International trade and migration between Canada and Ireland have grown significantly in recent years. From family relocations to commercial exports, demand for shipping container from Canada to Ireland continues to rise. Containers provide the safest and most economical method of moving household goods, automobiles, and commercial cargo across the Atlantic.
This guide explains the costs, routes, transit times, and options for shipping containers between Canada and Ireland, while also highlighting why working with a professional container transport company ensures a smooth process.
Why Ship a Container to Ireland?
There are several reasons Canadians choose to ship containers to Ireland:
- Household Relocation: Families moving for work, retirement, or education need secure shipping for furniture, appliances, and personal effects.
- Business & Trade: Canadian companies export pharmaceuticals, machinery, and retail goods to Ireland.
- Automobile Transport: Vehicles shipped inside containers for expats and international buyers.
- Project Cargo: Specialized equipment for energy, construction, or tech projects.
Key Ports of Arrival in Ireland:
- Dublin Port – Ireland’s largest port, handling most containerized imports.
- Port of Cork – A growing hub for trade and container shipping.
- Shannon Foynes – Important for bulk and project cargo.
Cost of Shipping Container from Canada to Ireland
The cost of shipping container from Canada to Ireland depends on the container size, service type (FCL vs LCL), and departure/arrival ports. On average:
- 20ft container: $3,000 – $4,500 CAD
- 40ft container: $5,000 – $6,000 CAD
- LCL (Less than Container Load): $120 – $200 per cubic meter
Another variation, shipping container to Ireland from Canada, typically refers to personal relocations. These shipments may be cheaper if you consolidate into LCL, but full containers are more efficient for households and cars.
Sample Cost Table (2025 Averages)
| Container Type | Service | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | FCL | $3,000 – $4,500 | 12–16 days |
| 40ft Standard | FCL | $5,000 – $6,000 | 12–16 days |
| Shared Cargo | LCL | $120 – $200 / CBM | 14–20 days |
(Estimates based on 2025 averages; subject to surcharges and seasonality.)
FCL vs LCL: Choosing the Right Option
When booking container shipping from Canada to Ireland, you can choose:
- FCL (Full Container Load): You rent the entire 20ft or 40ft container. Best for households, vehicles, or large cargo.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): You pay only for the cubic meters you use. Best for smaller moves or partial shipments.
| Feature | FCL (Full Container) | LCL (Shared Container) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Large household, vehicles, bulk cargo | Small shipments, limited volume |
| Security | Exclusive use of container | Shared with others |
| Cost | Higher overall, cheaper per unit | Lower overall, more expensive per unit |
| Transit Time | Faster, direct sailing | Slightly longer due to consolidation |
Shipping Routes & Transit Times
Canadian Ports of Departure
- Montreal: The most common gateway for Ireland-bound containers.
- Halifax: Strategic Atlantic port with direct Europe connections.
- Toronto: Containers trucked/railed to Montreal or Halifax.
Irish Ports of Arrival
- Dublin Port – fastest route with frequent sailings.
- Cork – strong for southern Ireland.
Typical Transit Times
- Montreal → Dublin: 12–14 days
- Halifax → Dublin: 10–12 days (fastest option)
- Toronto (via Montreal/Halifax) → Dublin: 14–16 days
Including pickup, drayage, and customs, total door-to-door time is usually 3–4 weeks.
Reverse Route: Shipping Container from Ireland to Canada
Many clients also request the reverse service: shipping container from Ireland to Canada.
- 20ft container: $3,200 – $4,800 CAD equivalent
- 40ft container: $5,500 – $6,800 CAD equivalent
- Transit times: 12–18 days depending on sailing schedules.
This route is often used for Irish exports such as beverages, food products, and manufactured goods heading to Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver markets.
Customs Clearance & Documentation
For both directions (Canada ↔ Ireland), the following paperwork is required:
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List
- Import/Export Declarations
- Insurance Certificate (recommended)
Both Canada and Ireland require customs compliance. Working with an experienced freight forwarder ensures your documents are filed correctly, avoiding costly delays.
Benefits of Using a Professional Container Transport Company
While some attempt to organize shipping independently, professional companies provide significant advantages:
- Expert documentation & customs handling
- Cargo insurance for full protection
- Reliable transit times with carrier partnerships
- End-to-end service from pickup to delivery
- Transparent quotes without hidden charges
DIY vs Professional Shipping
| Factor | DIY Arrangement | Professional Transport Company |
|---|---|---|
| Paperwork | Risk of errors, fines, or delays | Handled by experts |
| Costs | Hidden fees and unpredictable charges | Transparent and predictable |
| Risk | Higher chance of cargo issues | Insured and managed professionally |
| Time | Personal effort required | Stress-free, managed end-to-end |
Why Choose Metropolitan Logistics
Metropolitan Logistics is a trusted Canadian provider specializing in both domestic and international container transport. We manage the full process of shipping container from Canada to Ireland — from drayage and intermodal trucking to ocean freight and customs clearance.
- Nationwide Coverage: Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver.
- International Reach: Direct connections to Dublin and Cork.
- Full-Service Approach: FCL, LCL, customs support, delivery in Ireland.
- Decades of Experience: Supporting families and businesses with overseas relocations.
Learn more: Container Transport Company
Conclusion
Whether you’re relocating your household, shipping a vehicle, or exporting business cargo, shipping container from Canada to Ireland is straightforward with the right logistics partner. By working with Metropolitan Logistics, you ensure secure, cost-efficient, and timely delivery.
📞 +1 (365) 829 5000
📧 service@metropolitanlogistics.ca
👉 Get a Container Shipping Quote
