Canada is seeing a surge of logistics investment as companies look to tap into its role in North American supply chains and cross-border trade. The country's strategic location makes it an attractive hub for businesses seeking to expand their operations in the region.
The planned acquisition by Japan-based Nippon Express Holdings of Canada's Metro Supply Chain Group is valued at up to $1.6 billion, marking a significant move in the company's strategy to build a global logistics platform. This deal will give Nippon Express a stronger foothold across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K., while expanding its contract logistics capabilities.
Nippon Express is already a major player in the global logistics market, with 739 worldwide locations and more than 33,000 employees. The acquisition of Metro Supply Chain Group will further enhance its presence in North America, enabling it to better serve its customers across the region.
The transaction is expected to close by December, and Nippon officials have stated that it aligns with their long-term strategy to build a global logistics platform. Canada serves as a key gateway market for cross-border freight flows and customer expansion, making it an attractive location for this investment.
Meanwhile, other companies are also investing in logistics infrastructure in Canada. Coca-Cola Canada Bottling is expanding its electric trucking fleet, adding seven Volvo VNR Electric trucks in Quebec and British Columbia.
The additions bring the company's national electric fleet to nearly 40 vehicles, supporting regional delivery routes where predictable operations align with EV capabilities. This move demonstrates the growing importance of electric vehicles in logistics operations.
The Volvo VNR Electric truck is a Class 8 electric vehicle, typically priced around $400,000–$420,000+ each. The company's investment in electric trucks will help reduce its carbon footprint and improve operational efficiency.
Toyota Canada is also investing heavily in logistics infrastructure, with plans to build three new facilities worth over $300 million. The new distribution centers include two Western Canada parts distribution centers and a new head office in Ontario.
The distribution centers are designed to improve service levels for dealerships across Western Canada and enhance access to major transportation corridors. Both facilities are scheduled to begin operations in 2028, marking an important milestone in Toyota's logistics strategy.
U.S.-based Registrar Corp. is also strengthening its regulatory footprint in Canada through the acquisition of consulting firm Dell Tech. This move aims to help companies navigate Health Canada requirements and market access rules, which remain a major barrier for cross-border trade in regulated industries.
