# Hay from Canada: 45-Day Transport Journey to Switzerland **Category:** Country Report | **Source:** [Partner] move logistics | **Published:** 2026-08-31 | **Updated:** 2026-09-12 **Tags:** kanada, schweiz, heu, landwirtschaft, containertranspor, futtermangel, seefracht, trockenheit, Logistik News, Transport News, Fracht News, Speditions News, Supply Chain News, Zoll News, Frachtportal News, Schienentransport, Digitalisierung, Zoll > Hay from Canada is suddenly becoming interesting for Swiss farmers. The approximately 45-day transport chain runs via rail, ship, and truck. --- The summer 2026 drought is hitting Swiss agriculture hard. On many farms, hay is already being fed that was actually intended for winter. The Swiss Roughage Association estimates that between 600,000 and 800,000 tonnes of feed could be lacking in the coming winter. Normally, Switzerland sources additional hay primarily from France, Germany, or Italy. However, quantities are also scarce there. According to the Roughage Association, parts of southern Germany have only 30 to 50 percent of normal yields available. In France, new quantities are barely obtainable, and Italy has been largely bought out in a short time. This is why hay from Canada is now becoming interesting. At Canadian exporter Barr-AG in Alberta, the first containers are being prepared for Swiss buyers. The hay is heavily compressed. This is the only way to load sufficient goods into a container and make the long transport economically viable. The planned transport chain begins in Olds in the province of Alberta. From there, the containers travel by rail to Montreal. After that, they go by container ship to Antwerp and finally by truck to Switzerland. The entire route is expected to take approximately 45 days. The fact that such a transport is worthwhile at all is due to high hay prices and favorable return transports. In North America, many empty containers need to be returned to Europe or Asia. At the same time, sufficient space is available on certain vessels. According to reports, imported hay cost around 22 Swiss francs per 100 kilograms in spring. In the meantime, prices of up to 40 francs are being charged. The federal government lowered the border levy for hay and grass silage as of August 1, 2026. The goods must still be properly declared at customs. For corresponding feed imports, a general import permit may also be required. --- For freight portal users For freight forwarders, this is not a straightforward standard transport. Containers must be booked in time, and the rail connections in Canada as well as the transshipment in Montreal and Antwerp must be carefully coordinated. With a planned transit time of 45 days, reserves are necessary. Ship delays, missed rail connections, or delayed customs clearance can quickly add further days. Shippers should also pay attention to humidity, cargo securing, and thorough container inspection. Wet or contaminated hay can become unusable. Before placing an order, import permits, customs declarations, commodity quality, and potential phytosanitary requirements must be verified. Demurrage and detention charges should also be factored into the calculation. These are fees that apply when containers remain at the port or with the recipient for too long. In short: Canadian hay can help close the gap somewhat, but it is not a quick emergency delivery. Planning, documentation, and a reliable transport chain are crucial. --- First hay containers for Swiss buyers are being prepared in Alberta. A confirmed total quantity of Canada imports has not been disclosed to date. The planned route runs from Olds by rail to Montreal. From Montreal, shipment continues by vessel to Antwerp and subsequently by truck to Switzerland. The total transport time is estimated at approximately 45 days. The roughage association expects 600,000 to 800,000 tonnes of feed shortage. According to SRF, imported hay now costs up to 40 francs per 100 kilograms. Border tariffs for hay and grass silage were reduced effective August 1, 2026. Feed imports must continue to be properly declared to customs. Swiss freight operator Zgraggen Transport had not yet imported Canadian hay at the time of the SRF report. ## Related Entities ### Countries - [Switzerland](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/ch) - [Canada](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/ca) ### Seaports - [Montreal (CA MTR)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/montreal-port-ca-mtr) - [Antwerpen (BE ANR)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/antwerpen-port-be-anr) ### Glossary - [Container](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/container) - [Export](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/export-2) - [Exporter](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/exporter) - [Sea freight](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/sea-freight) - [transport chain](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/transport-chain) - [Goods](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/goods) - [Customs duty](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/customs-duty) - [At-Sea Port Operations](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/at-sea-port-operations) - [Sea freight](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/sea-freight-2) - [Warehouse](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/warehouse) - [container ship](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/container-ship) - [Compulsory stockpile (mandatory reserve)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/compulsory-stockpile-mandatory-reserve) - [National economic supply (Switzerland)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/national-economic-supply-switzerland) --- *Canonical URL: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/news/heu-aus-kanada-45-tage-transport-bis-in-die-schweiz-20260831180309](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/news/heu-aus-kanada-45-tage-transport-bis-in-die-schweiz-20260831180309)* *Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/news/en/heu-aus-kanada-45-tage-transport-bis-in-die-schweiz-20260831180309](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/news/en/heu-aus-kanada-45-tage-transport-bis-in-die-schweiz-20260831180309)*