Commercial LCL shipping from Canada to Netherlands
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 <a href="/shipping-to/amsterdam-netherlands/">Amsterdam</a> and <a href="/shipping-to/rotterdam-netherlands/">Rotterdam</a>. The rate starts at USD 3 per cubic foot to Amsterdam, and the carrier estimates 13–26 days in transit depending on the gateway and the city.
Moving to the Netherlands. Used household goods are relieved from duty and VAT under the EU transfer-of-residence rules (twelve months living outside the EU, goods owned for six months). The application goes to Dutch Customs (Douane) with your inventory, passport and proof of registration with your new municipality (BSN). Apply before the cargo arrives to avoid storage charges.
Commercial cargo rates to Netherlands
| Destination | From Toronto | From Montreal | From Vancouver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | USD 3 / cu ft 16 days · min. USD 370.96 | USD 3 / cu ft 16 days · min. USD 370.96 | USD 5 / cu ft 26 days · min. USD 441.60 |
| Rotterdam | USD 3 / cu ft 13 days · min. USD 370.96 | USD 3 / cu ft 13 days · min. USD 370.96 | USD 5 / cu ft 23 days · min. USD 441.60 |
Example: a small commercial shipment from Toronto to Amsterdam
- A few cartons (0.4 CBM, 80 kg): USD 370.96
- One pallet, 120 × 100 × 150 cm, 350 kg (1.8 CBM): USD 455.73
- Two such pallets (3.6 CBM, 700 kg): USD 646.46
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 Netherlands.
Which Canadian gateway: one pallet to Amsterdam
- From Toronto: USD 455.73, about 16 days
- From Montreal: USD 455.73, about 16 days
- From Vancouver: USD 582.88, about 26 days
Toronto is both the least expensive and the fastest gateway to Amsterdam. Choose the warehouse you can reach; from other Canadian cities the calculator shows the lowest of the three.
One pallet to different cities in Netherlands
- Amsterdam: USD 455.73 from Toronto, about 16 days
- Rotterdam: USD 455.73 from Toronto, about 13 days
The difference between the least and the most expensive of these is USD 0.00.
Dense goods are charged by weight: 1 CBM of tiles or metal parts weighing 800 kg costs USD 370.96 to Amsterdam, against USD 370.96 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 Netherlands 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 Netherlands. 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 Netherlands
- Commodities not accepted for exports: coins/jewels/precious stones, paintings/art/ antiques, calcium-hypochloride or chloride compounds, metallic mercury or compounds, IMO 1&7, hoverboards, scrap/waste, weapons/ammunition/strategic goods (military/dual use goods), cigarettes, , products
- containing animal ingredient and iron and steel (products) , and products originating from
- Commodities upon request only (subject to prior approval): IMO-cargoes (see g), high value shipments (metals, or otherwise) lithium batteries and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, magnets,electronic goods, alcoholic beverages with an alcohol percentage exceeding 15%, cigars/tobacco/vapes/e-cigar(s)ettes, veterinary and agricultural products, ammonium- nitrate, charcoal/activated carbon/carbon black.
- For some destinations we may require a cargo transport insurance via our insurers.
- Consignee EROI# is required
- Subject to ISPM 15 Packing Regulations
- Personal Effects / Household Goods On Approval
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 Netherlands.
Shipping to Netherlands by service
- All shipping to Netherlands: rates and destinations
- Personal effects shipping to Netherlands from Canada
By city: Amsterdam, Rotterdam.
Questions and answers
How much does it cost to ship a pallet to Netherlands?
One pallet of 120 × 100 × 150 cm weighing 350 kg from Toronto to Amsterdam costs about USD 455.73 including all A1 fees. Destination charges, duties and taxes are confirmed separately.
Which documents does a commercial shipment to Netherlands need?
A commercial invoice and a packing list, plus anything the carrier conditions for Netherlands 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 October 1–31, 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.