Air Freight to Canada
Our air freight services to Canada
Our services always include the whole package: from picking-up at origin to delivery at destination. So you don’t have to worry about all the details. We will guide you through the documentation, we will take care of the procedures at the airport, as well as customs clearance.
How Can Air Freight Shipping Expand Your Business?
✓ Speed: Air freight shipping is usually the fastest way to transport cargo, especially over long distances.
✓ Reliability: When shipping by air, your cargo is sure to arrive on time – weather being the only occasion for delays.
✓ Security: Just like for passengers, air cargo goes through strict security checks and airport controls.
✓ Visibility: Today, many air carriers provide proactive real-time freight tracking, which helps you track your shipment from departure to arrival.
Impeccable Air Freight Solutions
✓ Air freight usually delivers in 1–7 days depending on the trade lane, flight availability, and whether you choose airport-to-airport or door-to-door service.
✓ Ideal for urgent replenishment, high-value cargo, time-sensitive production parts, and many perishables that need short transit times.
✓ More predictable schedules than ocean in many lanes, with clear milestones you can monitor from pickup through final delivery.
Cargo Airports — Canada
Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
Rated in the top 30 airports worldwide for cargo activity, Pearson Airport processes over 45% of Canada’s air cargo, serving 175 international destinations.
Vancouver Airport (YVR)
Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
Montréal Trudeau Airport (YUL)
Calgary Airport (YYC)
Edmonton Airport (YEG)
Types of Air Freight Services Available in Canada
Canadian air freight providers offer several service levels to match different shipping needs, budgets, and timelines. Understanding these options helps you choose the right solution for every shipment.
- Express Air Freight: The fastest option, with guaranteed next-day or same-day delivery for urgent shipments. Ideal for emergency parts, critical medical supplies, and time-definite deliveries within Canada or to major U.S. cities.
- Standard Air Cargo: A cost-effective service with typical transit times of two to three business days. Suitable for shipments that need to arrive faster than ground transport but do not require express handling.
- Consolidated Air Freight: Multiple shipments from different shippers are combined into a single air container, reducing per-kilogram costs significantly. Best for non-urgent shipments where budget is a priority over speed.
- Charter Air Freight: A dedicated aircraft is reserved for oversized, high-value, or extremely urgent cargo. Used for project logistics, disaster relief supplies, and shipments that exceed standard aircraft capacity.
- Cross-Border Air Freight (Canada–China): Specialized services that handle customs brokerage, documentation, and border compliance for air shipments between Canada and the China. SSFEShipping partners with carriers experienced in cross-border freight regulations to ensure smooth clearance.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Freight
Advantages of Air Freight
- Speed and accuracy: Air transport is the fastest mode of transportation, especially for urgent and time-sensitive shipments (e.g., medical supplies).
- Global coverage: Airplanes connect almost every country in the world, including remote destinations not accessible by other modes of transport.
- Safety and reliability: Statistics show that incidents are rare, and shipments are less exposed to damage compared to sea or road transport.
- Suitable for specific goods: Ideal for perishable products (fruit, vegetables, flowers), valuable shipments (electronics, jewelry), and documents.
Disadvantages of Air Freight
- High costs: The biggest disadvantage is the price – air transport is several times more expensive than sea or road transport.
- Capacity and weight limitations； Airplanes have strict limits on cargo size and weight. Large and heavy shipments are not practical to send by air.
- Dependence on weather conditions: Bad weather can cause delays, cancellations, and disruptions in the supply chain.
- Environmental impact: Air transport is among the biggest polluters in the transport industry in terms of CO₂ emissions per kilogram of cargo.
How much is Air Freight to Canada?
| Route | Standard (per kg) | Express (per kg) |
|---|---|---|
| China → Canada | CAD $6.50 – $10.50 | CAD $11.00 – $18.00 |
| India → Canada | CAD $6.00 – $9.50 | CAD $10.00 – $16.00 |
| Europe → Canada | CAD $5.50 – $9.00 | CAD $9.50 – $15.00 |
| Brazil → Canada | CAD $6.50 – $10.00 | CAD $11.00 – $17.00 |
| Southeast Asia → Canada | CAD $6.50 – $10.50 | CAD $11.00 – $18.00 |
| Japan/Korea → Canada | CAD $5.50 – $8.50 | CAD $9.50 – $14.00 |
| Intra-Americas | CAD $4.00 – $7.00 | CAD $7.50 – $12.00 |
| Middle East → Canada | CAD $6.00 – $9.50 | CAD $10.00 – $16.00 |
Tips:
Air Freight Cost Breakdown
Air Freight, 200 kg, China→ Canada
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Air freight (200 kg × $4.50/kg) | $900 |
| Fuel surcharge | $180 |
| Security surcharge | $20 |
| Terminal handling (origin) | $85 |
| Terminal handling (destination) | $95 |
| Customs clearance | $150 |
| Documentation | $50 |
| Local delivery | $175 |
| Total | $1,655 |
What Influences Your Air Freight Cost?
Several factors influence air freight rates, including:
- Shipment size and weight
- Distance between origin and destination
- Type and classification of cargo
- Market demand and seasonal trends
Air freight is often for time-sensitive or high-value cargo. In the logistics world, air freight is typically faster (but often more expensive) than sea or ground transport, making it suitable for shipments where speed or schedule reliability matters.
Tips:
How long does it take to ship Air Freight to Canada?
| Origin | Destination | Transit (door-to-door) |
|---|---|---|
| China | Canada | 4–7 days |
| India | Canada | 5–7 days |
| Europe | Canada | 3–6 days |
| Brazil | Canada | 4–6 days |
| Southeast Asia | Canada | 5–8 days |
| Japan/Korea | Canada | 3–5 days |
| Intra-Americas | Canada | 2–4 days |
| Middle East | Canada | 5–7 days |
How Air Freight Rates Are Calculated in Canada
Key factors that influence air freight pricing include:
- Weight and dimensions: Heavier and bulkier shipments cost more. Carriers compare actual weight against volumetric weight and charge based on whichever is higher.
- Origin and destination: Routes between major Canadian airports (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary) are typically less expensive due to higher flight frequency and competition.
- Service level: Express and time-definite services command a premium over standard and consolidated options.
- Fuel surcharges: Fluctuating jet fuel prices directly impact air freight rates. Surcharges are typically updated monthly by carriers.
- Commodity type: Hazardous materials, temperature-sensitive goods, and high-value items require special handling that increases costs.
- Seasonality: Peak shipping periods such as Q4 holiday season and Chinese New Year can drive rates up by 20–40% due to limited capacity.
Air Freight Shipping Step-by-step Process
From quote to delivery, our expert team ensures your shipment moves smoothly through every step.
1
Shipment Planning and Quotation
Firstly, a shipper gives information regarding the shipment such as the nature of goods, weight, dimensions, pick-up location and destination. A freight forwarder, taking all these inputs into account, will calculate the chargeable weight and send you a quote.
2
Booking Space with the Airline
After the quote is accepted, the forwarder will arrange the booking of cargo space with an airline. By the way, weeks before the date, airlines will have only a limited amount of space especially during the peak period. The earlier you make your booking the more you get your desired schedule.
3
Cargo Pickup and Warehouse Handling
After cargo has been booked, it is first collected from shipper’s location then sent to a warehouse. Warehouse staff check packing, weigh, and measure cargo, getting it export-ready.
4
Documentation Preparation
Documentation is a major part of air freight. The forwarder’s job is to create the Air Waybill, commercial invoice, packing list, as well as any required export declarations.
5
Export Customs Clearance
Before a cargo leaves country of origin, it must clear customs for export. The authorities check the documents and ensure that all the rules are followed.
6
Cargo Build-Up and Airline Handling
Cargo is first consolidated and secured onto airline pallets or containers. This operation is known as build-up. Proper handling not only guarantees a stable load in flight but also greatly reduces the potential for damage.
7
Air Transportation
The cargo is first loaded onto the plane and then transported to the destination airport in the USA. Depending on the route, the goods may be shipped via direct flights or connecting flights.
8
Import Customs Clearance
Upon arrival, the shipment undergoes import customs clearance. Authorities review documents again and confirm duties or taxes if applicable.
9
Final Delivery
After the customs clearance is completed, the cargo is given the go-ahead for the final delivery. The forwarder arranges the transportation of the goods from the airport to the consignee’s address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship hazardous materials by air in Canada?
How much does air freight cost in Canada?
In 2026, the average air freight cost per kg in Canada ranges from $2.50 to $12.00 CAD, depending on destination, urgency, and cargo specifics.
How much does air freight cost per kilogram?
Air freight rates in 2026 typically range from $3.00-$7.00 per kg for the base rate, with total all-in costs (including fuel surcharge, security, handling, and customs) running $4.00-$10.00 per kg. Express services from DHL, FedEx, or UPS cost 20-40% more than standard air freight.
What factors influence Canadian freight charges?
When Businesses Should Choose Air Freight Shipping Canada?
Air freight shipping Canada works best when speed outweighs cost. Freight forwarding companies typically choose air freight when:
- Delivery deadlines are strict
- Goods are time-sensitive
- products have high value
- Supply chains require immediate replenishment
- Emergencies demand a rapid response
In these situations, fast delivery prevents losses and ensures business continuity.