Quick answer: Start by confirming that your goods are accepted on the proposed Canada sea service. Then compare the complete quote, prepare a carton-level inventory and agree the handover and delivery endpoints. Sea transport should be planned around the full journey, including preparation and destination handling, rather than a sailing estimate alone.
When a sea enquiry makes sense
Consider discussing sea transport when timing is flexible and the goods are suitable. Explain the recipient's actual deadline and whether the shipment is personal or commercial. The team needs those facts to assess the arrangement.
Do not assume a dedicated container or fixed departure schedule. Ask what service is available for your quantity and packed size.
Check Tianah's sea acceptance policy
The existing Canada sea guidance lists non-accepted categories including perishables, specified animal products, yam and fragile glass items. These are company service-policy statements, not a complete legal summary.
Ask about the exact contents before buying or packing. An item being accepted on another route or transport mode does not establish acceptance here.
Plan the packing record
Number cartons and list what each contains. Include quantities, values and final measurements. The same inventory should be available to the sender and recipient.
Ask for packing guidance suited to the goods. Do not rely on extra wrapping to make a non-accepted fragile item acceptable. Tell the team about liquids or unusual shapes early.
Read the quote as a scope of work
Check whether the price includes origin movement, main transport, destination handling and final delivery. Ask about separately payable charges and who will pay them. Compare another quote only when its endpoints and contents are the same.
For business imports, CBSA's duties and taxes guide is a relevant starting reference. Do not treat a freight quote as an official duty calculation.
Ask about the timing milestones
Ask when the goods must be ready, what begins the estimate and whether it reaches the final address. Keep the recipient informed of the agreed plan. A planned transport milestone should not be represented as completed delivery.
If a business needs goods for a sale period, allow that requirement to shape the enquiry. Do not make commitments to customers using an unconfirmed estimate.
Prepare destination responsibilities
Identify who will answer arrival questions and receive the goods. Keep documents consistent with the cargo. If the recipient changes, inform the team before the delivery stage.
Do not assume that sea transport reduces documentation requirements. The product and transaction still determine what needs checking.
Final booking review
Review the accepted inventory, number of packages, packed size, quote validity and service scope. Keep a copy of the booking reference and update process. If frozen goods are involved, stop and obtain a dedicated cold-chain assessment rather than treating them as ordinary sea cargo.
Frequently asked questions
Can sea freight carry anything that air cannot?
Some service policies differ, but sea is not a workaround for import law. Check the exact item and service.
Is a container included?
Ask which arrangement is available. No dedicated container, size or departure schedule should be assumed.
Can I send perishable food on the general sea service?
Tianah’s published Canada sea policy excludes perishables. Discuss specialist cargo separately before dispatch.
Discuss your shipment
Request a quote from Tianah. Share your item list, origin, full destination, packed weight and dimensions, and preferred date so the team can assess the next step.