Shipping Boxes to Canada from the UK: Costs 2026

Last updated: 23 October 2026

Sending a few boxes to Canada is much cheaper than a full removal, whether you’re emigrating, studying or on a working holiday. The key thing to know is Canada’s “goods to follow” rule. If you’re moving there, you must declare your boxes when you first land, or you could pay duty later. Here’s how it works in 2026.

Your options compared

Method	Typical cost per box (about 25 kg)	Durée du trajet	Idéal pour
Sea freight (shared container)	£60–£120	6–10 weeks (east), 8–12 weeks (west)	5+ boxes, not urgent
Air freight (baggage service)	£130–£260	1–2 weeks	Essentials needed sooner
Express courier	£170–£420	3–6 days	One or two urgent boxes
Excess airline baggage	£70–£200	Same day	One extra case on your flight

Indicative 2026 prices, door to door. Remote areas cost more.

Container cargo ship sailing — Boxes to Canada usually sail to Montreal or Halifax.

Sea freight: best for several boxes

Boxes are packed in a shared container from the UK to Montreal or Halifax, then taken inland by rail or truck.

Toronto and Montreal are usually quickest and cheapest.
Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver add rail time.
Hiver can add delays on the St Lawrence route.
Pallets may be cheaper for 10+ boxes. See pallet shipping from the UK.

Canadian customs: the B4 and B4A forms

If you’re moving to Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) lets your used belongings in duty-free, as long as you declare them correctly.

Prepare form B4 (Personal Effects Accounting Document) and a B4A list of goods to follow, including your boxes.
Present both to the border officer when you first arrive.
Keep the stamped copy. You’ll need it to clear the boxes when they arrive.

Missing this step can mean paying duty and taxes on your boxes. Visitors and students should check the rules for temporary residents.

Don’t pack: food, plants, soil, cannabis, firearms, or anything made from protected species.

Aerial view of a container ship — Inland rail takes boxes from the East Coast to Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.

How to save money

Weigh and measure each box.
Use strong boxes filled to the top.
Ship early so your boxes arrive soon after you do.
Choose depot collection if it’s cheaper than home delivery.
Sell or donate heavy, cheap items before you go.

Moving more than a few boxes?

For furniture or 20+ boxes, a shared container removal is often better value. See removals to Canada, moving to Canada from the UK et how to ship luggage internationally.

Sail to Canada

Some cargo ships carry passengers across the North Atlantic. Read cargo ship to Canada from the UK.

Foire aux questions

What is the cheapest way to ship boxes to Canada?

Sea freight in a shared container is usually cheapest for five or more boxes.

How much does it cost to send a box from the UK to Canada?

Roughly £60–£120 per 25 kg box by sea, or £130–£420 by air or courier.

How long does it take to ship boxes to Canada by sea?

About 6–10 weeks to eastern Canada and 8–12 weeks to the west.

What is the B4A form?

The CBSA list of goods to follow, which you present when you first arrive so later shipments enter duty-free.

Do I pay duty on boxes I ship to Canada?

Settlers’ used personal effects are generally duty-free if declared on arrival.

Sail to Canada

Ask us about passenger cabins on cargo ships across the North Atlantic.

Get a voyage quote →

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Steve Joury

Conseiller en voyages Cargo chez Cargoholidays

Passionné par le voyage lent et la mer. Steve connaît la plupart des routes maritimes et des procédures pour découvrir notre beau monde depuis la mer sur un porte-conteneurs. Il a participé à la plupart des voyages, de 7 jours en cargo à 140 jours à bord.

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