The transportation and logistics sector in Canada is a cornerstone of the country’s economy, playing a critical role in the movement of goods across vast distances and connecting markets both domestically and internationally. With an expansive geography and a thriving trade relationship with the United States, the sector encompasses a wide range of jobs, from truck drivers and warehouse workers to supply chain managers and logistics coordinators. As Canada’s industries continue to grow, so too does the demand for efficient and reliable transportation services.
This makes the sector an essential part of the economy, supporting everything from e-commerce to manufacturing and resource extraction industries. The increasing complexity of global trade, alongside advancements in technology and infrastructure, has further boosted the demand for skilled professionals in transportation and logistics.
In 2025, there is a notable growing demand for workers in this field, especially as Canada’s workforce faces aging demographics and labor shortages in key areas. Immigrants, in particular, are a vital part of filling these gaps, with many sectors actively seeking skilled workers from abroad. The Canadian government has designed various immigration pathways, such as the Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), to attract talent to critical industries like transportation and logistics. Understanding salary structures and career prospects is crucial for newcomers aiming to build successful careers in this sector.
With roles spanning entry-level positions to management roles, salary expectations can vary significantly. Knowing what to expect in terms of hourly wages and annual salaries, depending on the role and region, can help immigrants make informed decisions about job opportunities and career growth. With strategic planning and a clear understanding of the market, immigrants can successfully navigate this thriving industry and contribute to its continued success in Canada.
Transportation And Logistics Jobs In Canada For Immigrants
The transportation and logistics sector in Canada offers a wide range of job opportunities for immigrants, spanning various skill levels and industries. As the demand for goods movement and supply chain efficiency grows, these roles provide a stable and rewarding career path. Here are some of the most common types of transportation and logistics jobs available for immigrants:
1. Truck Drivers
- Long-Haul Truck Drivers: Canada’s trucking industry is essential for moving goods across vast distances, with long-haul drivers traveling nationwide or across international borders. The job requires specialized licenses (e.g., Class 1 or Class A) and offers competitive compensation due to the demands of the job and time spent on the road.
- Hourly Wage: $20 – $35 per hour, depending on experience and the routes driven.
- Annual Salary: $45,000 – $70,000 per year, with the potential for more depending on the distance traveled and employer.
- Local and Regional Truck Drivers: These drivers typically work within a specific region and return home more frequently. While the pay is often slightly lower than for long-haul drivers, it offers more stability and better work-life balance.
- Hourly Wage: $18 – $30 per hour.
- Annual Salary: $40,000 – $55,000 per year.
2. Warehouse and Distribution Workers
- Warehouse Workers: These roles involve sorting, packing, and organizing goods within distribution centers or warehouses. Forklift operators and inventory managers are common roles in this category, requiring specific skills and certifications.
- Hourly Wage: $16 – $25 per hour, based on experience and location.
- Annual Salary: $35,000 – $50,000 per year.
- Warehouse Managers: Managers oversee daily warehouse operations, including staff supervision, inventory management, and logistics coordination. They ensure efficient flow within the warehouse to meet production and shipment targets.
- Hourly Wage: $25 – $40 per hour.
- Annual Salary: $50,000 – $75,000 per year.
3. Logistics Coordinators
- Logistics coordinators are responsible for ensuring smooth operations in the supply chain. This role involves managing the transportation of goods, scheduling shipments, and working with suppliers and customers to ensure timely deliveries.
- Hourly Wage: $18 – $30 per hour.
- Annual Salary: $40,000 – $60,000 per year.
4. Supply Chain Managers
- Supply chain managers oversee the entire logistics process, ensuring products flow seamlessly from manufacturers to end customers. They manage supplier relationships, handle procurement, and optimize operational efficiencies across various levels.
- Hourly Wage: $25 – $45 per hour.
- Annual Salary: $65,000 – $100,000 per year, with higher salaries for those in senior roles or with specialized expertise.
5. Transportation Managers
- Transportation managers supervise fleets of trucks, ensuring that logistics operations run efficiently, drivers follow safety protocols, and schedules are adhered to. They often handle budgeting, route optimization, and compliance with regulations.
- Hourly Wage: $30 – $50 per hour.
- Annual Salary: $60,000 – $85,000 per year.
6. Customs Brokers
- Customs brokers handle the import/export process by ensuring that shipments comply with Canadian customs laws and regulations. They are responsible for filing documentation, paying duties and taxes, and ensuring shipments clear customs.
- Hourly Wage: $25 – $35 per hour.
- Annual Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 per year.
7. Dispatchers and Planners
- Dispatchers assign drivers to specific routes and manage delivery schedules. They ensure that trucks are loaded properly, deliveries happen on time, and customers receive accurate information. Dispatchers also handle any problems or delays that arise during transit.
- Hourly Wage: $17 – $28 per hour.
- Annual Salary: $40,000 – $55,000 per year.
8. Transportation Engineers
- Transportation engineers work on designing and optimizing transportation systems, including roads, railways, and airports. They help plan infrastructure improvements and contribute to reducing traffic congestion and improving safety.
- Hourly Wage: $35 – $55 per hour.
- Annual Salary: $70,000 – $100,000 per year.
9. Shipping and Receiving Clerks
- Clerks in this role manage incoming and outgoing shipments, ensuring that all products are properly labeled, packaged, and documented. They play an essential role in the accuracy of inventory tracking and shipments.
- Hourly Wage: $15 – $20 per hour.
- Annual Salary: $30,000 – $45,000 per year.
10. Fleet Maintenance Technicians
- Fleet maintenance technicians are responsible for ensuring the maintenance and repair of vehicles used in transportation, such as trucks and trailers. Their work ensures that vehicles are operational and compliant with safety standards.
- Hourly Wage: $20 – $30 per hour.
- Annual Salary: $45,000 – $60,000 per year.
Factors Affecting Salary Structures
Salaries in the transportation and logistics industry can vary depending on several key factors:
Experience Level: Entry-level positions will generally pay less than senior or managerial roles. Workers with years of experience or specialized training (such as for hazardous material handling) can expect higher wages.
Geographic Location: Salaries can vary across provinces, with major urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal typically offering higher wages due to the cost of living and higher demand for services.
Employer Type: Large corporations and multinational companies may offer higher wages and more benefits compared to smaller local businesses, especially in logistics management and supply chain roles.
Job Specialization: Niche roles, such as customs brokers, fleet maintenance technicians, and transportation engineers, may command higher salaries due to specialized skills and education requirements.
Pathways to Employment in Transportation and Logistics
Canada’s transportation and logistics sector offers diverse job opportunities, and for immigrants, there are several pathways to gain employment in this dynamic industry. These pathways involve a combination of immigration programs, work experience, education, and certifications, all of which play a role in securing a successful career in the field. Here’s an overview of the main routes immigrants can take to enter the transportation and logistics industry in Canada:
1. Immigration Programs
Canada offers several immigration pathways tailored to skilled workers, making it easier for immigrants to work in the transportation and logistics sector. These programs are designed to attract individuals with specific skills that are in high demand across the country.
Express Entry System: The Express Entry system is one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers, including those in transportation and logistics. Immigrants with experience in truck driving, supply chain management, logistics coordination, or related fields may qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class. Applicants are awarded points based on factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and job offers.
- Requirements: Minimum one year of skilled work experience, proficiency in English or French, and educational credentials (can be foreign).
- Processing Time: Typically 6 months for the application process after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Many provinces have tailored programs that target workers in specific industries, including transportation and logistics. For example, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta are actively seeking skilled professionals in trucking, warehousing, and supply chain management through PNP streams.
- Requirements: Provincial nomination or job offer from an employer in the region.
- Benefits: Additional points for Express Entry and a quicker pathway to permanent residence.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): For immigrants who may not qualify for permanent residency right away, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program provides a temporary pathway to employment in Canada. This program allows workers to fill positions in areas such as transportation, warehousing, and distribution while they work toward obtaining permanent residence.
- Requirements: A job offer from a Canadian employer, and the employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire a foreign worker.
- Duration: Work permits under this program are usually issued for 1-2 years, with potential extensions.
2. Work Experience and Education
Having relevant work experience and education is key to securing a job in the transportation and logistics industry. Many employers in Canada prefer candidates with local work experience, but immigrants can gain the necessary experience through various routes.
Licenses and Certifications: Some positions, such as truck drivers and forklift operators, require specific certifications and licenses. For instance:
- Class 1 or Class A Driver’s License: This is required for long-haul trucking in Canada.
- Forklift Certification: Required for roles like warehouse workers and inventory managers.
- Supply Chain and Logistics Certifications: Certifications such as the Certified Supply Chain Management Professional (CSCMP) or Logistics Associate certification can improve an applicant’s chances of getting hired.
Canadian Educational Credentials: For many logistics and management roles, a college or university degree in fields such as business administration, logistics management, or supply chain management is often preferred. Many institutions in Canada offer diploma, degree, and certification programs for newcomers looking to build their qualifications.
- Program Options: Colleges and universities across Canada offer programs specifically for logistics, such as the Logistics and Supply Chain Management Program or Transportation Engineering courses.
- Recognition of Foreign Credentials: Immigrants can apply for credential recognition through organizations like World Education Services (WES) to have their international qualifications assessed and recognized by Canadian standards.
3. Employer Sponsorship and Job Offers
Many immigrants secure jobs through employer sponsorship, where a Canadian employer offers a job and supports the worker’s immigration application. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is often required for the employer to hire a foreign worker through this route, which demonstrates that there is a need for the employee that cannot be met by the local labor market.
- Job Offer: Having a job offer from a Canadian employer, especially in high-demand positions such as truck drivers, logistics coordinators, and warehouse managers, can significantly increase your chances of success in the immigration process.
- LMIA: Employers must demonstrate to the Canadian government that hiring an immigrant will not negatively impact the local job market.
Tip: Networking within the transportation and logistics industry through online platforms like LinkedIn, attending job fairs, or joining professional associations can help secure a job offer.
4. Training and Skills Development Programs
Training and skills development programs can enhance an immigrant’s employability in the transportation and logistics industry. Canada offers various government and community-run programs designed to help newcomers gain skills and certifications that are directly applicable to the workforce.
- Language Programs: Improving proficiency in English or French can greatly enhance an immigrant’s chances of securing a job in this field. Language programs such as Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) or French language programs can help newcomers gain the communication skills needed in the Canadian workplace.
- Government-Funded Employment Services: Programs like Immigrant Employment Councils offer career counseling, skills training, and workshops that help immigrants navigate the Canadian job market. These services can connect immigrants to employers and help them with resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
5. Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
For newcomers with limited local experience, internships, apprenticeships, or volunteer roles are great ways to gain relevant experience and establish a professional network. Many logistics companies offer internships to recent immigrants or those who have recently completed educational programs. These roles allow newcomers to develop skills and gain insight into the Canadian work environment, often leading to full-time employment after the internship ends.
- Volunteer Roles: Volunteering for community organizations or logistics events can help build local experience and enhance a resume for newcomers entering the workforce.
Regional Job Opportunities
Canada’s transportation and logistics sector is not limited to its major cities, offering job opportunities across the country, especially in regions with high demand for goods movement and distribution. Each province and territory has its unique needs, driven by the local economy, industries, and trade routes. Understanding regional job opportunities in transportation and logistics is essential for immigrants, as certain areas may provide better prospects depending on your skills and career aspirations.
1. Ontario
- Key Areas: Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Mississauga, and Windsor
- Industry Focus: Ontario is Canada’s economic powerhouse and one of the most populous provinces. The region offers a wide range of job opportunities in transportation and logistics, especially in urban areas like Toronto and Mississauga, which serve as major transportation hubs for the country.
- Key Roles: Truck drivers, supply chain managers, logistics coordinators, warehouse workers, and customs brokers.
- Salary Range: Warehouse workers earn between $18 and $30 per hour, while senior supply chain managers and logistics coordinators can earn up to $100,000 annually.
- Growth Opportunities: Ontario’s proximity to the U.S. border facilitates cross-border trade, creating a constant need for logistics professionals in warehousing, distribution, and transportation.
2. British Columbia
- Key Areas: Vancouver, Surrey, Kelowna, and Victoria
- Industry Focus: British Columbia is a key entry point for goods arriving from Asia and other Pacific countries, making its transportation and logistics sector vital for international trade. Vancouver, as a major port city, provides numerous opportunities in maritime transport, freight forwarding, and distribution services.
- Key Roles: Long-haul truck drivers, freight forwarders, shipping coordinators, and logistics analysts.
- Salary Range: Truck drivers can expect to earn around $22 to $35 per hour, while supply chain and logistics managers earn between $60,000 and $90,000 annually.
- Growth Opportunities: As e-commerce and trade continue to rise, so does the demand for skilled workers in warehousing, supply chain management, and distribution services. The growing real estate and construction industries also create a need for logistics support.
3. Alberta
- Key Areas: Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge
- Industry Focus: Alberta is known for its resource-driven economy, with significant activities in oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing. The demand for transportation and logistics workers is high, particularly in roles related to the transportation of resources, construction materials, and machinery.
- Key Roles: Equipment operators, truck drivers (oil and gas), warehouse managers, and logistics coordinators.
- Salary Range: Warehouse and distribution workers earn between $17 and $28 per hour, while logistics managers can earn between $60,000 and $85,000 annually.
- Growth Opportunities: With ongoing infrastructure development and natural resource extraction, Alberta offers opportunities for those with experience in heavy equipment transport, warehousing, and supply chain logistics.
4. Quebec
- Key Areas: Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau, Trois-Rivières
- Industry Focus: Quebec’s transportation and logistics industry is centered around Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, which is a major hub for trade with Europe. The province also boasts a strong aerospace, manufacturing, and agricultural sector, all of which require robust logistics and transportation systems.
- Key Roles: Truck drivers, logistics planners, warehouse workers, and supply chain managers.
- Salary Range: Truck drivers earn between $18 and $30 per hour, with warehouse managers earning around $50,000 to $75,000 annually.
- Growth Opportunities: Quebec’s international trade, particularly with Europe, as well as the province’s booming e-commerce sector, creates a demand for supply chain experts and transportation professionals. Additionally, Montreal is home to a significant number of distribution centers, increasing job opportunities in logistics management.
5. Manitoba
- Key Areas: Winnipeg
- Industry Focus: Manitoba, centrally located in Canada, serves as a transportation hub for goods moving across the country. Winnipeg is a key city in the region’s logistics and transportation sector, with major railways and roadways converging there. The province is also known for its agricultural industry, which relies heavily on logistics for distribution.
- Key Roles: Transport truck drivers, warehouse supervisors, supply chain specialists, and logistics coordinators.
- Salary Range: Entry-level positions in warehouses pay between $16 and $20 per hour, while logistics coordinators and managers can expect salaries from $45,000 to $70,000 annually.
- Growth Opportunities: With the rise of agriculture exports and manufacturing industries, Manitoba’s demand for transportation and logistics workers is expected to grow. Additionally, the province’s focus on green energy and technology presents new opportunities in sustainable logistics.
6. Nova Scotia
- Key Areas: Halifax, Sydney
- Industry Focus: Nova Scotia’s logistics sector revolves around maritime trade, with the Port of Halifax being one of the busiest on Canada’s East Coast. The province also has a strong tourism and seafood industry, requiring transportation services for goods distribution.
- Key Roles: Maritime transport workers, truck drivers, warehouse clerks, and customs brokers.
- Salary Range: Maritime workers typically earn $20 to $30 per hour, while logistics professionals in managerial roles can earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually.
- Growth Opportunities: Nova Scotia’s emphasis on increasing exports and port traffic, particularly in the shipping and seafood industries, ensures a steady demand for logistics professionals.
7. Saskatchewan
- Key Areas: Regina, Saskatoon
- Industry Focus: Saskatchewan’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, mining, and energy, with transportation and logistics playing a critical role in moving goods from farms and mines to processing plants and global markets. The province is also seeing growth in construction and infrastructure projects, driving demand for logistics professionals.
- Key Roles: Agricultural transport drivers, logistics coordinators, warehouse workers, and supply chain managers.
- Salary Range: Truck drivers in Saskatchewan earn around $18 to $30 per hour, while experienced logistics professionals can make between $55,000 and $75,000 annually.
- Growth Opportunities: The expanding agricultural export market and ongoing mining projects create continuous demand for skilled workers in the transportation and logistics sectors.
8. Newfoundland and Labrador
- Key Areas: St. John’s, Corner Brook
- Industry Focus: Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy is centered on resource extraction, including oil, gas, and mining, which requires specialized transportation and logistics support. The fishing and tourism industries also create steady demand for logistics and transport services.
- Key Roles: Oil and gas transport drivers, warehouse operatives, logistics specialists, and truck drivers.
- Salary Range: Warehouse workers earn between $16 and $22 per hour, while logistics managers earn approximately $55,000 to $75,000 annually.
- Growth Opportunities: With a focus on resource extraction and energy development, Newfoundland and Labrador offer opportunities for truck drivers, supply chain specialists, and logistics managers.
Conclusion
The transportation and logistics sector in Canada offers a wealth of opportunities for immigrants in 2025, driven by a growing demand for skilled workers across various roles. From truck drivers to logistics coordinators, there is a broad spectrum of positions available across the country, particularly in regions like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. Understanding salary structures, job market trends, and regional demands is crucial for newcomers seeking to secure stable, long-term employment in this field.
