Sea Freight Import and Export Services Between the UK and Canada
Importing and exporting from Canada presents tremendous opportunities for UK businesses.
- Full-Service B2B Shipping
- LCL and FCL options for shipping to and from Canada
- Economical Options for Non-Urgent Cargo
- Customs clearance paperwork fully handled
- Excellent Customer Feedback
GET SHIPPING COST TO Canada QUOTE
International Sea Freight to Canada
At Barrington Freight, the freight forwarders who work in our operations team have a vast amount of knowledge to share when it comes to sea freight to Canada, specifically for commercial goods from the UK. We deal with numerous classes of goods and are specifically aimed at helping British businesses to improve their export services overseas. With frequent departures between the UK and major Canadian ports, straightforward pricing, and a dedicated freight manager assigned to each job, we make sure you’re always informed and in control.
Please bear in mind that we operate all over the mainland UK. From our base in Essex, we can collect sea freight consignments for export to Canada or handle import shipments arriving from Canada anywhere from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Thanks to our nationwide driver network, we can reach you quickly wherever you are located. We’ll send a large van for shipments of a couple of pallets or a few cartons. However, if you have a full container load (or FCL) shipment of something like loose machinery, for instance, then we will dispatch an HGV driver to you.
For exports, once your Canada-bound goods have been collected, we will organise loading onto a suitable vessel to cross the North Atlantic. For imports, we’ll ensure your Canadian shipment is collected from the UK port of arrival and transported directly to your address. Shipment times vary depending on whether you’ve asked for a less than container (or LCL) consignment or not. Regardless, we’ll keep you updated on progress so you can inform your Canadian customer of when they can expect their order to arrive. Please note that we offer ocean freight to Canada at all the major container ports in the country, including Montreal, Halifax and Saint John. Goods bound for British Columbia will typically make landfall at Vancouver.
For more information, call us on 01268 525 444 or request an online shipping quote.
How long does sea freight take to Canada?
When planning international logistics, realistic timeframes are essential for maintaining your supply chain. Sea freight to Canada typically takes around 15 to 18 days, whether you’re booking a part load (LCL) or a full container load (FCL). This estimate covers port-to-port transit and may vary slightly depending on vessel schedules, port handling times, and weather conditions.
While air freight may offer quicker delivery, it often comes at a significantly higher price. Sea freight is typically the most cost-effective for shipments over 500 kg, making it the preferred option for goods that aren’t urgently needed but still require reliable, large-scale transport. By selecting the right container option and route, businesses can ensure their cargo reaches Canadian ports securely and on time.
We provide clear sailing schedules and full support from our freight managers to help you plan your shipments efficiently. Contact us for more information.
Port Options: Shipping Routes Between Canada and the UK
Canada is a vital logistics partner for UK businesses, offering a stable infrastructure and efficient transport networks across both coasts. Canadian ports handle extensive volumes of international cargo, positioning Canada as a key player in global trade. Its access to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans makes it a strategic gateway for sea freight to and from the UK and across North America.
We offer secure, efficient ocean freight to Canada via major UK and Canadian seaports to reduce transit times and simplify logistics planning:
- London to Vancouver
- Southampton to Montreal
- Bristol to Halifax
Main Seaports in Canada
- Port of Vancouver: As Canada’s largest and busiest port, Vancouver handles most sea freight to Canada from Asia, Europe, and the UK. With multiple container terminals, deep-sea berths and a gateway to Pacific trade routes, this port is ideal for both FCL and LCL shipments.
- Port of Montreal: Located on the St. Lawrence River, this eastern hub is a leading choice for sea cargo to Canada arriving from the UK and Europe. It supports year-round operations and offers efficient inland rail connections.
- Port of Halifax: This Atlantic seaport is one of North America’s deepest harbours, offering fast ocean freight to Canada’s eastern provinces. Halifax is a popular route for transatlantic cargo and supports both general and containerised shipments.
With frequent sailings from UK ports such as London, Bristol, and Southampton, we ensure your sea freight to Canada is routed through the most suitable Canadian terminals, ensuring faster handling and reliable delivery. Whether it’s FCL or LCL, our team manages the entire process for a seamless shipping experience.
Where is Canada Located?
Canada is one of the most northern countries within the continent of North America, with the North Atlantic Ocean to the east and the North Pacific Ocean to the west.
“We can assist with the customs clearance process. When entering Canada, your goods must be declared to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and you’ll need to provide commercial invoices, packing lists, and possibly certificates of origin.”
Common Goods Shipped from Canada to the UK via Sea Freight
Products sent from Canada to the UK using sea freight are generally large-volume, durable, and non-perishable items, making them well suited for container shipping. Sea freight Canada services provide a cost-effective solution for moving goods in bulk where speed is not the top priority, suiting UK importers and wholesalers managing steady inventory requirements.
Common categories of cargo include:
- Industrial machinery and equipment – This includes everything from heavy-duty agricultural machinery to equipment used in manufacturing.
- Electrical products and components – Consumer electronics, telecom systems, and various electrical parts are frequently shipped to support the technology and retail sectors in the UK.
- Forest products, pulp, and paper – Large quantities of wood, newsprint, and paper are exported using ocean freight from Canada thanks to the nation’s substantial forestry industry.
- Clothing and textiles – Both raw textile materials and ready-to-wear garments are commonly shipped in bulk, supporting the fashion and garment industry in the UK.
- Home goods and appliances – Furniture, major appliances, and other bulky household items are moved via sea cargo to Canada routes, meeting the needs of UK furniture retailers and distributors.
- General merchandise – Plastic goods, cleaning products, personal care items, and a mix of everyday goods are regularly grouped in consolidated sea shipments for cost efficiency.
Sea freight is often chosen for these items thanks to its scalability and lower per-unit costs compared to other transport modes. It is the preferred option for companies that plan shipments around anticipated sales and are looking for long-term, budget-friendly logistics solutions.
Why Choose Barrington Freight for Sea Freight to Canada
At Barrington Freight, we provide a full-service sea freight solution for UK companies trading with Canada. Whether you’re exporting British-made goods to Canadian buyers or importing items from Canada into the UK, our expert team is here to support you at every stage of the process.
We don’t just move cargo, we simplify international logistics. Our services include:
- Customs clearance: Fast, accurate documentation and compliance handling at both UK and Canadian ports
- Marine insurance: End-to-end coverage to safeguard your goods throughout the journey
- Export packing: Secure, regulation-compliant packing to protect your freight in transit
- 3PL warehousing: Storage, distribution, and handling from our UK-based facilities
- Competitive pricing: Got a quote already? Share it with us, we’ll aim to beat it
We know that cost-efficiency, reliability, and adaptability are crucial for global shipping. As an independent freight forwarder, we’re free to compare routes, carriers, and schedules across the market, meaning we tailor every shipment to suit your budget and deadlines.
Find Out More About Exporting to Canada by Sea
Thanks to many years of arranging sea freight to Canada from the UK, Barrington Freight has built up a great reputation for professionalism in this field of international shipping. Ask us about how we could manage your logistics when you next have an order from a Canadian company. Alternatively, request a no-obligation quotation from us and find out just how competitive our sea cargo to Canada services are.
