Shipping a Container From Canada to Africa: 2026 Pricing, Routes & Timelines

Container shipping from Canada to Africa has matured significantly over the past few years. Direct services from the Port of Montreal now reach all major West and Central African ports in 18 to 35 days, with reliable weekly sailings to Dakar, Cotonou, Lomé, Abidjan and Douala.

Current 2026 rates from Montreal

A 20ft container from Montreal to West Africa runs CAD 4,500-6,500 all-in. A 40ft container is CAD 6,500-9,500. Cargo consolidation is billed per cubic meter — typically CAD 250-450 per CBM depending on destination. Vehicles ship at CAD 1,800-3,500 per unit consolidated, or CAD 4,500-6,500 in a dedicated 20ft.

Dakar 18-22 days · Abidjan 20-26 days · Lomé / Cotonou 22-28 days · Douala 25-32 days · Matadi 28-35 days · Djibouti 30-38 days · Berbera 32-40 days. Add 5-10 days for customs clearance and inland delivery.

Most Canada-to-West-Africa containers ship direct via the St. Lawrence Seaway and Atlantic crossing. East African destinations (Djibouti, Berbera, Mombasa) route through Mediterranean transshipment hubs and the Suez Canal.

Choose FCL if you have a full vehicle, large inventory, or more than 15 CBM of household goods. Choose consolidation if you're shipping a single car, a few pallets, or 1-12 CBM — you'll save 40-60% compared to renting an empty container.

Carrier capacity into West Africa has improved with new vessel deployments, bringing rates down 8-12% versus 2024. Vehicle export remains the most popular use case from Canada, followed by used clothing exports and e-commerce inventory restocking.

If you are planning to ship to Africa, VELOX Logistics offers full container shipping, cargo consolidation, vehicle export and warehousing from Montreal. Contact us today on WhatsApp at +1 514-718-0282 or request a free quote.