Commercial LCL shipping from Canada to Taiwan
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 Kaohsiung, Keelung, and Taichung. The rate starts at USD 4 per cubic foot to Kaohsiung, and the carrier estimates 27–40 days in transit depending on the gateway and the city.
Household goods of returning Taiwanese residents and of foreigners with a resident certificate (ARC) can be imported with duty exemptions for used personal items, declared to Taiwan customs with the passport and an inventory. Agricultural and food products are inspected closely.
Taiwanese importers clear commercial cargo with their uniform business number on the import declaration and pay import duty plus the 5 % business tax (VAT) on arrival.
Commercial cargo rates to Taiwan
| Destination | From Toronto | From Montreal | From Vancouver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaohsiung | USD 5 / cu ft 40 days · min. USD 441.60 | USD 5 / cu ft 40 days · min. USD 441.60 | USD 4 / cu ft 27 days · min. USD 406.28 |
| Keelung | USD 5 / cu ft 40 days · min. USD 441.60 | USD 5 / cu ft 40 days · min. USD 441.60 | USD 4 / cu ft 27 days · min. USD 406.28 |
| Taichung | USD 5 / cu ft 40 days · min. USD 441.60 | USD 5 / cu ft 40 days · min. USD 441.60 | USD 4 / cu ft 27 days · min. USD 406.28 |
Example: a small commercial shipment from Vancouver to Kaohsiung
- A few cartons (0.4 CBM, 80 kg): USD 406.28
- 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 Taiwan.
Which Canadian gateway: one pallet to Kaohsiung
- From Toronto: USD 582.88, about 40 days
- From Montreal: USD 582.88, about 40 days
- From Vancouver: USD 519.30, about 27 days
Vancouver is both the least expensive and the fastest gateway to Kaohsiung. Choose the warehouse you can reach; from other Canadian cities the calculator shows the lowest of the three.
One pallet to different cities in Taiwan
- Kaohsiung: USD 519.30 from Vancouver, about 27 days
- Keelung: USD 519.30 from Vancouver, about 27 days
- Taichung: USD 519.30 from Vancouver, about 27 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 406.28 to Kaohsiung, against USD 406.28 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 Taiwan 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 Taiwan. 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 Taiwan
- Taichung Alcohol/Tobacco Not Accepted
- 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 Taiwan.
Shipping to Taiwan by service
By city: Kaohsiung, Keelung, Taichung.
Questions and answers
How much does it cost to ship a pallet to Taiwan?
One pallet of 120 × 100 × 150 cm weighing 350 kg from Vancouver to Kaohsiung costs about USD 519.30 including all A1 fees. Destination charges, duties and taxes are confirmed separately.
Which documents does a commercial shipment to Taiwan need?
A commercial invoice and a packing list, plus anything the carrier conditions for Taiwan 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.