Canada
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Edmonton
Edmonton is the supply base for Alberta's oil sands and the Canadian north.
Services in Edmonton
- Air freight in EdmontonAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in EdmontonFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in EdmontonImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Edmonton
- AirportEdmonton International
YEG - SeaportPort of Vancouver and Prince Rupertby rail
Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is the main airport of northern Alberta, with freighter operations, express services and passenger flights that carry belly cargo. It serves as the air freight gateway for the oil sands region and the Canadian north, and connects with smaller airports that supply remote communities and work camps. Edmonton has no seaport; ocean freight arrives by rail from the Port of Vancouver or the Port of Prince Rupert, which offers a short sea route to Asia.
Highway 2 links Edmonton with Calgary, Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) runs west towards Prince Rupert and east to Saskatoon, and Highway 63 leads north to Fort McMurray and the oil sands. The Anthony Henday Drive ring road connects the industrial areas. CN operates a major rail yard in Edmonton, connecting the city with Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Central Canada.
Industries in Edmonton and how we support them
Edmonton is the supply base for Alberta's oil sands and the Canadian north, with oil and gas equipment manufacturers, service companies and the petrochemical complex of Alberta's Industrial Heartland north-east of the city. Mining, construction and northern resupply also generate freight. We support these supply chains with air freight under our own air waybills via YEG, Next Flight Out and On-Board Courier for urgent equipment parts, sea freight via Vancouver or Prince Rupert with rail delivery to Edmonton, and dangerous goods handling for chemicals. In winter, we agree freeze protection for sensitive goods.
Operational logistics facts for Edmonton
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Edmonton International Airport (YEG) | Freighter, express and belly cargo | Air freight gateway for northern Alberta |
| Alberta's Industrial Heartland | Petrochemicals and dangerous goods | Supply chains for the chemical industry |
| CN rail yard and intermodal service | Rail containers from Vancouver and Prince Rupert | Inland delivery of sea freight to Edmonton |
| Highway 63 to Fort McMurray | Equipment and supplies for the oil sands | Road access to the oil sands region |
Customs clearance in Canada
Ziem network
Customs clearance in Canada is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
For air freight to and from Canada we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in Canada need a business number with an import-export account and registration in CARM.
Frequently asked questions
Can you send urgent parts for oil sands operations via Edmonton?
Yes. We book Next Flight Out to Edmonton International (YEG) under our own air waybills, submit the customs data before arrival and arrange onward road delivery. For critical parts that must stay under supervision, an On-Board Courier can carry them door to door.
How do you handle dangerous goods by air from Edmonton?
We check the classification, packaging and documentation with you, book carriers that accept the relevant dangerous goods classes and prepare the shipper's declaration. Some substances can only travel on cargo aircraft, which we take into account in the routing.
How do you protect sensitive goods from cold weather in Edmonton?
Between December and February, extreme cold can damage sensitive goods. We agree insulated packaging, keep the time outdoors short and use heated vehicles for pick-up and delivery where required.
Who handles customs clearance for shipments into Edmonton?
Clearance is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, working under the Ziem Logistics brand, to our procedures and with the data we prepare. Declarations are filed with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and you deal only with Ziem Logistics.
Can sea freight via Prince Rupert be cleared in Edmonton?
Yes. Containers can move in bond by rail from Prince Rupert or Vancouver to Edmonton and be cleared there. We agree the clearance location with you before the vessel arrives.
Can equipment be imported temporarily into Canada for a project?
Yes, under certain conditions, equipment can be imported temporarily with full or partial relief of duties, for example under an ATA carnet or a temporary importation procedure. The conditions depend on the equipment and its use, so we check them with you in advance.