Canada and the Philippines share strong ties, with thousands of families, students, and businesses moving goods across the Pacific each year. Whether it’s a family relocation, commercial shipment, or sending a vehicle, demand for shipping container from Canada to Philippines continues to grow. Containers are the most efficient, secure, and cost-effective method for long-distance ocean transport.
This guide explains the costs, transit times, routes, and shipping options for moving containers between Canada and the Philippines, and shows why working with a trusted container transport company ensures smooth delivery.
Why Ship a Container to the Philippines?
There are many reasons people and businesses rely on container shipping to Philippines from Canada:
- Household Relocation: Families moving permanently or temporarily to the Philippines.
- Business Trade: Canadian companies exporting food, machinery, retail products, or raw materials.
- Automobile Transport: Shipping cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles inside containers.
- Balikbayan Shipments: Large shipments of goods sent by overseas Filipinos to their families.
- Project Cargo: Industrial or oversized equipment for infrastructure and construction.
Main Ports of Arrival in the Philippines:
- Port of Manila – The largest and busiest container hub.
- Cebu Port – Central hub for Visayas region.
- Davao Port – Serving Mindanao and southern Philippines.
Cost of Shipping Container from Canada to Philippines
The cost of shipping container from Canada to Philippines depends on container size, type of service, and port of departure/arrival. On average:
- 20ft container: $3,800 – $5,200 CAD
- 40ft container: $6,000 – $7,500 CAD
- LCL (Less than Container Load): $120 – $200 per cubic meter
For those considering return shipments, the cost of shipping container from Philippines to Canada is usually similar, though rates can fluctuate depending on carrier availability and backhaul demand.
Sample Cost Table (2025 Averages)
| Container Type | Service | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | FCL | $3,800 – $5,200 | 28–35 days |
| 40ft Standard | FCL | $6,000 – $7,500 | 28–35 days |
| Shared Cargo | LCL | $120 – $200 / CBM | 32–40 days |
(Rates based on 2025 averages; subject to fuel surcharges, customs fees, and seasonality.)
Transit Times: How Long Does It Take?
One of the most common questions is: shipping container from Canada to Philippines how long?
Transit time depends on the chosen port of departure in Canada and the destination port in the Philippines.
- Vancouver → Manila: 25–30 days
- Montreal → Manila (via transshipment): 30–35 days
- Halifax → Manila: 32–38 days
- Toronto (via Vancouver or Montreal): 32–40 days
Including drayage, port handling, and customs clearance, total door-to-door delivery is usually 5–7 weeks.
FCL vs LCL Container Options
When booking container shipping to Philippines from Canada, customers can choose between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL).
| Feature | FCL (Full Container) | LCL (Shared Container) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Large household moves, vehicles, bulk | Small shipments, balikbayan boxes |
| Security | Exclusive use of container | Shared with other cargo |
| Cost | Higher overall, cheaper per unit | Lower overall, higher per unit |
| Transit Time | Faster, direct shipping | Slightly longer due to consolidation |
- FCL is recommended for full relocations, cars, or high-value cargo.
- LCL is ideal for smaller shipments and balikbayan-style cargo.
Popular Shipping Routes & Ports
Canadian Ports of Departure
- Vancouver: Most direct sailings to Asia-Pacific, fastest option for the Philippines.
- Montreal: Often used for eastern Canada shipments.
- Halifax: Atlantic option with transshipment routes.
- Toronto: Containers moved by rail or truck to Vancouver/Montreal ports.
Philippine Ports of Arrival
- Manila: Primary hub for commercial and residential shipments.
- Cebu: Key for central Philippines and smaller islands.
- Davao: Serving Mindanao and southern trade.
Customs & Documentation
Shipping between Canada and the Philippines requires proper paperwork.
Key Documents:
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Import/Export Declaration
- Insurance Certificate
Philippine customs are strict on inspections, especially for electronics, vehicles, and large balikbayan shipments. Using a professional forwarder ensures smooth clearance and compliance.
Benefits of Using a Professional Container Transport Company
Organizing overseas shipping independently can be risky and time-consuming. Partnering with a professional logistics provider offers major advantages:
- Expert handling of documentation & customs
- Insurance coverage for cargo protection
- Transparent pricing and reduced hidden fees
- Reliable transit schedules and carrier partnerships
- End-to-end solutions from pickup to delivery
DIY vs Professional Shipping
| Factor | DIY Arrangement | Professional Transport Company |
|---|---|---|
| Paperwork | High chance of mistakes & delays | Managed by experts |
| Costs | Unclear pricing, hidden charges | Transparent all-inclusive quotes |
| Risk | No insurance, higher cargo risks | Full cargo insurance provided |
| Time | Weeks of personal effort | Door-to-door managed service |
Why Choose Metropolitan Logistics
Metropolitan Logistics provides reliable solutions for shipping container from Canada to Philippines, offering both FCL and LCL services tailored for families and businesses.
- Nationwide Pickup: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Halifax, Calgary.
- Philippine Coverage: Manila, Cebu, Davao, and other ports.
- Full-Service Solutions: Drayage, intermodal, ocean freight, and customs clearance.
- Trusted Expertise: Decades of experience in overseas shipping.
Learn more here: Container Transport Company
Conclusion & Call to Action
Whether relocating your household, sending balikbayan shipments, or exporting commercial goods, shipping container from Canada to Philippines is simple with the right logistics partner. With professional support, you save time, reduce risk, and guarantee your cargo arrives safely and on schedule.
📞 +1 (365) 829 5000
📧 service@metropolitanlogistics.ca
👉 Get a Container Shipping Quote
