Commercial LCL shipping from Canada to Bulgaria
Samples, spare parts, stock for a small shop or goods for a customer abroad do not need a whole container. A1 ships commercial cargo in shared ocean containers (LCL) from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to Sofia and Varna. The rate starts at USD 4 per cubic foot to Sofia, and the carrier estimates 38–48 days in transit depending on the gateway and the city.
EU rules apply. Used household goods of people transferring their residence from outside the EU are free of duty and VAT after twelve months abroad. A commercial invoice is required for every shipment, and personal effects are accepted on carrier approval.
Bulgarians returning from Canada often send household goods and gifts; under EU rules, goods sent between private individuals are duty-free only up to a modest value, so larger personal shipments should be declared as transfer of residence with proof of the move. Varna is the natural choice for the Black Sea coast and Burgas; Sofia for the west, Plovdiv and the mountain resorts.
Commercial cargo rates to Bulgaria
| Destination | From Toronto | From Montreal | From Vancouver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia | USD 4 / cu ft 38 days · min. USD 472.76 | USD 4 / cu ft 38 days · min. USD 476.92 | USD 6 / cu ft 48 days · min. USD 533.43 |
| Varna | USD 7 / cu ft 38 days · min. USD 839.47 | USD 7 / cu ft 38 days · min. USD 849.39 | USD 9 / cu ft 48 days · min. USD 887.23 |
Example: a small commercial shipment from Toronto to Sofia
- A few cartons (0.4 CBM, 80 kg): USD 472.76
- One pallet, 120 × 100 × 150 cm, 350 kg (1.8 CBM): USD 519.30
- Two such pallets (3.6 CBM, 700 kg): USD 773.61
The totals include the A1 processing fee, surcharges and solar fee. The carrier charges by volume or by weight (1,000 kg per CBM), whichever is greater. Destination charges are confirmed by the carrier before you pay; customs duties and taxes are paid by the importer in Bulgaria.
Which Canadian gateway: one pallet to Sofia
- From Toronto: USD 519.30, about 38 days
- From Montreal: USD 519.30, about 38 days
- From Vancouver: USD 646.46, about 48 days
Toronto is both the least expensive and the fastest gateway to Sofia. Choose the warehouse you can reach; from other Canadian cities the calculator shows the lowest of the three.
One pallet to different cities in Bulgaria
- Sofia: USD 519.30 from Toronto, about 38 days
- Varna: USD 839.47 from Toronto, about 38 days
The difference between the least and the most expensive of these is USD 320.17.
Dense goods are charged by weight: 1 CBM of tiles or metal parts weighing 800 kg costs USD 472.76 to Sofia, against USD 472.76 for 1 CBM at 200 kg.
Documents for commercial cargo
- Commercial invoice. Our commercial invoice (PDF): seller and buyer, a clear description of each item, quantity, unit value, total value, currency and country of origin. HS codes help customs in Bulgaria classify the goods.
- Packing list. The packing list (PDF) gives the pieces, packed dimensions and gross weight of every pallet, crate or carton, matching the invoice.
- Customs value. The customs value of the shipment may not exceed CAD 2,000.
The importer's details that the carrier conditions below ask for (tax or registration numbers) go on the invoice and the booking. More help: commercial shipping documents.
Pallets and crates
Commercial cargo travels palletized or crated. Wood packaging must be ISPM 15 heat-treated and stamped, or the cargo can be refused at the destination. Stack the cartons squarely on the pallet, no wider than the pallet itself, and stretch-wrap and strap them; label every piece with the consignee's name and city in Bulgaria. You deliver the cargo, already palletized or crated, to our receiving warehouse in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver: A1 does not offer pickup and does not palletize. The warehouse measures and weighs the cargo, and the final price follows those measurements.
Carrier conditions for Bulgaria
- Commercial Invoice Required
- Personal Effects / Household Goods On Approval
- Subject to ISPM 15 Packing Regulations
How to book
Calculate the price in the calculator above with the cargo type "Commercial cargo", accept the quote and upload the commercial invoice and packing list on your booking page. After the carrier confirms the destination charges, you pay and receive the labels and the warehouse delivery instructions. Sending your own belongings rather than goods? See personal effects shipping to Bulgaria.
Shipping to Bulgaria by service
Questions and answers
How much does it cost to ship a pallet to Bulgaria?
One pallet of 120 × 100 × 150 cm weighing 350 kg from Toronto to Sofia costs about USD 519.30 including all A1 fees. Destination charges, duties and taxes are confirmed separately.
Which documents does a commercial shipment to Bulgaria need?
A commercial invoice and a packing list, plus anything the carrier conditions for Bulgaria require. The customs value of the shipment may not exceed CAD 2,000.
Does A1 pick up or palletize the cargo?
No. You deliver the cargo, already palletized or crated, to our receiving warehouse in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver.
Rates valid through December 25, 2026; totals include A1 fees of USD 265.00. Destination charges are confirmed by the carrier, duties and taxes are paid by the consignee, and transit days are the carrier's estimate.