Canada Truckload Market

Canada Truckload Market Size and Share:

The Canada truckload market size was valued at USD 14.22 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, the market is expected to reach USD 24.36 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.70% during 2025-2033.  The market is expanding steadily, supported by strong domestic freight movements, cross-border trade with the United States, and the rapid growth of e-commerce. Advancements in fleet technology, sustainable transportation practices, and improved logistics infrastructure enhance operational efficiency and reliability, fostering healthy competition and service innovation, thereby strengthening the overall Canada truckload market share.

The market is witnessing robust growth driven by several key factors that enhance freight efficiency, meet evolving consumer expectations, and support economic development. The sustained expansion of e-commerce is a major catalyst. Online retail growth generates a continuous need for reliable, flexible, and timely full-truckload deliveries across urban and rural regions. Retailers and logistics providers depend on truckload carriers to handle high shipping volumes, seasonal surges, and last-mile demands efficiently. Strong cross-border trade with the United States significantly boosts truckload demand. Canada’s close economic ties to its southern neighbor require frequent transportation of automotive parts, energy products, agricultural goods, and consumer merchandise. Implementation of trade agreements such as the USMCA simplifies regulatory procedures, ensuring smoother customs clearance and fostering higher freight volumes.

The Canada truckload market growth is also driven by the country’s vast geography and reliance on road-based freight for domestic distribution which makes truckload services indispensable. The mining, energy, and manufacturing sectors depend heavily on truckload capacity to move raw materials and finished goods to markets and ports. Advancements in fleet technology and digital logistics platforms enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. Telematics, route optimization, and electric or low-emission vehicles reduce fuel costs and carbon footprints while improving on-time performance. Additionally, infrastructure investments in highways and logistics hubs, combined with rising consumer demand for perishable and time-sensitive products, further propel market growth. For instance, in October 2024, Hub International, a leading global insurance brokerage, revealed an exclusive broker and referral program alliance with Mas Seguros, the largest trucking insurance broker in Mexico. Effective across the US, Canada, and Mexico, this collaboration aims to strengthen Hub’s cross-border trucking services. Providing coverage for long-haul trucking has traditionally been challenging, and the associated logistics continue to grow more complex. By improving risk coverage for long-haul trucking, an area known for complex logistics, this collaboration facilitates smoother trade flows, encourages fleet expansion, and increases confidence among carriers and freight brokers. Consequently, it aligns with the market’s drivers such as cross-border trade growth, regulatory compliance needs, and secure logistics operations.

Canada Truckload Market Trends:

Technological Advancements

Technological innovations are having a substantial impact on the market outlook by increasing efficiency in operations, decreasing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction. The implementation of telematics and fleet management systems enables trucking companies to track real-time vehicle performance, monitor cargo, and manage routes more efficiently. These systems maximize fuel use, reduce delays, and deliver goods on time, which are essential in the competitive truckload industry. Indeed, fleet management systems have proven to cut down on fuel expenditure, enhancing both sustainability and cost savings. Operations are also being revolutionized through automation. Trucking companies are increasingly turning to automated systems for dispatching and route planning, minimizing the chances of human error and boosting productivity. Predictive analytics are being used to better forecast demand and utilize the fleet, thus decreasing empty miles and lowering operating expenses. Another important innovation is the merging of autonomous vehicle technologies. While still in infancy, autonomous trucks will transform long-haul trucking by mitigating driver fatigue, saving labour costs, and enhancing safety. In January 2025, Verizon Connect introduced two technology solutions to enhance fleet safety and regulatory compliance. Extended View Cameras provide near-360-degree visibility, while the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) streamlines vehicle inspections. These technologies are improving fleet operations, optimizing safety, and ensuring more efficient management for fleets across the United States and Canada.

Expansion of Manufacturing and Trade

Manufacturing and trade growth are among the most significant drivers of the Canada truckload market trends because they enhance the need for transportation services to transport products throughout the nation and globally. As manufacturing in Canada expands, sectors such as automotive, food & beverage (F&B), retail, and electronics need reliable and effective transportation to supply raw materials and finished goods. Truckload services play a critical role in fulfilling the logistics requirements of such industries, more so for long-haul deliveries. Increased trade, particularly with the US, has also stimulated the demand for trucking services. Trade treaties such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) have created more efficient cross-border trade, which has contributed to increased quantities of goods moved by truck. The truckload market takes advantage of growing volumes of time-sensitive and high-value products like automotive components, machinery, and perishable products that need to be moved in direct, continuous shipments to ensure quality and timely delivery. This puts a premium on quick and efficient truckload services to support the timely restocking of inventories and smooth supply chains. Recent data indicate that in December 2024, service imports declined by 1.2% to USD 18.2 Billion, while exports of services improved by 0.8% to USD 18.1 Billion. This exchange change underscores the significance of trucking in easing seamless cross-border and international flow of goods and thus fueling market growth.

Canada Truckload Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the Canada truckload market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on type of truckload, cargo type, distance, and vertical.

Analysis by Type of Truckload:

• Full Truckload (FTL)
• Less-than-Truckload (LTL)
• Intermodal Trucking

Full Truckload dominates the market due to its efficiency for high-volume shipments and cost savings for long-distance hauls. Businesses moving large, uniform loads prefer FTL for faster transit times, reduced handling, and minimal risk of damage. Canada’s vast geography and robust cross-border trade with the US further boost demand for FTL services, making it ideal for industries like manufacturing, retail, and agriculture that regularly ship full-capacity loads across provinces and international borders.

Less-than-Truckload holds a significant position as it allows multiple shippers to share trailer space, optimizing transportation costs for smaller shipments. Growing e-commerce, small businesses, and regional distribution networks drive the need for flexible shipping solutions. LTL’s ability to consolidate goods efficiently across Canada’s expansive network supports frequent, cost-effective deliveries. Its appeal lies in catering to diverse shipment sizes while maintaining reliable service levels, making it essential for companies that require consistent yet economical freight movement without needing a full truck.

Intermodal trucking leads by integrating road and rail transport to provide cost-effective, eco-friendly freight solutions. Canada’s extensive rail infrastructure and key ports make intermodal ideal for long-distance and cross-border trade. Rising fuel costs, sustainability goals, and regulatory pressures encourage shippers to combine trucking’s flexibility with rail’s efficiency. This approach reduces congestion and carbon emissions while improving reliability and scalability, making intermodal trucking a preferred option for industries seeking lower transportation expenses and greener supply chain strategies in the market.

Analysis by Cargo Type:

• General Freight
• Refrigerated Goods
• Hazardous Materials
• Bulk Goods
• Automotive and Industrial Components

General freight represents the largest share of the market because it encompasses a wide variety of goods, from consumer products to industrial supplies, requiring consistent transportation across provinces and cross-border routes. The growth of retail, e-commerce, and manufacturing drives steady demand for flexible, full-capacity trucking solutions. Its versatility and ability to serve multiple industries make general freight a cornerstone of Canadian logistics, ensuring reliable movement of everyday goods and supporting both domestic trade and international exports efficiently.

Refrigerated goods hold a leading position due to Canada’s strong agricultural, seafood, and pharmaceutical sectors that demand temperature-controlled transport. Fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods, and medical supplies require strict cold-chain logistics to maintain quality and safety standards. Rising consumer preference for fresh and frozen products, combined with growing cross-border trade of perishable goods with the US, continues to boost refrigerated truckload demand, making it indispensable for maintaining product integrity during long-distance and time-sensitive deliveries across Canada’s diverse climate zones.

Hazardous materials maintain a substantial market share because of Canada’s extensive energy, mining, and chemical industries that rely on specialized truckload transport for chemicals, fuels, and industrial materials. Stringent safety regulations and the need for skilled handling create consistent demand for certified carriers. According to the Canada truckload market forecast, these shipments are critical for power generation, manufacturing, and resource extraction. With increasing industrial activities and strict compliance requirements, hazardous material trucking remains vital for supporting Canada’s economic sectors while ensuring the secure movement of sensitive and potentially dangerous goods nationwide.

Analysis by Distance:

• Short Haul
• Long Haul

Short-haul trucking is expected to hold a significant share of the market because it supports frequent regional deliveries essential for retail distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, and perishable goods transport. Urbanization and the need for rapid replenishment of supermarkets, warehouses, and manufacturing plants drive steady short-distance freight demand. Short-haul routes enable faster turnaround times, reduced fuel costs, and efficient operations within key economic hubs. Additionally, the growth of just-in-time inventory systems and last-mile delivery services reinforces the importance of short-haul trucking, ensuring timely movement of goods between distribution centers, ports, and urban markets across Canada’s densely populated metropolitan regions.

Long-haul trucking maintains a dominant share due to Canada’s vast geography and strong cross-border trade with the United States. It is critical for transporting goods over extended distances between provinces and international markets. Long-haul services accommodate large volumes of general freight, raw materials, and specialized cargo across supply chains that span thousands of kilometers. The integration of advanced telematics, fuel-efficient fleets, and regulatory compliance ensures cost-effective, reliable long-distance operations. Growing e-commerce demand for nationwide distribution and the need to connect remote production areas with major urban centers further strengthen the role of long-haul trucking in sustaining Canada’s trade and economic growth.

Analysis by Vertical:

• Retail and E-commerce
• Automotive
• Oil and Gas
• Manufacturing and Industrial Goods
• Agriculture and Food Processing
• Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

Retail and e-commerce drive a substantial share of the market due to rising online shopping and omnichannel retail strategies. Consumers demand faster delivery and constant product availability, prompting retailers to rely on truckload services for efficient nationwide distribution. Seasonal sales peaks, such as holiday shopping, further boost freight volumes. E-commerce fulfillment centers require frequent restocking of goods across provinces, while big-box retailers and supermarkets depend on dependable trucking to maintain inventory. The expansion of last-mile logistics and advanced supply chain networks solidifies retail and e-commerce as major contributors to consistent truckload demand across Canada’s diverse geographic regions.

Canada’s automotive industry supports a large portion of truckload activity, driven by extensive vehicle production, parts manufacturing, and cross-border trade with the United States. Just-in-time inventory systems demand reliable trucking to transport raw materials, engines, and components between suppliers and assembly plants. Automotive exports and imports rely on full truckload and less-than-truckload services to maintain production schedules and meet dealer demand. The concentration of automotive hubs in Ontario and Quebec, combined with the need for specialized equipment and time-sensitive delivery, ensures the automotive sector remains a critical source of freight volumes, strengthening its leading role in the Canada truckload market outlook.

The oil and gas sector commands a prominent share of the market by supporting exploration, drilling, and refining operations, particularly in energy-rich regions like Alberta. Heavy equipment, machinery, pipes, and hazardous materials require dependable trucking for transportation to and from production sites. Fluctuating energy demand and ongoing infrastructure projects create consistent freight movement of refined products and raw materials. Specialized carriers equipped for hauling hazardous and oversized loads are essential to meet strict safety and regulatory standards. The industry’s scale and reliance on overland logistics secure oil and gas as a major driver of truckload shipping activity nationwide.

Regional Analysis:

• Ontario
• Quebec
• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Others

Ontario’s Canada truckload market demand is fueled by its status as the country’s largest manufacturing and population center. The province hosts extensive automotive production, technology hubs, and a thriving retail and e-commerce sector requiring frequent shipments. Proximity to major US border crossings, such as Windsor–Detroit, supports robust cross-border trade and just-in-time logistics. Agricultural produce from southern Ontario and the strong demand from distribution centers in the Greater Toronto Area create steady freight volumes. Infrastructure investments, including highway upgrades and intermodal facilities, further enhance trucking efficiency, making Ontario a central hub for domestic distribution and international truckload transportation.

Quebec benefits from a diversified economy encompassing aerospace, manufacturing, and agricultural exports, driving strong truckload shipping needs. The province’s strategic access to Atlantic ports supports international trade, while cross-border routes to the northeastern United States sustain high freight traffic. Montreal and Quebec City serve as key logistics hubs, accommodating e-commerce growth and supplying regional retailers. Food processing, forestry products, and seasonal agricultural goods require efficient truck transport year-round. Government infrastructure initiatives, including port expansions and highway improvements, streamline freight movement. Combined with growing urban populations and industrial output, these factors firmly establish Quebec as a vital component of Canada’s truckload market.

Alberta’s truckload market is powered by its robust oil and gas sector, which demands heavy equipment and hazardous material transport for drilling and refining operations. Agricultural exports such as grains and livestock add substantial shipping volumes across Canada and to the United States. Industrial projects, construction materials, and machinery require consistent trucking to remote regions. Alberta’s central role in western Canadian energy infrastructure fuels specialized freight services. Expanding warehousing and distribution centers in Calgary and Edmonton cater to retail and e-commerce, enhancing regional logistics networks. The combination of energy, agriculture, and growing consumer markets makes Alberta a key driver of truckload demand.

British Columbia’s strategic Pacific Coast location positions it as Canada’s gateway to Asian markets, driving significant truckload activity through the Port of Vancouver. International container traffic feeds domestic distribution and cross-country shipments. Forestry, mining, and seafood industries generate steady freight needs, while the province’s strong technology and film sectors require specialized transport services. E-commerce growth in urban centers like Vancouver and Victoria fuels high-frequency deliveries, supported by intermodal connections to the rest of Canada and the US Infrastructure enhancements, including highway and port expansions, improve efficiency. These combined economic strengths secure British Columbia’s prominence in the market.

Competitive Landscape:

The Canada truckload market features a diverse and competitive landscape with established carriers, regional specialists, and technology-driven logistics providers vying for market share. Major national players such as TFI International, Day & Ross, and Bison Transport leverage extensive fleets and integrated networks to serve cross-country and cross-border freight demands. Regional operators focus on niche services like refrigerated goods, hazardous materials, and short-haul routes, offering tailored solutions for specific industries. Digital freight platforms and load boards, including cross-border specialists, are intensifying competition by improving pricing transparency and load matching. Strategic partnerships, fleet modernization, and investments in sustainability and telematics technologies remain critical differentiators, enabling carriers to meet regulatory standards while maintaining efficiency and expanding their presence in the market.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the Canada truckload market with detailed profiles of all major companies.

Latest News and Developments:

• August 2025: Trimac Transportation acquired Searcy Trucking, a Winnipeg-based flatbed and heavy haul carrier with over 120 trucks and 170 trailers. The deal enhances Trimac’s flatbed, LTL, and specialized transport services across Western Canada and the US Midwest. Searcy will retain its name and leadership team.
• June 2025: Cargado expanded its cross-border freight marketplace into Canada, enabling cargo movement across Canada, the US, and Mexico. Since April 2024, it has gained 200+ logistics clients and 900+ carriers. Cargado also launched a market rates tool, offering real-time, lane-level pricing data for cross-border freight.
• May 2025: DP World opened a new freight forwarding office in Mississauga, Ontario, expanding its Canadian footprint. The office offers integrated logistics services, enhancing supply chain efficiency. It supports various industries and aligns with DP World's global growth strategy, with further Canadian expansions planned for Montreal, Calgary, and the Maritimes.
• May 2025: Premier Bulk Systems acquired Longhorn Transportation, expanding its bulk liquid hauling operations to Canada’s east coast. Based in New Brunswick, Longhorn adds petroleum, asphalt, and chemical transport to Premier’s network. The acquisition strengthens Premier’s position following its 2021 purchase by Heniff Transportation Systems.
• January 2025: Canada Cartage announced its agreement to acquire Walmart Canada’s fleet business, Walmart Fleet ULC. The move enhances Canada Cartage’s fleet outsourcing capabilities and supports Walmart’s strategic focus on retail expansion. The acquisition includes employees and assets, ensuring continuity while offering growth opportunities for both companies.
• November 2024: Canada Cartage revealed plans to acquire Coastal Pacific Xpress (CPX), a premier provider of temperature-controlled freight services headquartered in Surrey, British Columbia. This purchase strengthens Canada Cartage’s refrigerated transportation and logistics network across Western Canada and the United States, broadening its nationwide reach and boosting service capabilities for the food and grocery industries.

Canada Truckload Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Canada truckload market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Canada truckload market.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Canada truckload industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.