Montreal, Canada
Air freight in Montreal
Ziem Logistics books air freight to and from Montreal via Montreal-Trudeau (YUL). We arrange pick-up and delivery in the Montreal 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 Montreal
- AirportMontreal-Trudeau
YUL - AirportMirabel
YMX - SeaportPort of Montreal
Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is the main airport of Quebec, with widebody passenger flights to Europe, Africa and other regions that carry belly cargo, as well as freighter operations. Montreal-Mirabel International Airport (YMX), north-west of the city, is a cargo-focused airport and the site of aircraft assembly. By sea, the Port of Montreal on the St. Lawrence River is one of Canada's main container ports, with a strong focus on transatlantic trade with Europe and direct rail links to Ontario and the US Midwest.
Autoroute 20 and Autoroute 40 run east-west through Montreal, linking it with Toronto via Highway 401 and with Quebec City. Autoroute 15 runs south to the US border and I-87 to New York, and Autoroute 13 and Autoroute 15 connect Mirabel with the city. CN and CPKC operate rail lines that connect the Port of Montreal with Toronto, Chicago and Detroit.
Operational logistics facts for Montreal
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) | Belly cargo to Europe and freighter operations | Main air gateway for Quebec |
| Montreal-Mirabel International Airport (YMX) | Cargo operations and aircraft assembly | Air freight close to the aerospace cluster |
| Port of Montreal | FCL/LCL containers, transatlantic focus | Direct rail links to Ontario and the US Midwest |
| Montreal aerospace cluster | AOG, engine and spare parts | Time-critical handling for aircraft parts |
Industries in Montreal and how we support them
Montreal has one of the largest aerospace clusters in the world, with aircraft and engine manufacturers, flight simulator makers and a wide supplier base, generating constant AOG and spare parts traffic. The city also has a strong pharmaceutical and life sciences sector and is a centre for artificial intelligence research. We support these supply chains with air freight under our own air waybills via YUL and YMX, Next Flight Out and On-Board Courier for AOG parts, temperature-controlled transport for pharma, and FCL and LCL sea freight through the Port of Montreal. Customs data is prepared in advance.
Urgent parts to and from Montreal
When a production line or a project in the Montreal area is waiting for a part, we book Next Flight Out via Montreal-Trudeau (YUL): the shipment goes on the first suitable flight, with the customs data prepared before departure.
For items that cannot wait for regular cargo handling, an On-Board Courier carries the shipment as hand luggage and hands it over in person.
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 handle AOG shipments for aerospace companies in Montreal?
Yes. For aircraft on ground situations, we book Next Flight Out under our own air waybills, submit the customs data before arrival and arrange direct delivery to the hangar or plant. For the most critical parts, an On-Board Courier can carry them door to door.
Do you use Montreal-Trudeau or Mirabel for cargo?
Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) has the widest range of passenger flights with belly capacity, while Mirabel (YMX) handles cargo operations. We choose the airport based on the routing, capacity and delivery address for each shipment.
Do you ship pharma from Montreal under temperature control?
Yes. We agree the temperature range and packaging with you, choose carriers and routings with suitable handling and plan the handovers carefully. For very sensitive or high-value shipments, an On-Board Courier is an alternative.
How do I get a quote for air freight to or from Montreal?
Send us the origin, destination, goods description, weight and dimensions. Our operations desk replies with a routing via Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) and an itemised quote.