Top Freight Forwarders in Canada

Shipping to or from Canada? You’ll need a good freight forwarder to ensure smooth shipping for your goods.

This guide details top freight forwarders for your Canada shipment, from international giants to smaller local businesses, outlining their services, areas of expertise, and industries served. 

Read on to find a Canada freight forwarder that’s right for your business.

List of Major Canadian Freight Forwarders

These freight forwarders serving Canada imports and exports were chosen for their extensive expertise, range of services, and significant contributions to Canada’s logistics ecosystem.

Kuehne+Nagel 

Kuehne+Nagel is a worldwide logistics leader with a strong Canadian footprint, renowned for its vast global network and tailored supply chain solutions.

Services:

• Air, sea, and road logistics
• Warehousing and inventory management
• Customs brokerage

Expertise:

• Perishable logistics through dedicated competence centers
• Pharma and healthcare logistics with temperature-controlled solutions
• Project logistics for oversized and heavy cargo
• High-tech and industrial goods transportation

Regions Served:

The company serves both domestic Canadian markets and international trade lanes, connecting Canada to North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and other global regions.

Industries Served:

Aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, high-tech, perishables, pharma and healthcare.

DHL Global Forwarding

As a part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group, DHL stands out for its global reach and regulatory compliance expertise.

Services:

• Air and ocean freight 
• Temperature-controlled logistics
• Same-day emergency shipments

Expertise:

• Garments-on-hanger solutions for retail
• Renewables logistics: wind, solar, and hydro energy projects
• Custom packaging and value stream mapping for automotive manufacturers.
• Dedicated hazardous goods warehouses and IMO-regulated maritime transportation.

Regions Served: Operates in 180+ countries, with hubs in Canada, the U.S., and Asia.

Industries Served: Automotive, chemicals, retail, pharmaceuticals, and renewables.

DB Schenker

Renowned for its commitment to sustainable, multimodal logistics solutions, DB Schenker is a global powerhouse.

Services:

• Air, ocean, and land transport
• Warehousing and distribution
• Project cargo handling

Expertise:

• CO2 reduction programs
• Compliance with IMO regulations for chemicals

Regions Served: Global presence, focusing on European and North American trade routes.

Industries Served: Energy, engineering, retail, and industrial equipment.

CEVA Logistics

Company Overview: As a member of the CMA CGM Group, CEVA specializes in tailored logistics for complex cargo types.

Services:

• Oversized and temperature-controlled shipping
• Supply chain management
• Customs clearance

Expertise:

• Aerospace and aviation logistics
• Pharma compliance standards
• Automotive supply chains
• Eectronics and high-value goods 

Regions Served: Operates globally, with strong presence in Canada and the US, extensive network in Europe, key operations in China, Southeast Asia, and India, Latin America, and expanding into emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa. 

Industries Served: Healthcare, aerospace, automotive, and technology, consumer goods.

DSV

DSV is a global transport and logistics company offering comprehensive supply chain services. It’s a major player in worldwide logistics operations.

Services:

• Air, ocean, and ground freight
• Contract logistics
• Supply chain operations

Expertise:

• Cold-chain management for temperature-sensitive shipments
• Complex supply chain challenges with robust digital infrastructure
• Predictive analytics tools to identify disruptions and optimize inventory flow at shipment, PO, and SKU levels
• CO2 reporting tools and sustainable warehousing to reduce environmental impact

Regions Served: Serves markets worldwide with a strong presence in Canada, uses strategic hubs to connect to North America, Europe, Asia, and other critical trade routes.

Industries Served: Consumer products, retail, e-commerce, healthcare, automotive, industrial goods.

C.H. Robinson

Company Overview: Known for its tech-driven approach, C.H. Robinson harnesses a vast carrier network to deliver effective logistics solutions

Services:

• Air, ocean, and rail freight
• Freight brokerage
• Customs compliance
• Produce sourcing

Expertise:

• AI-powered platform for real-time visibility, shipment tracking, and predictive analytics 
• North American ground transport optimization: 
• Specialized solutions for fresh supply chains, ensuring products reach shelves quickly while maintaining quality standards.
• Retail supply chain management

Regions Served: Global, with a strong focus on U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade lanes as well as Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.

Industries Served: Food and beverage, retail, and manufacturing.

eShipper

Based in Canada, eShipper offers a digital-first logistics approach integrating freight, warehousing, and fulfillment.

Services:

• Air, ocean, rail, and road shipping
• Inventory management
• E-commerce fulfillment services
• Customs clearance

Expertise:

• SmarteFreight technology for rate comparisons
• SMEs-focused solutions

Regions Served: North America and expanding global partnerships.

Industries Served: E-commerce, retail, and SMBs.

Falcon International Inc.

Falcon International Inc. is a Montreal-based freight forwarder that leverages its global reach through the International Freight Logistics Network (IFLN), allowing it to offer reliable logistics solutions across multiple continents.

Services:

• Oversized cargo transport
• Intermodal shipping, particularly U.S.-Canada routes
• Comprehensive customs clearance services

Expertise:

• Specialized in heavy-lift engineering, providing solutions for transporting exceptionally large or heavy cargo
• 24/7 shipment tracking capabilities

Regions Served: Falcon International operates in over 90 countries, with a strong focus on North America and Europe, ensuring efficient connections to major trading hubs.

Industries Served: Key industries include construction, mining, and industrial equipment.

Manitoulin Global Forwarding

Manitoulin Global Forwarding is a Canadian freight forwarder focusing on international shipping. They pride themselves on their ability to handle nuanced logistics challenges with personalized service, and cater primarily to the North American market.

Services:

• Ocean and air freight 
• Customs clearance
• Tailored project logistics

Expertise:

• Optimal routing solutions for cost efficiency
• Delivering to very remote locations, 

Regions Served: Manitoulin has global service with an emphasis on Asia and Europe.

Industries Served: Agriculture, automotive, and consumer goods 

Golden Jet International Freight Forwarders

Golden Jet International Freight Forwarders provides comprehensive customs brokerage and logistical services. They pride themselves on handling complex international shipments with ease.

Services:

• Air and ocean freight 
• Seamless door-to-door delivery services

Expertise:

• Streamlined cross-border documentation processes to reduce delays and ensuring regulatory compliance
• Handling hazardous goods, adhering to international safety regulations

Regions Served: Golden Jet operates primarily in North America, Asia, and Europe

Industries Served: Retail, manufacturing, and perishables

Cantrans Global Inc.

Cantrans Global Inc. is a growing Canadian freight forwarder known for providing competitive international logistics solutions with excellent customer satisfaction.

Services:

• Air, ocean, and road freight
• Warehousing and inventory management
• Cargo insurance 

Expertise:

• Specializes Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments, ideal for smaller-scale importers and exporters
• Strong customs compliance for emerging markets

Regions Served: Asia, Europe, and South America.

Industries Served: Textile, electronics, and machinery.

The Importance of Top Canadian Freight Forwarders

Canadian freight forwarders play a crucial role in facilitating international trade, helping importers and exporters book customized freight serves, facilitating customs processes, and providing integrated services like warehousing, distribution, and supply chain management. Canada’s strategic position, with access to major international markets through its Atlantic and Pacific gateways, extensive trade agreements, and close economic ties with the United States, all contribute to its status as a formidable global logistics hub.

How Freightos Can Help You Find the Best Freight Forwarder in Canada

Choosing the right freight forwarder is key for maintaining efficient and timely shipments. With the Freightos Marketplace, SMB importers can compare quotes and get competitive rates on all their shipments, choosing from vetted Canada forwarders. Plus, book, manage, and track your shipment all on the platform. 

You’re on your way to smooth Canada imports and exports.