Choosing the right moving company from Canada to France is the most important step in planning a successful overseas relocation. Moving internationally across the Atlantic is not just a long‑distance move — it requires export packing, container shipping, customs clearance in two countries, and carefully coordinated delivery in Europe.
At Metropolitan Logistics, we specialize in professionally managed international and cross‑border relocations. In this guide, we explain exactly how moving from Canada to France works, what shipping methods are available, how containers are used, and how our team manages the entire process from your Canadian home to final delivery anywhere in France.
Why Moving from Canada to France Requires Professional International Logistics
An overseas move combines several complex logistics operations into one coordinated project:
- International household goods shipping by ocean container
- Export and import customs compliance
- Port handling and international documentation
- Inland delivery across France
Unlike domestic moves, international relocations involve:
- Export declarations and packing lists
- Ocean freight booking and container loading
- French customs clearance and residence documentation
- Coordination with destination delivery partners
This is why working with an experienced international relocation provider is essential for avoiding delays, damage, and customs problems.
Our International Moving Services: Canada to France
At Metropolitan Logistics, international relocation is a dedicated service line managed by licensed freight forwarders, customs specialists, and international delivery partners.
Our Canada–France relocations are part of our professional international moving program, integrated within our international moving services and designed specifically for overseas household goods shipments.
We manage your entire relocation under one logistics plan — from packing at your Canadian residence to container delivery and final placement in France.
Available Shipping Methods from Canada to France
Every international move is different. We offer several shipping methods depending on your shipment size, timeline, and budget.
Full Container Load (FCL)
This is the most popular method for full household relocations.
Your belongings are loaded into a private ocean container (20ft or 40ft) that is sealed and shipped exclusively for you.
Best for:
- Full homes and apartments
- Families relocating permanently
- Maximum security and minimal handling
Less Than Container Load (LCL)
If you are moving a smaller volume, your shipment can be consolidated with other international moves inside a shared container.
Best for:
- Studio or one‑bedroom moves
- Partial household shipments
- Lower shipping budgets
Transit time may be slightly longer due to consolidation and de‑consolidation at ports.
Air Freight (Limited Volumes Only)
Air shipping is used only for urgent personal effects or very small shipments.
Best for:
- Essential personal items
- Short‑term relocations
- Time‑critical deliveries
Air freight is significantly more expensive and not suitable for full household moves.
How Moving from Canada to France Works – Step by Step
Step 1 – Pre‑Move Consultation & Volume Assessment
We begin with a detailed relocation consultation:
- Virtual or in‑home survey
- Volume calculation (cubic feet / cubic meters)
- Selection of container size and shipping method
- Timeline planning based on vessel schedules and delivery windows
Step 2 – Professional Export Packing & Container Loading
Your household goods are packed by trained export crews using international‑grade materials designed for ocean transport.
We provide:
- Wooden crating for fragile items
- Moisture protection and wrapping
- Full inventory and labeling system
Your shipment is then professionally loaded into the ocean container and sealed for export.
Step 3 – Canadian Export Documentation & Port Handling
Our logistics team prepares and manages:
- Canadian export declarations
- Ocean bill of lading
- Packing lists and inventories
- Port terminal coordination
Containers are delivered to major Canadian ports such as:
- Port of Montreal
- Port of Halifax
- Port of Vancouver
Step 4 – Ocean Freight Shipping to France
Your container is transported by ocean vessel to major French ports, including:
- Port of Le Havre
- Port of Marseille‑Fos
- Port of Dunkirk
Typical ocean transit time ranges from 12 to 25 days, depending on routing and carrier schedules.
Step 5 – French Customs Clearance & Import Processing
This is the most sensitive stage of the international relocation.
We coordinate:
- French customs entry filings
- Residence and visa documentation review
- Duty‑free household goods declarations
- Inspection scheduling if required
Our customs partners ensure your shipment clears legally and efficiently.
Step 6 – Final Delivery Anywhere in France
After clearance, your shipment is delivered by local relocation crews to:
- Paris
- Lyon
- Marseille
- Toulouse
- Nice
- Bordeaux and surrounding regions
We handle inside delivery, furniture placement, unpacking, and debris removal if requested.
Typical Timeline: Canada to France International Move
| Stage | Average Duration |
|---|---|
| Pre‑move planning | 3–7 days |
| Packing & container loading | 1–2 days |
| Port handling & export | 3–6 days |
| Ocean transit | 12–25 days |
| French customs clearance | 2–5 days |
| Final delivery | Same day |
Total door‑to‑door relocation time usually ranges from 3 to 6 weeks.
What Affects the Cost of Moving from Canada to France
International relocation pricing depends on several operational factors:
- Shipment volume and container size
- Shipping method (FCL vs LCL vs air)
- Origin city in Canada
- Destination city in France
- Packing level and crating requirements
- Customs processing complexity
- Storage needs before or after shipping
Professional planning helps avoid unexpected port storage, demurrage, or inspection fees.
Why Choose Metropolitan Logistics for Your Canada–France Move
At Metropolitan Logistics, we act as your single relocation partner from start to finish.
Our international moving advantages include:
- Licensed international freight forwarding authority
- Ocean container shipping expertise
- Full export and import customs management
- Door‑to‑door relocation coordination
- Trusted delivery partners across France
- Experience with personal, family, and corporate relocations
Most importantly, we manage every stage under one operational plan — packing, container shipping, customs, and final delivery — with full accountability.
Common Risks in Overseas Moves (And How We Prevent Them)
Incorrect Documentation
Our customs specialists pre‑review all paperwork before export and before arrival in France.
Damage During Ocean Transport
We use professional export packing, wooden crating, moisture barriers, and controlled container loading to protect your belongings throughout the voyage.
Delays at Destination Ports
We pre‑book customs brokers, schedule inspections in advance, and coordinate inland delivery before the vessel arrives.
Ready to Move from Canada to France?
If you are searching for a reliable moving company from Canada to France, our international relocation team at Metropolitan Logistics is ready to manage your entire overseas move.
We handle export packing, container shipping, customs clearance, and final delivery — so your relocation to France is smooth, compliant, and stress‑free.
Learn more about our international relocation services through our international cross‑border moving specialists:
📞 +1 (365) 829 5000
✉️ service@metropolitanlogistics.ca
Or contact our team today for a personalized international moving consultation.
