Ocean freight, air freight, customs clearance, and Trans-Pacific logistics — expert freight forwarding for Vancouver and BC importers and exporters, backed by 40+ years of combined experience.
Get a Vancouver Freight QuoteVancouver is Canada's Pacific gateway — the entry and exit point for the majority of Canada's Trans-Pacific trade. The Port of Metro Vancouver is the largest port in Canada and one of the most significant container ports in North America, handling billions of dollars of cargo between Canada and Asia every year. For BC importers and exporters, choosing the right freight forwarding partner in Vancouver determines how efficiently your goods move, how well your customs compliance is managed, and ultimately how competitive your landed costs are. Shippers First provides full-service freight forwarding across Vancouver and British Columbia — ocean, air, customs, and beyond.
No other Canadian city is as strategically positioned for international ocean freight. Vancouver's port infrastructure, rail connections, and proximity to Asian markets make it the natural hub for businesses importing from or exporting to the Asia-Pacific region.
Vancouver's port is connected to the national rail network via CN and CP Rail, enabling efficient inland movement of containers to Alberta, Ontario, and beyond. For businesses importing into Western Canada or using Vancouver as a cross-country distribution hub, this rail connectivity is a major logistical advantage.
Vancouver also benefits from proximity to the US border at Peace Arch and Pacific Highway crossings, making it a natural hub for Canada-US freight forwarding on the West Coast.
British Columbia has two major Trans-Pacific container ports. Understanding the differences helps you and your freight forwarder make the right routing decision for each shipment.
| Factor | Port of Metro Vancouver | Port of Prince Rupert |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity & vessel calls | Largest in Canada — highest number of vessel calls and carrier options | Smaller, fewer vessel calls but purpose-built for efficiency |
| Transit time from Asia | 14–18 days from North Asia | 12–15 days from North Asia — 2–3 days faster |
| Congestion | Higher — can experience delays during peak periods | Lower — significantly less congestion than Vancouver |
| Rail connectivity | CN & CP Rail — broad national network | CN Rail only — direct to Chicago and eastern Canada |
| Best for | Most shippers — widest carrier choice and flexibility | Asia-Canada shippers prioritizing speed or avoiding Vancouver congestion |
Shippers First evaluates both routing options for every Trans-Pacific shipment and recommends the best port based on your cargo, carrier availability, and timeline. For a broader overview of Canada's port options, see our complete ocean freight Canada guide.
Shippers First provides end-to-end freight forwarding for Vancouver importers and exporters — from booking to customs clearance to final delivery anywhere in Canada.
Full and shared container loads on all Trans-Pacific lanes. Competitive rates through established carrier agreements. We handle booking, bill of lading, and all ocean freight documentation.
Time-sensitive and high-value shipments via Vancouver International Airport. Direct services to Asia, the US, and Europe. Compare air vs. ocean freight to find the best fit for your cargo.
CBSA filings, HS tariff classification, duty and tax calculations, and cargo release coordination. We keep your goods moving through Vancouver port without costly customs holds.
Canada-US trucking via BC border crossings — Peace Arch, Pacific Highway, and beyond. Full documentation management for seamless border crossing. Learn about our US-Canada trucking services.
Full visibility from origin to your BC facility. Proactive updates on vessel ETAs, customs status, and delivery scheduling. See how real-time freight tracking works.
Ocean-to-rail, ocean-to-truck, and air-to-road combinations for complex supply chains moving through Vancouver. Learn about multimodal freight in Canada.
Vancouver's geographic position makes it the optimal Canadian gateway for trade with the Asia-Pacific region. Shippers First manages freight on all major Trans-Pacific lanes through both Vancouver and Prince Rupert.
| Origin | BC Port | Est. Ocean Transit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| China (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen) | Vancouver / Prince Rupert | 14–18 days | Highest volume trade lane to Canada |
| Japan / South Korea | Vancouver / Prince Rupert | 10–14 days | Frequent direct services available |
| Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia) | Vancouver | 18–25 days | Growing manufacturing source region |
| India (JNPT, Mundra) | Vancouver | 22–30 days | Via direct or Singapore transshipment |
| Australia / New Zealand | Vancouver | 18–24 days | Via Trans-Pacific routing |
For shipments from Europe or the US East Coast, Montreal or Halifax are typically more efficient gateways. Talk to your Shippers First freight coordinator about the best routing for your specific origin and Canadian destination.
With so many logistics providers operating in the Vancouver market, here is what differentiates Shippers First as a partner for BC importers and exporters.
Ocean freight, air freight, customs clearance, or a full supply chain solution — tell us what you need and we'll deliver a competitive quote across all modes.