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Shipping a container from Australia to Canada typically costs between $3,500 and $15,000 AUD, with sea freight transit times of 30 to 60 days depending on your route. Whether you are moving a full household or a few rooms of furniture, choosing the right container type, full container (FCL) or shared container (LCL), and comparing quotes from specialist freight forwarders are the two most important decisions you will make. This guide covers shipping costs, container options, transit times, car shipping, and everything you need to prepare your move.
Shipping a container from Australia to Canada involves four key steps: choosing the right container type, finding a specialist freight forwarder, preparing your customs documents, and booking your shipment.
Sirelo tip: Most freight forwarders handle customs paperwork as part of their service. Confirm this when comparing quotes.
Comparing services, prices and users’ opinions on the different shipping companies is key in making a decision. While the price has to be an important factor, consider other aspects such as customer service, reliability and quality to avoid unexpected situations. Check out this top international removalists:
The two main container options for shipping from Australia to Canada are a full container load (FCL) and a shared container (LCL). The right choice depends on your volume, budget, and timeline.
| Container Type | Best For | Key Features |
| Full Container Load (FCL) | Large household moves (3+ bedrooms) | Exclusive use of a 20ft or 40ft container; faster transit; more secure |
| Shared Container (LCL/Groupage) | Small to medium moves (1–2 bedrooms) | You pay only for the space you use; lower cost; slightly longer transit |
| 20ft Container | Medium households | Holds roughly 25–30 m³ of household goods |
| 40ft Container | Large households | Holds roughly 55–60 m³; most cost-effective for big moves |
Sirelo tip: FCL is generally recommended for moves above 15 m³. Below that, a shared container (LCL) is usually the more affordable option.
For a 40ft container, expect costs to be roughly 30–50% higher than the 20ft equivalent. LCL shipments are typically priced per cubic metre (m³), with rates ranging from $150 to $350 AUD per m³ depending on the route.
The table below shows estimated shipping costs from major Australian cities to key Canadian destinations for a standard 20ft container:
| Route | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
| Sydney – Vancouver | $4,500 – $8,500 |
| Sydney – Toronto | $5,000 – $9,500 |
| Melbourne – Vancouver | $4,500 – $8,500 |
| Melbourne – Toronto | $5,000 – $9,500 |
| Perth – Vancouver | $5,000 – $9,500 |
| Perth – Toronto | $5,500 – $10,500 |
Updated April 2026. These figures are estimates for a 20ft FCL container. LCL (shared container) rates are lower and calculated per cubic metre.
Sirelo tip: Comparing multiple quotes from specialist freight forwarders is the most reliable way to get an accurate price for your specific move.
Other ways to reduce your shipping costs:
For very small shipments: boxes and personal items rather than full furniture; an international courier service may be cheaper than sea freight, though transit times will vary.
| Route | Estimated Transit Time |
| Sydney / Melbourne – Vancouver | 25 – 40 days |
| Sydney / Melbourne – Toronto | 35 – 55 days |
| Sydney / Melbourne – Montreal | 35 – 55 days |
| Brisbane – Vancouver | 28 – 42 days |
| Perth – Vancouver | 28 – 45 days |
These are port-to-port estimates. Door-to-door delivery adds time for customs clearance and inland transport.
LCL shipments often take longer than FCL because the container needs to be consolidated at origin and deconsolidated at destination, which can add 5 to 15 extra days to the total transit time.
Sirelo tip: Plan for a buffer of one to two weeks beyond the estimated transit time to avoid issues with accommodation and essential items.
Use this checklist to prepare your furniture shipment from Australia to Canada:
Key Canadian import rule: if you are moving to Canada as a new resident, household goods imported within the first year of arrival may be eligible for duty-free entry under the Settler’s Effects tariff, confirm eligibility with your freight forwarder or the CBSA.
To ship a car from Australia to Canada, but it involves significant costs and strict compliance requirements at both ends.
Estimated cost to ship a car from Australia to Canada: $3,000 – $7,000 AUD, depending on vehicle size, departure port, and transport method (RoRo or container).
| Transport Method | Description | Typical Cost |
| RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) | Vehicle driven onto a specialised car carrier vessel | Lower cost; vehicle exposed during transit |
| Container (shared or full) | Vehicle secured inside a shipping container | Higher cost; more protection |
Sirelo tip: Many expats find it more cost-effective to sell their car in Australia and buy one in Canada, given the combined cost of shipping, compliance modifications, and duties. Get a full cost breakdown before deciding.
