Several things shape how long an ocean shipment takes to reach you:
Full or shared container. Larger orders usually ship in a full container load (FCL), which is booked for your goods alone. Smaller orders often ship as less than container load (LCL), sharing space with other cargo. LCL can be more cost-effective, but it adds time for consolidation at origin and unpacking and sorting at the destination port.
Your destination. Ocean freight arrives at a port in your destination country. In Canada, this may be Vancouver, Montreal, or Halifax. If your warehouse is inland, for example in Ontario, the container continues by rail or truck, which adds transit time.
Customs clearance. Documentation, inspections and duty processing at the border can add a few days.
Seasonal and port conditions. Peak shipping seasons, holidays such as Lunar New Year, weather and port congestion can affect schedules.
Have a deadline? Tell us the date, and we'll plan backward from it. Air freight is available for urgent orders.