Main Entry Doors to Canada

Given the large size of Canada, it is common practice for exporters to consolidate shipments to the country’s three primary consumer markets. For most new exporters, the main entry doors to Canada are Ontario and Quebec, while exporters from Asia may wish to target Vancouver in British Columbia due to its geographic proximity (although increasingly Asian goods are shipped to an eastern Atlantic port). Major distribution hubs for intra-Canadian trade are Toronto (covering Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada), Montréal (covering Quebec, Atlantic Canada and Ontario) and Vancouver (covering British Colombia, Alberta, the Prairies and the Territories).

Modes of Transportation

Exporters can transport their goods to Canada via air, ocean, highway or rail depending on geography and cost effectiveness.

Transportation Intermediaries

Freight Forwarders 

Freight forwarders arrange for the transportation and delivery of commercial cargo (goods or commodities). Services include: selecting shipping routes, quoting and negotiating carrier rates, preparing, translating, certifying and presenting shipping and customs documents, booking transportations space, obtaining and claiming insurance, handling payments, securing charters and arranging inland transportation (air forwarders). Contacts can be found through the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association.

Customs Brokers

Customs Brokers help companies with customs classification and valuation, payment of all import duties. Lists of Customs Brokers can be found through the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers and CBSA: List of Licensed Customs Brokers.