The Port of Montreal's tariff is the official list of fees charged by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) for using the port, mainly harbour dues and berthage charged to vessels and wharfage charged on cargo. Terminal handling, storage and other container charges are set separately by terminal operators and shipping lines. Rates are updated regularly, so always check the current tariff on the MPA's website.
Key takeaways
- Port authority fees (harbour dues, berthage, wharfage) are published in the MPA tariff.
- Terminal and shipping-line fees (terminal handling, storage, demurrage, detention) are separate.
- Most shippers see port costs as line items on the shipping line's or forwarder's invoice.
- The biggest avoidable costs are usually storage and per diem, not the tariff itself.
Why Montreal matters
The Port of Montreal is Eastern Canada's main container port and a key gateway for trade with Europe and the Mediterranean. It sits about 1,600 km inland on the St. Lawrence River, closer to Ontario, Quebec and the US Midwest than coastal ports. Its container terminals are operated by Termont and Montreal Gateway Terminals, with a new terminal planned at Contrecoeur.
Main charges in the MPA tariff
| Charge | Paid by | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Harbour dues | Vessel | Use of the harbour, usually based on vessel size |
| Berthage | Vessel | Time spent alongside a berth |
| Wharfage | Cargo (through the carrier) | Cargo passing over the wharf, often per container or per tonne |
| Infrastructure / security fees | Cargo or vessel | Port investment and security programs, where applicable |
| Other services | Various | Water, waste, special handling |
The tariff sets the exact rates, units (per container, per tonne, per gross tonnage) and exemptions. Download the current version from the Montreal Port Authority before budgeting.
Charges outside the port tariff
| Charge | Set by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal handling (THC) | Terminal operator / shipping line | Loading and discharging containers |
| Storage | Terminal operator | Daily fee after free time on terminal |
| Demurrage | Shipping line | Full container kept at the port beyond free time |
| Detention / per diem | Shipping line | Container kept outside the terminal beyond free time |
| Drayage | Trucking company | Moving the container to and from the port |
See our guide to container storage, demurrage and detention in Canada.
How to keep Port of Montreal costs down
- Clear customs before arrival so containers can leave inside free time.
- Book drayage early. Montreal carriers such as Blueway Logistics, Nijjar Transport, Ocean AA Trucking and Transplus are listed in the Montreal directory.
- Use pre-pulls to move containers to a carrier's yard before storage starts.
- Return empties on time to avoid per diem.
- Compare routings. Halifax or Saint John may suit some cargo better; see Halifax port tariffs and Saint John port fees.
Frequently asked questions
Who sets the Port of Montreal tariff?
The Montreal Port Authority publishes the port tariff, which covers harbour dues, berthage, wharfage and related fees.
Do shippers pay harbour dues?
Harbour dues are charged to vessels. Shippers usually pay wharfage and other cargo fees indirectly through the shipping line or forwarder.
Where can I find the current Port of Montreal tariff?
On the Montreal Port Authority's official website, which publishes the current tariff and any updates.
Are terminal storage fees part of the port tariff?
No. Storage is charged by terminal operators, and demurrage and detention are charged by shipping lines.
How can I avoid storage charges at the Port of Montreal?
Clear customs early, book drayage before the vessel arrives and pick up containers within free time.