shipping & Removals Costs From UK to Halifax, Nova Scotia (Atlantic Provinces) 2024

Move Size
(Shipment Volume)
UK to Halifax, Nova Scotia
(Average Cost 2024)
5 Large Boxes* £807
10 Large Boxes* £1,113
Student Move £966
Studio Flat £1,575
1 Bed Flat
(500 cubic feet)
£2,993
2 Bed Flat £4,820
3 Bed House
£4,794
4+ Bed House
£6,297

*Box shipping prices are for self-pack
**For volumes over 700 cubic feet it is usually more cost effective to have a sole use container

Removals Quote   Quote For Shipping Boxes / Luggage

Guide to Canada Shipping Costs

Cost of Sending Boxes / Excess Baggage to Canada From the UK

Tea Carton box shipping

Excess Baggage and box shipping services are ideal for shipping smaller quantities of items/luggage. Large items, such as furniture, will require a removal service.

The prices listed include self-packing, although professional packing services are available. Costs per box decline as the quantity or volume shipped increases. You can find out more about the cost of shipping luggage using our calculator. It’s much cheaper than using airline excess baggage services.

Boxes are based on standard shipping tea cartons, measuring 46 x 46 x 51 cm (3.4 cubic feet), and weighing no more than 30 kg each.

Cost of Air Freight to Canada

Because of the unique nature of shipping to some destinations in Canada, it can often be actually more cost effective to ship smaller quantities by air to the nearest city (the cost of railroad or trucking fees from the seaport to your final destination may outweigh any savings from sea freight).

Our advisers will be able to give you the best quote based on your circumstances. Even if air freight is not cheaper, the cost difference compared to how much time you save may make it worthwhile.

Cost of Sending Parcels to Canada

Shipping small parcels to Canada can be done quite cheaply via Royal Mail. For example, a small 2 kg parcel can be posted for around £23 by airmail. But 2 kg is the maximum size – for larger parcels, they recommend Parcel Force and the costs very quickly become too expensive. Therefore if you are moving to Canada or plan to stay for a longer period, specialist box shipping services to Canada as offered by PSS International are a very attractive option.

Canada Major Container Terminals and Ports

The following are some of the main container shipping ports in Canada. The delivery cost may increase if your final destination is more than 30 miles from the port/container terminal. Costs can vary between ports. In Canada, goods can be shipped to inland container terminals rather than a coastal seaport.

Groupage Shipments (shared container loads) from Toronto are railed or trucked over to their final destination for delivery to your residence by local teams.

FCL Shipments (Full Container Loads) will arrive at the nearest port of entry either on a direct call or via another port of entry, such as Montreal. Most inland ports will travel via Montreal (Edmonton, Saskatoon, Calgary & Toronto) and are then railed from the terminal to our agent’s bonded warehouses.

Some of the main Canadian Seaports and Container terminals include:

Toronto (CA TOR) – Ontario

Halifax (CA HAL) – Nova Scotia

Montreal (CA MTR) – Quebec

Saskatoon (CA SAK) – Saskatchewan

Edmonton (CA EDM) – Alberta

Calgary (CA CAL) – Alberta

Vancouver (CA VAN) – British Columbia

The Port of Prince Rupert (CA PRR) – British Columbia

Shipments and containers to the west of Canada may be shipped through the Panama Canal to Vancouver or The Port of Prince Rupert. However, sometimes, it is cheaper to ship them to the East Coast and then railroad them across the country.

Your Account Manager will advise on the cheapest and most cost-effective route for your shipping to Canada.

Getting an Accurate Shipping Quote or Estimate

Your shipping costs will be based on the volume (cubic feet) you ship. It is essential, therefore to get an accurate quote based on what you want to send.

The best way to do this is through an estimator visiting your house, although now some shipping companies like PSS offer video surveys via a mobile app or online calculators where you list what you wish to send.

Check everything you need to ship. Don’t forget hidden cupboards, attics, sheds, garages, and anything stored at another site – it all adds up

Additional Volume:

If you need to take extra items not included in your original quotation, it will likely increase the amount you need to pay. However, if you reduce your volume, your shipping estimate may decrease.

Costs for Shipping Personal Effects and Household Goods

This article assumes you are moving to Canada and shipping household or personal effects. You will, therefore, be less liable to pay taxes and other charges. Household goods and personal effects include everything from furniture and clothes to bicycles, golf clubs, and other used personal items.

Other conditions, duties, and costs may apply for new items and commercial goods.

What’s Included in the Price for International Removals?

The price estimates quoted here are based on a full international removal service to various locations in Canada. This service is designed for people moving overseas or shipping personal effects and is much more comprehensive than using a freight forwarder or shipping port to port.

  • Door-to-door service (including pick up and delivery)
  • Professional export standard packing materials and cartons.
  • Packing, export wrapping and shipping of furniture.
  • Use of reliable, regulated shipping lines such as Ocean Network Express (ONE), Maersk, Hapag Lloyd and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
  • Advice & assistance with completing forms, & other paperwork.
  • Customs inventory – numbering and listing of all packages.
  • UK & destination Port/Terminal handling charges.
  • Ocean freight to arrival vessel destination port.
  • Customs Clearance, haulage of the container, and unloading.
  • Some Storage may be included in UK or Canada.
  • Delivery of household effects to the residence, unwrapping, and removal of packing materials (assumes good access and not above the first floor).

Cost of Car and Vehicle Shipping to Canada

There are two main methods for shipping cars to Canada – in a shipping container or using a RORO (Roll-On-Roll-Off) service. If you are shipping other household goods it’s worth seeing if you can save money by shipping them in the same container.

Cars, bikes, motorhomes, caravans, motorbikes, and boats can all be shipped to Canada. Some vehicles, especially motor homes, and caravans may be too wide or tall to fit in a shipping container and will need to be shipped RORO.

There are restrictions on what cars and other vehicles can be shipped to Canada from the UK. You will need to check that your vehicle meets these criteria.

For a quote and full details of the costs of shipping and importing vehicles to Canada, please click here to visit our car shipping page or call our advisers on 020 8686 7733.

Get A Quote For Car & Vehicle Shipping To Canada

Cheapest Shipping to Canada – Warning

We have noticed that some shipping companies give misleading quotes for cheap shipping to Canada. If you receive an estimate that seems very cheap compared to other shipping company quotes, please check carefully what is included.

We have frequently come across people who have been given a port-to-port price rather than a door-to-door price – which is not particularly helpful considering the large inland distances in Canada!

“Why is it so expensive to ship to Canada?”

Canada is very large (in fact, the second-largest country in the world after Russia). This means shipping costs can increase as goods are transferred from ship to road/rail freight.

Most reputable shipping and international removal companies will have fairly similar costs and estimates. Cheap shipping quotes may look attractive on the surface but often have hidden costs or shortcuts which could put your belongings at risk.

Main Reasons For Cheap Shipping Quotes For Canada Can Include:
  • Port-to-port rather than door-to-door delivery. A price for shipping to Toronto is not helpful if you’re final destination is Winnipeg!
  • Your quote is not for a full removals service, including packing, customs clearance, delivery, etc.
  • Price only includes container shipping to Canada
  • The shipping company is using low cost shipping lines, which may be cheaper but your belongings are at greater risk of delays, damages, or even loss.
  • Unacceptable lower grade packing materials or not professionally packed.
  • Some charges & fees are added on as extra so the headline quote looks cheap.
  • The removal/shipping company is not BAR or FIDI regulated.
  • The quote is cheaper as it does not include customs clearance and handling.
  • Unregulated or unreliable agents are used at the destination.

Why do Canada Shipping Estimates Vary?

Your shipping quotation is an estimate, and your final invoice may differ for several reasons.

This is the case with all shipping companies; much can change between receiving your quote and your actual moving or shipping day.

Final shipping costs can change due to:

  • Exchange rate fluctuations.
  • Additional items were added that were not included in the original quotation.
  • Port/shipping fees and other charges increase between receiving your estimate and your actual departure.
  • Varying costs and charges for different ports and shipping lines.
  • Seasonal variations (time of year).

Getting a Discount On Your Shipping to Canada.

Being flexible or planning your move date can help you get a lower price on your shipping/move costs. During peak season, costs are likely to be higher, and in quieter periods, shipping companies may offer discounts and promotions to help fill containers.

Quantity discounts are also available, so it could be cheaper for you to ship more of your belongings rather than buy everything new in Canada, where they may be expensive to replace.

What’s Not Included In Your Quote – Additional Charges and Fees

There are some additional charges and fees that are the responsibility of you as the owner rather than the removals/shipping company, which are not included in standard quotes. Some fees and charges will need to be paid separately at your destination.

  • Customs fees, duties, and other charges payable to Government bodies (see below).
  • Wooden crates and antique wrapping for delicate items if required.
  • Additional charges for difficult access, e.g. above the first floor or if a shuttle service is needed to transport belongings from your house to the container.
  • Additional storage time in the UK or at the destination before delivery.
  • Shipment protection cover/insurance.
  • Parking permits, charges, or associated fees for suspension /dispensation to facilitate removal in the UK or delivery at destination.

Customs Duties, Taxes and Other Fees

Canadian customs duties and import taxes are the responsibility of the person shipping and will need to be paid separately to Canadian Customs. However, the local shipping agent at your destination port may handle these for you.

Fortunately, many people including immigrants, returning Canadians, students, and even people on work and visitor visas, can ship household goods and personal effects to Canada duty-free. However, some restrictions apply and customs regulations are subject to change, so we suggest you ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

A FIDI Guide to Canadian Customs is available here.
If you don’t meet the criteria for household effects or your goods are deemed commercial imports, customs duties and tax may apply. The Canadian Government website provides more details here.

Marine Container Examination Process Costs and Fees

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) selects a small number of containers for inspection and in the unlikely event of yours being chosen, you may be required to pay any costs incurred. More details can be found here.

Shipment Protection and Maritime Insurance

How Much Does Shipment Protection or Insurance Cost to Canada?

Shipping companies, like PSS, who are members of BAR, are covered by the Advance Payment Guarantee scheme. Although this guarantees the payment and cost of removal in the rare event that your removal company cannot complete your move, you should also consider protection for your belongings.

Shipment protection and insurance costs vary between companies and depending on whether it is self-packed or packed by the shipping/removals company.

Self-packed tends to be higher as it is not packed by professional packers.

Expect to pay anything from 3% to 7% of the total value of your goods.

(Some removal companies will allow you to select which particular items you wish to cover so this can save you significantly on your insurance costs).

Shipping Costs to Other Countries

You may wish to check out our shipping cost guides to other countries such as Australia, Cyprus, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, UAE/Dubai, and USA.

Get a Quote For Shipping To Canada From the UK

PSS International Removals will be happy to help if you are moving to Canada. Over the last 39 years, we have helped thousands of people and families to move or ship belongings to Canada. Whether you are a first-time migrant or a Canadian returning home, PSS can offer you the best prices on shipping for household removals, boxes of personal effects, and cars.

Canada is one of our top shipping destinations. Due to our years of experience and the high volumes we ship, we can offer our customers the best service at the lowest prices.

To get an estimate or quote, call the PSS team on 020 8686 7733.

For more information or to get an online quote:

Get A House Removals Quote For Canada Get A Quote For Shipping Boxes / Excess Baggage To Canada Get A Quote For Car & Vehicle Shipping To Canada
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Port of Halifax, Nova Scotia – Shipping Containers