Air, LCL, FCL & Vehicles
Air freight, LCL ocean freight, 20-foot and 40-foot containers, and eligible vehicle shipping are available.
CANADA TO GERMANY FREIGHT & VEHICLE SHIPPING
Shipping From Canada to Germany
Ship commercial freight, pallets, machinery, vehicles and larger personal shipments from Canada to Germany. BriCargo Group coordinates air freight, LCL and FCL ocean freight, Canada-wide pickup, customs-brokerage communication and delivery across Germany based on the cargo, schedule and final destination.
This service is designed for freight and larger cargo rather than ordinary postal parcels.
REQUEST A CANADA-TO-GERMANY QUOTE
Provide the Canadian origin, German destination and a description of the cargo. Where available, include the number of pieces, packed dimensions, total weight and cargo-ready date so BriCargo can recommend the appropriate shipping option.
Shipping From Canada to Germany at a Glance
Shipping requirements change according to the cargo, urgency, volume and delivery location. These route details provide an initial planning overview.
3–7 Days
A typical planning window for time-sensitive cargo under normal operating conditions.
15–30 Days
A typical planning window for LCL, FCL and qualifying vehicle shipments.
Hamburg, Bremerhaven & Frankfurt
Hamburg is the main container and ConRo gateway, Bremerhaven is important for containers and vehicles, and Frankfurt is Germany’s leading air-cargo gateway.
Coverage Across Canada and Germany
Pickup can be coordinated across Canada. After customs release, delivery can continue to Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, Düsseldorf and other German destinations. BriCargo can review commercial goods, pallets, machinery, vehicles, household goods and personal effects. Dangerous or regulated cargo is considered case by case.
Customs, inspections, consolidation, terminal release, pickup and final delivery can extend the complete shipment process.
Choose the Right Shipping Method
Air Freight From Canada to Germany
Air freight is best suited to urgent, time-sensitive or higher-value cargo where reducing transport time is more important than obtaining the lowest freight cost.
Common examples include approved commercial samples, replacement parts, inventory and smaller general-cargo shipments. Packed dimensions and actual weight are required because air freight is priced using chargeable weight.
Cargo commonly moves through a major Canadian airport, with Frankfurt providing the principal German air-cargo gateway.
- Planning
- Approximately 3–7 days
- Pricing
- Actual or volumetric weight
- Important
- Pickup, export preparation, customs clearance and final delivery may add time.
LCL Ocean Freight
Less-than-container-load shipping allows the cargo to share container space with other shipments.
It is useful for pallets, crates, household goods and commercial cargo that is too large for normal parcel services but does not require a complete container.
LCL involves consolidation in Canada and deconsolidation after arrival. The additional handling means its total process can be longer than the vessel transit alone.
- Planning
- Approximately 15–30 days
- Pricing
- Volume, weight and route charges
- Handling
- Consolidation and deconsolidation required
FCL Container Shipping
Full-container-load shipping gives the customer use of a dedicated 20-foot or 40-foot container.
FCL is usually suited to larger cargo volumes, commercial inventory, machinery, household relocations or loads where reducing consolidation handling is important.
A 20-foot container is often appropriate for dense or moderate-volume freight. A 40-foot container provides more space for larger-volume cargo.
- Planning
- Approximately 15–30 days
- Capacity
- 20-foot or 40-foot container
- Important
- Pickup, loading, customs and final delivery can add time.
Vehicle Shipping
BriCargo coordinates eligible cars, SUVs, motorcycles and other vehicles from Canada to Germany.
Depending on the vehicle, Canadian origin, carrier schedule and German gateway, the shipment may move in a container or through a qualifying RoRo or ConRo service.
Operable vehicles may qualify for a rolling service. Non-operable, modified, high-value or unusual vehicles may require containerized or specialized handling.
Shipping the vehicle to Germany does not confirm its eligibility for permanent import, technical approval, emissions compliance or road registration.
- Planning
- Generally follows the ocean-freight plan
- Methods
- Container, RoRo or ConRo where available
- Review
- Ownership, condition, dimensions and import arrangements
Household Goods and Personal Effects
Household goods and personal effects can move by LCL or FCL depending on their total volume. The shipper should prepare a detailed inventory and identify batteries, food, alcohol, plants, chemicals, unfinished wood and other potentially regulated goods before packing.
Learn about international relocation cargoShipping Cost From Canada to Germany
The price depends on the Canadian origin, German destination, packed dimensions, weight, cargo type, pickup and delivery scope, handling requirements and current carrier capacity.
Canadian origin and German destination
Packed dimensions and weight
Chargeable weight for air freight
Cubic volume for LCL
Container size for FCL
Cargo type and packaging
Pickup and final delivery
Origin and destination handling
Customs brokerage
Insurance
Carrier capacity and sailing date
Inspections or special handling
| Shipment Method and Assumed Scope | Approximate Planning Range |
|---|---|
| General air freight from a major Canadian airport, usually 100 kg or more | CAD $6–$15 per chargeable kg |
| LCL cargo of approximately 3–5 CBM from a major Canadian gateway | CAD $1,200–$2,800 |
| 20-foot FCL from a major Canadian gateway to a German port | CAD $3,000–$5,500 |
| 40-foot FCL from a major Canadian gateway to a German port | CAD $5,000–$8,000 |
| Standard operable passenger vehicle from the GTA to a German port | CAD $2,800–$4,800 |
Market-informed planning ranges in Canadian dollars. Reviewed August 2026. These are not fixed BriCargo rates or guaranteed quotes.
Planning Assumptions
These ranges assume general cargo or a standard vehicle moving from an accessible Canadian origin toward Hamburg, Bremerhaven or Frankfurt.
Charges That May Be Additional
- Remote-area pickup
- German inland delivery
- Customs brokerage
- Duty and import VAT
- Inspections and insurance
- Storage, demurrage or detention
- Dangerous-goods handling
- Specialized loading equipment
- Vehicle registration or technical modifications
Understanding the Rate
The lower end of a public carrier or marketplace rate usually represents only part of the shipment. A complete quote must identify the included origin, freight, destination and delivery charges.
Get a Price Based on Your Cargo
Send the packed dimensions, total weight, Canadian origin, German destination and cargo-ready date. BriCargo will review the shipment and prepare a current quote.
Request My Canada-to-Germany QuoteHow Long Does Shipping From Canada to Germany Take?
Approximately 3–7 Days
This is a typical air-freight planning window from cargo acceptance through arrival availability under normal operating conditions.
The complete door-to-door process may take longer when pickup, export preparation, security screening, customs clearance, inspection or inland delivery is required.
Approximately 15–30 Days
This is an estimated ocean-freight planning window based on the carrier route, selected Canadian gateway and German arrival port.
LCL consolidation, container loading, terminal operations, customs and delivery can extend the total shipment timeline.
What Can Change the Schedule?
Pickup distance
Consolidation timing
Carrier cutoffs
Direct or connecting routing
Transshipment
Weather
Port or airport congestion
Customs review
Inspection
Document corrections
Terminal release
Inland delivery distance
The dates provided in a quote are estimates rather than guaranteed arrival dates.
Freight Gateways Between Canada and Germany
The final route depends on where the cargo originates, the selected mode, carrier schedules and where it must be delivered in Germany.
Canadian Gateways
Montreal
Montreal is a useful gateway for cargo originating in Ontario, Quebec and other areas of Central Canada. The final carrier and sailing depend on equipment, capacity and the shipment date.
Halifax
Halifax provides established ocean connections with Northern Europe and is relevant for containerized and qualifying rolling cargo.
Canadian Air Gateways
Toronto, Montreal or another approved Canadian airport may be used for time-sensitive air freight.
Air Freight
LCL Ocean Freight
FCL Container Shipping
Vehicle Shipping
German Gateways
Hamburg
Hamburg is the page’s primary German ocean gateway. It handles containers, breakbulk and rolling cargo, with onward road and rail connections throughout Germany.
Bremerhaven
Bremerhaven is a major container and vehicle hub, supporting its relevance for container, vehicle and rolling-cargo planning.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is the primary German airport context for commercial air freight.
These gateways are planning examples, not guaranteed routes. BriCargo may use another Canadian, German or European facility when the cargo, equipment, carrier schedule or final destination makes another route more suitable.
Not Sure Which Shipping Method Fits Your Cargo?
Send the shipment’s dimensions, weight, Canadian origin, German destination and required timeframe. BriCargo will review the cargo and recommend the most practical air, LCL, FCL or vehicle-shipping option.
Review My ShipmentCargo BriCargo Can Review for Germany
BriCargo reviews the exact cargo before confirming acceptance and shipping method.
Common Cargo Reviewed
Commercial and Industrial Cargo
Palletized inventory, machinery, equipment, replacement parts and other general commercial goods can be considered according to their dimensions, weight, packaging and import requirements.
Vehicles
Cars, SUVs, motorcycles and other eligible vehicles may be accepted after reviewing ownership, condition, operability, dimensions, Canadian export requirements and German import arrangements.
Personal Effects and Household Goods
Personal cargo may be shipped with a detailed packing inventory and appropriate packaging.
Electronics and Battery-Powered Goods
Electronics may be considered, but any batteries must be identified. Battery chemistry, watt-hour rating, installation, packaging and condition can affect classification and carrier acceptance.
Cargo Requiring Special Review
- Dangerous or regulated goods
- Chemicals and liquids
- Batteries
- Food and agricultural products
- Pharmaceuticals
- Plants, seeds or untreated wood
- Temperature-controlled cargo
- Oversized or unusually heavy pieces
- Goods requiring export or import permits
Dangerous-goods acceptance depends on classification, packaging, documentation, route and carrier approval. Legal exportability from Canada does not automatically establish German import eligibility or carrier acceptance.
Customs and Documents for Shipping to Germany
BriCargo can coordinate customs-brokerage communication and document preparation. The exporter, German importer, customs broker and relevant authorities remain responsible for the information and decisions within their roles.
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice normally identifies the buyer, seller, goods, value, currency, country of origin and commercial terms.
Packing List
The packing list records the number of packages, contents, dimensions and weight.
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
This is the carrier transport document for ocean or air freight.
Canadian Export Declaration
For destinations outside the United States, non-restricted commercial goods valued at CAD $2,000 or more generally require an export declaration. Controlled, regulated or prohibited goods can require both reporting and authorization regardless of value. Review the CBSA exporters’ guide.
EORI Number
An EORI number is generally required for economic operators carrying out covered customs activities. Before departure, confirm which German or EU party will act as importer or declarant and whether an EORI is required for that party. Review German Customs EORI guidance.
HS Classification
The commodity classification affects customs treatment, duties, restrictions, product requirements and statistical reporting.
CETA Origin Declaration
Qualifying goods of Canadian origin may receive preferential customs treatment under CETA. The benefit is not automatic. The product must satisfy the applicable rule of origin, and the exporter must prepare the required origin declaration. CETA does not remove import VAT, product standards, licensing or other import requirements. Review BriCargo’s Canada-to-EU customs guide and the European Commission’s CETA guidance.
Import Duty, VAT and Permits
German or EU customs authorities determine duty, VAT, admissibility and release according to the commodity, customs value, origin and importer arrangement. Regulated products may require permits, certificates or compliance records. Customs release and product compliance are separate. Depending on the goods, the German importer may also need to confirm EU conformity assessment, CE marking, labelling, safety, packaging or other market-entry requirements. Review official EU product-compliance guidance.
Documents Commonly Required
General Freight
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Export declaration where required
- Importer and EORI information
- Origin declaration where applicable
- Shipment-specific permits or certificates
Vehicle Documents
- Ownership or title records
- Vehicle identification number
- Purchase invoice or proof of value
- Lien authorization where applicable
- Canadian export reporting
- German importer and customs information
- Vehicle condition and operability details
Use BriCargo’s international shipping document checklist to prepare the basic shipment information before requesting a quote.
Permanent import, temporary admission and German road registration are separate processes. German Customs provides different rules for temporary use of a non-EU vehicle, including specific conditions and time limits.
BriCargo coordinates the shipping and brokerage process, but Canadian and German authorities determine reporting requirements, admissibility, duty, VAT, inspections and release.
How the Shipment Is Coordinated
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
|
01
Provide the Cargo Details
|
Send the Canadian origin, German destination, commodity, number of pieces, dimensions, weight and cargo-ready date. Vehicle enquiries should also include the year, make, model, VIN, dimensions, operability and ownership status. |
|
02
Select the Method and Route
|
BriCargo reviews whether air, LCL, FCL, containerized vehicle transport or a qualifying rolling service is appropriate. |
|
03
Confirm the Quote and Inclusions
|
The quote should identify the transportation method and state whether pickup, brokerage, insurance, destination handling and delivery are included. Before booking, the exporter and German importer should agree on the applicable Incoterm or delivery arrangement. The quote should clearly state who is responsible for pickup, export handling, international freight, import clearance, duty and VAT, destination charges and final delivery. |
|
04
Prepare Cargo and Documents
|
The cargo is packed for the selected mode. Commercial, personal-effects, dangerous-goods or vehicle documentation is prepared as required. For a broader stage-by-stage overview, review BriCargo’s international shipping process. |
|
05
Export and International Transport
|
BriCargo coordinates pickup or warehouse delivery, export handling and the confirmed air or ocean movement. BriCargo works with shipping lines including MSC, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM and Grimaldi. The selected carrier depends on the route, cargo, equipment, schedule and available capacity. |
|
06
Customs Release and Delivery
|
The importer or its authorized representative provides the information needed for German import clearance. After release and terminal availability, BriCargo coordinates delivery to the agreed German destination. |
Why Ship to Germany With BriCargo?
Shipping to Germany requires the cargo, mode, carrier, documents and destination arrangements to work together. BriCargo can coordinate:
Air, LCL, FCL and Vehicle Shipping
The service is chosen around the shipment’s actual urgency, size and handling needs.
Pickup Across Canada
Cargo and eligible vehicles can be collected and routed to the selected Canadian gateway.
Delivery Across Germany
After customs release, final transportation can be coordinated from the arrival gateway to the destination.
Customs-Brokerage Communication
BriCargo helps coordinate the information required by exporters, importers and customs brokers without claiming authority over customs decisions.
Case-by-Case Cargo Review
Dangerous, oversized, regulated or unusual shipments are reviewed before booking.
Carrier Selection by Shipment
The carrier and gateway are selected according to route, equipment, schedule, cargo and available capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does shipping from Canada to Germany cost?
Planning costs may range from approximately CAD $6–$15 per chargeable kilogram for general air freight, CAD $1,200–$2,800 for a three-to-five-CBM LCL shipment, CAD $3,000–$5,500 for a 20-foot container and CAD $5,000–$8,000 for a 40-foot container.
A standard operable passenger vehicle from the GTA to a German port may fall around CAD $2,800–$4,800.
These are planning ranges rather than fixed prices. The final cost depends on the actual cargo, route, pickup, destination and included services.
How long does shipping from Canada to Germany take?
Air freight typically has a planning window of approximately 3–7 days. Ocean freight typically has a planning window of approximately 15–30 days.
Pickup, consolidation, customs clearance, inspections and final delivery can make the complete shipment process longer.
Is LCL or FCL better?
LCL is generally useful when the cargo does not require a complete container. FCL is better suited to larger loads, dedicated containers or cargo where reduced consolidation handling is important.
The better option depends on volume, weight, packaging, value and current rates.
Can BriCargo ship a vehicle to Germany?
Yes. BriCargo coordinates eligible vehicles using containerized shipping or a qualifying RoRo or ConRo service, depending on the vehicle, origin, carrier schedule and German gateway.
German import eligibility, technical approval and road registration must be confirmed separately. Review BriCargo’s international vehicle shipping service for the information required to assess a vehicle shipment.
Can household goods and personal effects be shipped?
Yes. Household goods and personal effects may move by LCL or FCL. A detailed inventory is required, and regulated items should be disclosed before packing.
What documents are commonly required?
Common documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, Canadian export declaration where required, and any commodity-specific permit or certificate.
The German importer or declarant may also need an EORI number. Use BriCargo’s international shipping document checklist to prepare the initial shipment details.
Does CETA make Canadian goods duty-free?
Not automatically. The goods must meet the relevant CETA rule of origin and have a valid origin declaration.
Import VAT, product standards, permits and other requirements can still apply. BriCargo’s Canada-to-EU customs guide explains the broader customs framework.
Can dangerous goods be shipped to Germany?
Potentially. BriCargo reviews dangerous goods case by case. Acceptance depends on the commodity classification, quantity, packaging, documentation, selected route and carrier approval.
Plan Your Canada-to-Germany Shipment
Request a Freight or Vehicle Shipping Quote
Tell us what you are shipping, where it is located in Canada and where it needs to be delivered in Germany. Include the packed dimensions, weight, cargo-ready date and any brokerage, insurance or special-handling requirements.
BriCargo will review the details and prepare an air, LCL, FCL or vehicle-shipping plan based on the cargo and current route availability.
Last reviewed: August 2026. Freight rates, carrier schedules, customs requirements and product rules vary by shipment and should be confirmed before booking.