The Complete List of Canada’s Leading Logistics & Supply Chain Experts
Canada’s freight forwarding industry connects one of the world’s largest trading nations with global markets. From ocean freight through Vancouver and Montreal to cross-border trucking with the U.S., freight forwarders are the backbone of Canada’s import and export economy.
Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, or e-commerce business, choosing the right freight forwarder can mean the difference between smooth global operations and costly delays.
In this updated guide, we spotlight the top 5 freight forwarding services in Canada for 2025, led by Welke, a Canadian logistics company setting new standards for precision, technology, and customer care.
What Does a Freight Forwarding Company Do?
A freight forwarder coordinates the movement of goods between shippers and carriers — managing the logistics of transport, customs documentation, warehousing, and delivery.
Most forwarders handle:
- Air freight forwarding (for speed and precision)
- Ocean freight forwarding (for large-volume international shipments)
- Ground and intermodal freight (for domestic and cross-border moves)
- Customs brokerage (navigating CBSA and U.S. CBP regulations)
- Warehousing, insurance, and trade consulting
The best companies simplify logistics complexity by offering visibility, compliance, and efficiency at every step.
How We Ranked the Top Freight Forwarding Services in Canada
To create this list, we evaluated dozens of freight forwarders based on:
- Service breadth: air, ocean, and land freight options
- Global network reach
- Technology and transparency (digital tracking, real-time updates)
- Regulatory expertise in Canadian customs compliance
- Customer satisfaction and reliability
- Industry recognition and certifications
1. Welke
A Canadian-owned logistics company redefining freight forwarding through precision, technology, and trust.
Founded in 1985, Welke has evolved from a customs brokerage into a full-service international logistics provider. With over 40 years of experience and 1+ million shipments handled, Welke delivers air, ocean, and land freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and international trade consulting across Canada and the U.S.
What sets Welke apart:
- End-to-end solutions: Freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, cargo insurance, and trade consulting.
- Regulatory excellence: Certified under CTPAT and PIP for trusted global trade compliance.
- Smart logistics technology: The MyWelke Portal provides real-time shipment tracking and transparency.
- Award-winning growth: Recognized by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies.
- Human touch: Still family-owned and operated—blending personal service with innovation.
“We make global logistics feel personal with trust, ease, and even a little bit of joy.” — The Welke Team
🔗 Explore Welke Freight Forwarding Services →
2. Kuehne + Nagel Canada
One of the world’s largest logistics providers with major operations across Canada.
Strengths: Global reach, advanced digital platform (myKN), and strong sustainability initiatives.
Ideal For: Large enterprises with global supply chains.
3. DSV Global Transport and Logistics
A global Danish company with extensive Canadian freight forwarding operations.
Strengths: Fast air freight, project cargo expertise, and responsive customer support.
Ideal For: Manufacturers and importers/exporters seeking flexible multimodal transport.
4. DB Schenker Canada
German precision meets Canadian reliability.
Strengths: Integrated logistics, warehousing, and sustainability commitment.
Ideal For: Corporations needing complex supply chain integration.
5. Livingston International
A trusted Canadian customs brokerage turned full logistics provider.
Strengths: Deep regulatory and cross-border expertise, especially for U.S.–Canada trade.
Ideal For: Businesses needing expert customs and trade compliance services.
How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarder in Canada
Selecting the right logistics partner goes beyond price—it’s about finding a company that delivers consistency, communication, and compliance. Here’s what to look for:
- Proven experience in your trade lanes: Choose a forwarder that regularly handles shipments on your key routes. Experience with your markets means fewer surprises and smoother customs processes.
- Transparent pricing and visibility tools: Reliable partners provide clear quotes and let you track every shipment in real time. Tools like MyWelke help clients see progress, documents, and costs at a glance.
- Strong compliance credentials: Look for certifications such as CTPAT and PIP, along with expertise in Canadian and U.S. customs procedures.
- Personalized customer service: The best logistics companies blend technology with human responsiveness—offering real people who know your business.
- Scalable solutions: As your company grows, your forwarder should adapt with flexible capacity, multimodal options, and global partnerships.
Pro Tip: The best forwarder isn’t always the biggest—it’s the one that understands your business and delivers reliability, transparency, and peace of mind.
Why Canadian Freight Forwarding Expertise Matters
Choosing a Canadian-based freight forwarder offers advantages that go beyond geography—it’s about understanding the local trade environment and regulatory landscape.
Local logistics providers like Welke bring:
- Deep knowledge of Canadian customs and CBSA regulations, ensuring compliance and faster clearance.
- Familiarity with major ports and airports, including Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, and Halifax—optimizing routes and transit times.
- Strong North American cross-border connections, streamlining shipments between Canada and the U.S. through established carrier networks.
- Responsive, bilingual customer service, so communication is clear, timely, and personal.
Together, these strengths mean fewer delays, smoother shipments, and complete peace of mind, especially for businesses that rely on reliable, compliant logistics across borders.
The Bottom Line
Freight forwarding in Canada is evolving rapidly, driven by technology, sustainability, and customer expectations. The companies leading the way are those that combine global logistics capabilities with Canadian expertise.
Among them, Welke stands out for its precision, transparency, and people-first service model.
👉 Get a freight quote or learn more at welke.com