Shipping Containers: Everything You Need to Know

If you are a small business owner in Canada and you need to ship your goods and products, you might be wondering about cargo shipping and shipping containers in Canada. There are several factors to consider, especially when it comes to the cost of shipping containers in Canada. You will want to make sure you are getting what you need for the price you pay. 

Cargo shipping overseas with large cargo containers has been going on for many decades. Originally introduced in 1956, the shipping container was standardized in 1961 by the International Organization for Standardization. When this happened, cargo shipping became much more popular, because it was now a lot easier. Today, it’s impossible to ship overseas without using a cargo container. 

When you are shipping, you are likely to deal with cargo containers at some point. Most international shipping involves cargo shipping in containers, which means you’ll be dealing with shipping container sizes. 

What are the sizes of shipping containers?

There are 3 common shipping container sizes: 20 feet, 40 feet, and 45 feet. These 3 sizes are commonly used on ocean freight. There are also a few less common shipping container sizes, which are mostly used on truck and rail shipping, including: 48 feet, 53 feet, and 60 feet. 

How much do shipping containers in Canada cost?

There are several factors that go into determining shipping cost, but the most relevant is probably whether or not you are using a full shipping container. You’ll have to consider whether you are shipping Less than Container Load (LCL) or Full Container Load (FCL). 

Which container you choose isn’t only determined by how big your shipment is. Although it is usually less expensive, LCL shipping is often more work for you, because it involves coordinating with other companies who will use other parts of the same container. Although it is cheaper than FCL shipping, it requires coordination and can take a lot of time. If cost is more important to you than time, and you can afford to wait for your goods, LCL shipping might be the way to go.

On the other hand, FCL shipping means that shipments are more expensive. You’re paying for the entire shipping container, even if you don’t fill it. However, the shipment will be prioritized and will likely come much faster than LCL shipping. If you are willing to spend the extra cost to save yourself the time and effort of coordinating with other companies, the FCL shipping container could be the best option. 

What is a CBSA Exam?

One more thing you will want to consider when determining how to ship your goods is Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) Exams. CBSA stops some shipping containers for examination. Although CBSA doesn’t charge you for this time, the shipping company might charge you for the extra time it takes to hold your products for inspection. This can also cause a delay in your delivery time, so it is important to account for this possibility. 

There are many factors to consider when determining the right shipping method and shipping container for your goods and products, from considering the size to the cost of shipping containers in Canada. It can be hard to know where to start.

If you need some help, get a quote from Welke. We will help you every step of the way.