Halifax, Canada
Air freight in Halifax
Ziem Logistics books air freight to and from Halifax via Halifax Stanfield (YHZ). We arrange pick-up and delivery in the Halifax area and prepare the customs entries before the cargo flies. For air freight to and from Canada we issue our own air waybills.
Airports, seaports and connections in Halifax
- AirportHalifax Stanfield
YHZ - SeaportPort of Halifax
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is the main airport of Atlantic Canada, with freighter operations and passenger flights to Europe, the US and Canada. It plays a key role in exporting live lobster and seafood to Asia and Europe, often on dedicated freighter flights. By sea, the Port of Halifax is Canada's main Atlantic container port, with deep, ice-free water and terminals in the south end and at Fairview Cove, and it is often the first North American port of call for vessels from Europe.
Highway 102 links Halifax with the airport and continues to Truro, where it connects with the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 104) towards New Brunswick and Central Canada. Highway 103 serves the South Shore and Highway 118 the Dartmouth side. CN operates rail service from the port terminals to Montreal, Toronto and Chicago.
Operational logistics facts for Halifax
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) | Freighter flights for live seafood, belly cargo | Direct air connections for Atlantic Canada exports |
| Port of Halifax | FCL/LCL containers, deep ice-free harbour | Often first North American port of call from Europe |
| CN rail from the port | Rail containers to Montreal, Toronto and Chicago | Inland delivery of sea freight from the Atlantic |
| Nova Scotia seafood industry | Live lobster and fresh seafood exports | Specialised handling for live and perishable goods |
Industries in Halifax and how we support them
Halifax and Nova Scotia are major exporters of seafood, especially live lobster, which is flown to Asia and Europe. The city is also home to Canada's East Coast naval base, a large naval shipbuilding yard and a growing ocean technology sector. We support these supply chains with air freight under our own air waybills via YHZ, temperature-controlled and live animal handling for seafood, Next Flight Out and On-Board Courier for urgent shipbuilding and defence parts, and FCL and LCL sea freight through the Port of Halifax with rail delivery inland. Export and import data is prepared in advance.
Time-critical air freight in Halifax
For time-critical shipments we compare two options: Next Flight Out via Halifax Stanfield (YHZ) on the first suitable flight, or an On-Board Courier who hand-carries the goods to the Halifax area. In both cases the customs entries are prepared in advance.
Booked directly with the airline
For Canada we issue the air waybill ourselves. The booking, the shipment data and the advance cargo information come from one desk, which reduces handovers and keeps the documents consistent.
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 export live lobster from Halifax by air?
Yes. We book carriers with suitable live animal and perishables handling, agree packaging and temperature requirements with you and check the export certificates required by the destination country, usually issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Do you use Halifax Stanfield for imports to Atlantic Canada?
Yes. Halifax Stanfield (YHZ) has flights to Europe, the US and Canada. For routings without direct options, we compare connections via Toronto or Montreal. We book under our own air waybills and arrange delivery across Nova Scotia.
How do winter storms affect air freight via Halifax?
Between December and March, storms can delay or cancel flights. For perishable and time-critical shipments, we monitor the weather, inform you about expected disruption and propose alternative routings or dates where needed.
How do I get a quote for air freight to or from Halifax?
Send us the origin, destination, goods description, weight and dimensions. Our operations desk replies with a routing via Halifax Stanfield (YHZ) and an itemised quote.