Commercial LCL shipping from Canada to Tanzania
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 Dar es Salaam. The rate starts at USD 9 per cubic foot to Dar es Salaam, and the carrier estimates 72–82 days in transit depending on the gateway and the city.
Commercial cargo only. Personal effects and household goods are not accepted to Tanzania under the current carrier tariff.
Dar es Salaam is East Africa's second-busiest port and also serves Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda and Burundi. Commercial imports require a Tanzanian importer with a TIN and, for many goods, pre-shipment certification. Since personal effects are not accepted, families relocating to Tanzania should ask us about alternatives.
English and Swahili are both used in Tanzanian business, and documents in English are accepted. Commercial importers should plan for congestion at Dar es Salaam and clear promptly.
Tanzanian trade cargo through Dar es Salaam. The carrier quotes about 72 days from Toronto or Montreal and about 82 days from Vancouver, so plan a Tanzanian order well ahead of the date the buyer needs it. Customs clearance takes place at the point of entry, Dar es Salaam, where the importer's clearing agent takes over. Household goods and personal effects are not accepted, so the service is for commercial goods: equipment, spare parts and supplies for Tanzanian companies or for buyers in neighbouring countries who clear through the port. A complete commercial invoice with HS codes, ISPM 15 pallets, an invoice value of no more than CAD 2,000 and no dangerous goods are the conditions for an A1 booking.
Commercial cargo rates to Tanzania
| Destination | From Toronto | From Montreal | From Vancouver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | USD 9 / cu ft 72 days · min. USD 582.88 | USD 9 / cu ft 72 days · min. USD 582.88 | USD 12 / cu ft 82 days · min. USD 688.84 |
Example: a small commercial shipment from Toronto to Dar es Salaam
- A few cartons (0.4 CBM, 80 kg): USD 582.88
- One pallet, 120 × 100 × 150 cm, 350 kg (1.8 CBM): USD 837.18
- Two such pallets (3.6 CBM, 700 kg): USD 1,409.37
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 Tanzania.
Which Canadian gateway: one pallet to Dar es Salaam
- From Toronto: USD 837.18, about 72 days
- From Montreal: USD 837.18, about 72 days
- From Vancouver: USD 1,027.91, about 82 days
Toronto is both the least expensive and the fastest gateway to Dar es Salaam. Choose the warehouse you can reach; from other Canadian cities the calculator shows the lowest of the three.
Dense goods are charged by weight: 1 CBM of tiles or metal parts weighing 800 kg costs USD 582.88 to Dar es Salaam, against USD 582.88 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 Tanzania 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 Tanzania. 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 Tanzania
- Collect Freight On Approval
- Customs Clearance At Point Of Entry
- Personal Effects / Household Goods 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. Personal effects are not accepted to Tanzania under the current tariff.
Shipping to Tanzania by service
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 Tanzania?
One pallet of 120 × 100 × 150 cm weighing 350 kg from Toronto to Dar es Salaam costs about USD 837.18 including all A1 fees. Destination charges, duties and taxes are confirmed separately.
Which documents does a commercial shipment to Tanzania need?
A commercial invoice and a packing list, plus anything the carrier conditions for Tanzania 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.