Air vs Ocean Freight from China to Canada
When you ship goods from China to Canada you essentially choose between two modes: air freight and ocean freight. Air is fast but priced at a premium; ocean is slow but the cheapest way to move volume. The right choice depends on your weight, urgency, and budget — not on a one-size-fits-all rule.
Air freight from China to Canada typically delivers in 3–7 days and is ideal for urgent samples, seasonal stock, or anything under a few hundred kilograms. Ocean freight takes roughly 25–40 days but can cost a fraction per cubic meter, making it the default for full containers and bulk orders. Both can move door-to-door under DDP, so import duties are included up front.
A simple rule of thumb: if the shipment is time-critical or small, fly it; if it is bulky or planned ahead, ship it by sea. Many importers use ocean as their baseline and upgrade to air only when a deadline demands it. Consolidating multiple suppliers into one shipment further lowers the cost of either mode.
Which Mode Should You Choose?
Compare transit times, costs, and DDP options on our China to Canada shipping page, or get a tailored plan built around your actual volume.
- Air freight: 3–7 days, best for urgent or small shipments
- Ocean freight: 25–40 days, lowest cost per cubic meter
- DDP door-to-door available on both modes
- Consolidate suppliers to cut freight on either option