Montreal’s Most Reliable Ocean Freight Partners for Containers & Logistics
Preface: Why Choosing the Right Shipping Line Matters
In the global trade world, shipping lines are the backbone of international logistics, especially in a trading hub like Canada.
Whether you’re a business in Montreal exporting maple products or a manufacturer in Toronto importing auto parts, your supply chain’s success relies heavily on the shipping line you partner with.
Ocean freight remains the most economical method for transporting large volumes over long distances. Containers, both 20ft and 40ft, are the standard, but services now include temperature-controlled (reefer), oversized cargo, and express options.
So, who are the top players helping Canada move goods across the globe?
Let’s explore the 10 most popular and trusted shipping line companies serving Canadian ports like Montreal, Halifax, and Vancouver, sorted by popularity and trustworthiness.
1. MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company
- Founded: 1970, Geneva, Switzerland
- Fleet: 800+ vessels
- Countries Served: 155+
- Popularity in Canada: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Quality & Reliability: High – Known for speed and sustainability
- World Ranking: #1 by TEU capacity
- Website: msc.com
- Booking/Tracking: MyMSC Portal
✅ Why It’s Great for Montreal:
Frequent service from the Port of Montreal to Europe, Asia & South America. Their intermodal service integrates seamlessly with Canadian rail.
2. Maersk Line
- Founded: 1904, Denmark
- Fleet: 700+ vessels
- Countries Served: 130+
- Popularity in Canada: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Quality & Reliability: Very High – Digital-first experience
- World Ranking: #2
- Website: maersk.com
- Booking/Tracking: Maersk Booking System
✅ Why Montreal Uses Maersk:
Excellent digital tools, fast customs clearance, and strong Montreal-to-Europe service via Atlantic routes.
3. CMA CGM Group
- Founded: 1978, Marseille, France
- Fleet: 620+ vessels
- Countries Served: 160+
- Popularity in Canada: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Quality & Reliability: Excellent – Strong environmental focus
- World Ranking: #3
- Website: cmacgm.com
- Booking/Tracking: eBusiness Platform
✅ What Makes It Stand Out:
Large Canadian presence in Montreal and Vancouver. Offers integrated trucking and warehousing solutions.
4. Hapag-Lloyd
- Founded: 1970, Germany
- Fleet: 260+ ships
- Countries Served: 129
- Popularity in Canada: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Quality & Reliability: Very High – Well respected in North America
- World Ranking: #5
- Website: hapag-lloyd.com
- Booking/Tracking: Online Business Suite
✅ Why It’s Trusted in Canada:
Regular Montreal service with transparent pricing and strong local customer support.
5. ONE – Ocean Network Express
- Founded: 2017, Japan (joint venture)
- Fleet: 200+ vessels
- Countries Served: 120+
- Popularity in Canada: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Quality & Reliability: Modern fleet, digital savvy
- World Ranking: #6
- Website: one-line.com
- Booking/Tracking: eCommerce Portal
✅ Unique in Canada:
Bright pink containers are hard to miss! Excellent Asia-Pacific routes, especially for Vancouver and Montreal importers.
6. COSCO Shipping Lines
- Founded: 1961, China
- Fleet: 500+ vessels
- Countries Served: 140+
- Popularity in Canada: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Quality & Reliability: Good – Fast growth, improving tech
- World Ranking: #4
- Website: coscoshipping.com
- Booking/Tracking: eBusiness Portal
✅ Why It’s Cost-Effective in Montreal:
Affordable rates and solid service for Chinese/Asian routes.
7. Evergreen Line
- Founded: 1968, Taiwan
- Fleet: 210+ vessels
- Countries Served: 114+
- Popularity in Canada: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Quality & Reliability: Reliable schedules, improving booking systems
- World Ranking: #7
- Website: evergreen-marine.com
- Booking/Tracking: ShipmentLink
✅ Montreal Benefit:
Reliable for Asian to East Coast Canada trades.
8. Yang Ming Marine Transport
- Founded: 1972, Taiwan
- Fleet: 90+ vessels
- Countries Served: 70+
- Popularity in Canada: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Quality & Reliability: Medium – But improving services
- World Ranking: #9
- Website: yangming.com
- Booking/Tracking: E-Tracking Portal
✅ Why It’s Growing in Montreal:
Affordable option for startups or smaller shippers.
9. HMM Co. Ltd. (Hyundai Merchant Marine)
- Founded: 1976, Seoul, South Korea
- Fleet: 100+ vessels (including some of the world’s largest container ships)
- Countries Served: 80+
- Average Price: $$ – Balanced pricing for long-haul routes
- Popularity in Canada: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Quality & Reliability: Very high – Excellent schedule adherence
- World Ranking: #9
- Website: www.hmm21.com
- Booking/Tracking: HMM e-Service Portal
✅ Why Canadian Shippers Trust HMM:
HMM provides direct routes from Asia to Canadian ports, especially Vancouver, with a growing presence on the East Coast including Montreal via transshipment hubs. Known for its high-efficiency megaships and commitment to sustainability, HMM is a reliable choice for importers/exporters needing consistent service and competitive transit times.
10. OOCL – Orient Overseas Container Line
- Founded: 1969, Hong Kong
- Fleet: 120+ vessels
- Countries Served: 70+
- Popularity in Canada: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Quality & Reliability: Good – Integrates well with Canadian freight
- World Ranking: #8
- Website: oocl.com
- Booking/Tracking: My OOCL Center
✅ Solid Choice for Canadian Logistics:
Often used in Port of Halifax and Montreal for tech & auto imports.
📦 Bonus: What to Consider When Choosing a Shipping Line in Canada
- Port Access – Choose carriers with regular services from Montreal, Halifax, or Vancouver.
- Transit Time – Maersk and MSC usually lead for speed.
- Booking Experience – Look for intuitive platforms and local support.
- Container Tracking – Real-time visibility is a must.
- Rates – Compare prices for both FCL and LCL depending on volume.
🔍 Final Thoughts: Best Container Shipping for Montreal Businesses?
If you’re in Montreal, your top bets are MSC, Maersk, and CMA CGM—with Hapag-Lloyd as a trusted alternative. They all offer powerful logistics support, fast customs clearance, and frequent departures from Port of Montreal.
🔗 Need Help Booking a Container?
As a Canadian truck and transport service, we’re ready to help you move your cargo from port to warehouse, coast to coast.
✅ Reach out now for a free consultation or container quote.
