Commercial LCL shipping from Canada to Czech Republic
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 Ostrava and Prague. The rate starts at USD 2 per cubic foot to Prague, and the carrier estimates 37–47 days in transit depending on the gateway and the city.
Note the Ostrava weight rule in the tariff: 1 CBM is counted as 500 kg, so heavy shipments are charged by weight sooner. Used household goods are free of duty and VAT under the EU transfer-of-residence relief; personal effects are accepted on carrier approval.
Prague is a major centre for international companies, and Brno and Ostrava have growing automotive and engineering industries, so commercial shipments of parts and equipment are common. Czech customs applies EU rules, and importers need an EORI number. For household goods, register your residence with the Foreign Police or your municipality before the cargo arrives.
Czech importers declare goods with an EORI number and, if registered, their Czech VAT number (DIČ). Duty follows the EU Common Customs Tariff for the HS code of each invoice line, and Czech import VAT at the standard 21 % is charged on the customs value plus duty. Prague, Brno, Plzeň and Ostrava host many manufacturers, so commercial cargo from Canada often means machine parts, tools and samples: give each line a clear description and a value that matches the payment.
Commercial cargo rates to Czech Republic
| Destination | From Toronto | From Montreal | From Vancouver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prague | USD 3 / cu ft 37 days · min. USD 370.96 | USD 2 / cu ft 37 days · min. USD 335.64 | USD 5 / cu ft 47 days · min. USD 441.60 |
| Ostrava | USD 3 / cu ft 37 days · min. USD 370.96 | USD 3 / cu ft 37 days · min. USD 370.96 | USD 5 / cu ft 47 days · min. USD 441.60 |
Example: a small commercial shipment from Montreal to Prague
- A few cartons (0.4 CBM, 80 kg): USD 335.64
- One pallet, 120 × 100 × 150 cm, 350 kg (1.8 CBM): USD 392.15
- Two such pallets (3.6 CBM, 700 kg): USD 519.30
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 Czech Republic.
Which Canadian gateway: one pallet to Prague
- From Toronto: USD 455.73, about 37 days
- From Montreal: USD 392.15, about 37 days
- From Vancouver: USD 582.88, about 47 days
Montreal is the least expensive gateway to Prague, Toronto the fastest: 0 days quicker for USD 63.58 more. Choose the warehouse you can reach; from other Canadian cities the calculator shows the lowest of the three.
One pallet to different cities in Czech Republic
- Prague: USD 392.15 from Montreal, about 37 days
- Ostrava: USD 455.73 from Toronto, about 37 days
The difference between the least and the most expensive of these is USD 63.58.
Dense goods are charged by weight: 1 CBM of tiles or metal parts weighing 800 kg costs USD 335.64 to Prague, against USD 335.64 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 Czech Republic 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 Czech Republic. 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 Czech Republic
- Commercial Invoice Required
- Personal Effects / Household Goods On Approval
- Subject to ISPM 15 Packing Regulations
- OSTRAVA RATE BASIS: 1 CBM / 500 KGS
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 Czech Republic.
Shipping to Czech Republic by service
- All shipping to Czech Republic: rates and destinations
- Personal effects shipping to Czech Republic from Canada
A1 services from Canada: Ocean LCL shipping, personal effects, commercial cargo, air freight (on request).
Questions and answers
How much does it cost to ship a pallet to Czech Republic?
One pallet of 120 × 100 × 150 cm weighing 350 kg from Montreal to Prague costs about USD 392.15 including all A1 fees. Destination charges, duties and taxes are confirmed separately.
Which documents does a commercial shipment to Czech Republic need?
A commercial invoice and a packing list, plus anything the carrier conditions for Czech Republic 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.