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Canada
Transport Canada with Seacon Logistics
Seacon Logistics is your logistics service provider and central point of contact for transport to and from Canada. From strategic locations and together with our worldwide network of agents and partners, we quickly, smoothly and cost-effectively take care of your transport. From full loads (FTL), part loads (LTL), pallets, intermodal to special transport.
As the second largest territory in the world, Canada cannot be underestimated due to its geographic importance. Canada's more than thirty million inhabitants generated a gross domestic product (GDP) of almost USD 2 trillion in 2021, making it one of the top 10 economically strongest countries in the world. In addition to the country's many natural resources, it also benefits from its proximity to the United States.
More than half of Canada's imports come from the US, while more than 75% of its products are exported to the neighbouring country. Total foreign trade amounts to about 60%. Important trading partners include the US, China, Mexico and Germany. The largest traded commodities are petroleum, vehicles, raw materials, machinery and chemical products.
About a third of the total population lives in the metropolitan areas of Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and the port city of Halifax. The latter city is very important for logistics, as most industry is located around the city centre.
For transport to and from this interesting transportation country, it is useful for your company to raise your logistics to a higher level together with Seacon as your professional partner. From our European offices, we offer direct, secure, and efficient transport to many destinations in collaboration with our global partners. On this page, you can read more about our transport solutions for Canada.
For Canada transport, it is only logical for you as a company – together with Seacon as your professional partner – to take your logistics to a higher level. On this page, you can read more about our transport solutions for Canada.
Key transport routes Canada and your benefits
The main international logistics hubs are located directly on the east and west coasts of the country. The positive economic development of the country ensures large investments in domestic infrastructure, the benefits of which are felt worldwide.
In Canada, goods are mainly transported by road transport (especially to the central provinces far from the coast) and the mode of transportation dominates domestic trade. The country has more than one million kilometres of public roads, of which 60% are paved and about 450,000 kilometres are unpaved. The provinces of British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec have the most kilometres. All industrial centres are closely connected to the road network and – in combination with other infrastructure – are perfectly equipped for intermodal transport.
In recent years, the share of rail transport has steadily increased, particularly compared to the US. Canada has an extensive rail network that spans more than 40,000 kilometres. The Canadian railway sector is mainly dominated by two lines: Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific (CP). These companies transport containers and bulk goods from the ports into the country and into the US, making intermodal transport possible.
Most of Canada's Pacific trade is handled through the Port of Vancouver, which is considered one of the most important container ports in North America. Montreal, Canada's second-largest container port, serves mainly as a transport hub for European goods transported to Quebec, Ontario, and the Midwest of the US. Sea freight plays an important role in logistics and freight transport for many companies. It offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to other modes of transport and enables companies to get goods to their final destination quickly and efficiently. The ports in Canada have good connections to the railway network and roads, making them suitable for intermodal transport and connecting to other transportation routes.
Furthermore, Canada is directly connected to all logistics centres with an airport. The country has an extensive network of airports, with the largest being Toronto Pearson Airport, Montréal-Trudeau Airport and Vancouver Airport. They serve as hubs for international air cargo traffic and are well-connected to the railway and road networks. In many cases, air freight offers faster transit times than other modalities and is particularly suitable for goods that need to reach their destination quickly, such as urgent shipments or sensitive goods.
Important cities for cargo transportation in Canada
There are a number of Canadian cities that are particularly important for freight transport. Firstly, the Greater Toronto Area. Toronto is Canada's largest city and economic centre. It has a major airport and connections to major rail and highways. The city is close to the US border, which is a great advantage for international trade.
The second major location is the province of British Columbia. The cities of Vancouver and Prince Rupert in particular play an important role in Asian trade and have invested in LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) infrastructure in recent years. The region also has an important port, an international airport and road and rail connections. Here too, proximity to the United States is also an important advantage.
Furthermore, the cities of Montreal (as a metropolis of Quebec) and Calgary are important locations for the oil and gas industry. Both locations have ideal intermodal connections and are suitable for national and international trade.
Transport solutions from Seacon Logistics
We offer different types of transport to and from Canada. Whether it concerns general cargo, less-than-truckload or full-truckload shipping, air freight, sea freight or freight transport – we will ensure that your goods arrive at their destination safely and on time. Below you will find our transport solutions to and from Canada:
- Groupage transport to Canada
- Pallet shipment
- Partial loads (LTL / LCL)
- Full loads (FCL / FTL)
- Rail transport
- Deliveries in the city centre
- Delivery with tailboard
- Express delivery to Canada
Groupage Canada - LCL and LTL
The term LTL (Less Than Truck Load) is used in freight transport to indicate that only part of the available cargo space of the truck is filled. In the logistics industry, it is therefore common to combine several partial loads at one loading point or to add a partial load. In short, groupage or LTL is therefore the merging of several smaller loads into one larger load. This optimises the use of the freight container during road freight.
The abbreviation LCL stands for Less than Container Load and in sea freight refers to shipments that do not fill an entire container and are combined with other general cargo in a consolidated container. LCL transport mainly offers price advantages and some benefits in practical handling and stowage. For general cargo, only proportionate transport costs are incurred for the use of the container volume.
Full loads Canada - FCL or FTL
The abbreviation FCL (Full Container Load) is used in sea freight for full container loads. Unlike LCL: a load that only partially fills a container. With FCL loads, the container is loaded by a shipper and unloaded at the destination by a consignee.
With an FTL delivery (Full Truck Load), the shipment fills the entire available cargo space. The truck transports this shipment to its destination without reloading. This is for one recipient. This completely utilises the truck’s transport capacity.
Fast delivery is the main advantage of FTL. This is because there is no need for transhipment or extra route planning to different recipients. The truck drives directly to one destination. It is the most effective method of transporting goods by road to a final destination.
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Special transport Canada
In our wide range of transport services, we also offer special transport to and from Canada. This is the worldwide transport of long, high and heavy goods that do not fit in a container or truck. We believe it is important to comply with all international regulations and guidelines in this type of transport. Especially when transporting dangerous goods, regardless of whether they are transported to or from Canada to abroad. Below you will find an overview of all goods that Seacon Logistics transports:
- Long goods
- Dangerous goods (ADR)
- Boxes (KTN)
- Boxes (BOX)
- Bundles
- Heavy load
- Pallets (PLT)
- Gitter boxes (GIBO)
- Barrels (FSS)
- Other loose goods
Transport options Canada: to and from Asia, America, Europe and Africa
At Seacon Logistics we understand that, in addition to the quality of your products, fast shipping and associated satisfied customers are of great importance. That is why we facilitate the worldwide transport of your goods in all aspects. Goods transport within Europe is usually handled via road freight, but for shipments to and from Asia, America and Africa, we of course also have sea freight and air freight at your disposal.
From our locations at strategically located terminals, we supply all major consumer markets. By outsourcing your transport to and from Canada to Seacon Logistics, you benefit from the advantage that you do not have to worry about complicated coordination across different continents and time zones. With us, you are guaranteed – partly thanks to the excellent cooperation with our partner network – a fast, efficient and well-organised shipment.
Transit and delivery times for transport to Canada
To satisfy you and meet all your requirements, reliability and speed are paramount at Seacon Logistics. That is why we work closely with a worldwide partner network and can plan, execute and organise your transport efficiently.
It is also possible to send express shipments, we arrange this in collaboration with our network. Fast transport services and our in-house customs clearance ensure that your transport from Canada arrives at your customer faster than usual.
For daily updated information and reliable transport planning, please contact us directly. Our specialists are always ready to help you.
Customs: the correct import and export documents
Our focus is always on the entire logistics chain. To serve you even better, our in-house customs department takes care of the necessary import and export documents and transport certificates. Our Compliance Desk checks whether your goods comply with all guidelines and sanction regulations at the place of destination. This way you will not be faced with unpleasant surprises and you can concentrate on your core business. Thanks to our status as Authorised Economic Operator (previously AEO-certified) and 'preferred supplier', we can minimise delays. An important advantage for you as a customer.
Want to know more about how we unburden you in terms of customs and customs declarations?
Incoterms®: Protect your international trade with Canada
As a global logistics chain director, Seacon Logistics deals a lot with Incoterms®. Although we are not involved in the commercial agreements between buyer and seller, we are often consulted about the dangers and consequences of the various Incoterms® before a transaction is concluded. In practice, many companies still underestimate the risks.
To ensure that contractual formulas in the trade of goods are interpreted equally by buyer and seller, we have created a white paper and an infographic.
Important additional information: Public holidays, driving bans and local details
As the second-largest country in the world in terms of area, it is not surprising that the provinces of Canada have relatively broad discretion in terms of legal regulations. There are also many cultural and logistical specifics that you should take into account. We have summarised the main regulations for you below:
- Public holidays: In Canada, each province and territory has its own regional holidays. In addition, there are national holidays such as Victoria Day, Canada Day and Labour Day, where work regulations also apply to the logistics industry.
- Driving bans: There are no national driving bans in Canada. However, some counties and municipalities have driving restrictions during certain times to improve air quality or reduce traffic. For example, cities such as Montreal and Toronto have driving bans for certain types of vehicles during the morning rush hour.
- Customs: Canada has strict customs regulations that apply to the import of goods into the country. These include rules for food, plants, animals and pesticides. To avoid problems, it is important to be familiar with the applicable regulations. We are happy to help you with this.
- Transportation costs: Transportation costs in Canada are generally higher than in other countries due to the long distances and rugged terrain. This can affect the logistics costs and transport planning.
If you have more detailed questions about the specifics or rules in Canada, please feel free to contact our team. In a joint logistic analysis, we examine which aspects are relevant for your goods transport.
The strength of Seacon: logistics at its heart since 1985
Since the establishment of Seacon Logistics, we have been building our organisation as a leading logistics chain director. Today, Seacon Logistics has over 700 employees at various strategic locations throughout Europe. Yet the origins of the family business can still be felt in our organisation. And that is precisely where our strength lies. Logistic services from the heart, that's what we are all about!
With a strong we-feeling, we take on logistical challenges and work together to serve you as our customer in the best possible way. With innovative and efficient solutions, we take your logistics to a new level. Transparent communication, personal approach and entrepreneurship are the basis of our customers' trust.
Are you interested in a transport solution to a country other than Canada? Then take a look at one of our many other partner countries:
Would you like to receive a quote or do you have other questions?
Then please do not hesitate to contact us. We know the logistical challenges of our customers and have been optimising their logistics chains for decades. No distance is too far or challenge too great. Are you ready to take your logistics chain to the next level? Then be sure to get in touch with us.