Sea groupage to Canada. A shared container, even for a few packages.
Not enough goods to fill a container? With groupage we ship them to Canada together with other exporters' cargo and you pay only for the cubic metres they take up.
Canada, in a shared container.
With groupage (LCL, Less than Container Load) several shipments share the same container. We collect the goods from you or receive them at our Brescia hub; then we prepare them, handle export customs and take them to the consolidation warehouse. The main arrival ports are Montreal, Halifax and Vancouver.
Shared container
Even with a few pallets or packages you pay for no empty space: your goods share the container with other loads.
Where the goods arrive
Unloading takes place at Montreal, Halifax and Vancouver. From there, two options: delivery to the consignee or collection at the deconsolidation warehouse.
Rules of the destination country
Canada requires advance electronic transmission of cargo data (eManifest) before loading; for the zero duty under CETA the exporter's origin declaration is needed.
We handle customs
As an AEO operator we file the export declaration under simplified procedure, directly at our warehouses in Brescia.
ISPM 15 compliant packing
Wooden pallets and crates leave treated and marked to ISPM 15. Before that, at our Brescia hub, the goods are checked, packed and labelled.
Dangerous goods groupage
It starts from the safety data sheet. If the consolidator accepts, dangerous goods also travel as groupage under the IMDG Code.
See also: Shipping to Canada · Sea freight · Container guide · ISPM 15 guide · Customs · Request a quote
Other groupage countries: United States · Mexico · China · All countries
In the glossary: Groupage · LCL · FCL · Consolidator · Bill of lading · ISPM 15
How groupage to Canada works.
One contact follows you at every step.
Your request
We need weights, dimensions, number of packages and whether they can be stacked: this lets us calculate the chargeable volume.
Pickup and preparation
We collect the goods from you, or you bring them to our Brescia hub; if needed, we pack them.
Export and consolidation
We prepare the export declaration and take the goods to the consolidation warehouse at the port.
Voyage and delivery
The goods are loaded, deconsolidated at destination and delivered to the consignee in Canada.
Groupage to Canada.
What drives the cost of groupage to Canada?
The weight/measure (W/M) rule applies: groupage freight is paid on whichever is higher between weight and volume, and usually 1 cubic metre equals 1,000 kg. Our proposal also shows consolidation charges at origin and deconsolidation charges on arrival.
Groupage or full container: which is better?
It depends on volume: if it approaches that of a container, a full container is often better value, and it also reduces handling of the goods. Send us the dimensions and we will compare both options for you.
What paperwork is needed for groupage to Canada?
You need the commercial invoice and the packing list with the weight and dimensions of each package; we prepare the export declaration. Canada requires advance electronic transmission of cargo data (eManifest) before loading; for the zero duty under CETA the exporter's origin declaration is needed.
Can dangerous goods go as groupage to Canada?
Yes, in line with the IMDG Code, if the consolidator and the shipping line accept them. From the safety data sheet we check class, packaging and labels. Firearms and ammunition we assess case by case, against the applicable authorisations.
