Simard

What Simard does

Simard is a privately held, asset-based Canadian transportation, warehousing, and logistics provider founded in 1943 and headquartered in Lachine, Quebec. The company operates a modern fleet of more than 1,500 vehicles (including 6-wheel and 10-wheel tractors, 48-ft and 53-ft trailers, container chassis, B-trains, and LCVs) and over 1,000,000 square feet of warehouse space across 10 terminals and distribution centers in Montreal, Toronto (Sim-Tran Ontario), and Vancouver (Simard Westlink). Its service lines span Full Truckload, Less-Than-Truckload, container drayage, intermodal transport, and dedicated transport, complemented by public, dedicated, and customs-bonded warehousing and an "Asset-Right" third-party logistics offering that layers its own fleet over a network of specialized partner carriers to extend coverage across all of North America.

The company's operating layer is built on a proprietary Transportation Management System and Warehouse Management System, integrated with full-featured Electronic Data Interchange (ANSI X12, UN/EDIFACT, XML, UDF, CSV; documents 204, 210, 214, 315, 940–945, 990, 997, CUSCAR/CUSRES/CUSREP) and supported by GPS tracking, geofencing, RFID, and the SIMAccess interactive client portal. Vertical specialization spans aerospace, agri-food, automotive, retail, general freight, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, tobacco, and apparel. Certifications include SmartWay, C-TPAT, and partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency.

Simard sells through a sales-led go-to-market model — direct enterprise field sales for multinational accounts, inside sales and a request-a-quote web funnel for mid-market and SMB, plus the SIMAccess portal for post-sale service — under quote-based, multi-year contract pricing. Recent strategic priorities are fleet electrification (four Freightliner eCascadia units deployed July 2023 with Cléo/Hydro-Québec and GLOBOCAM; Peterbilt 579EV units via the Port of Vancouver ELECTRA pilot in 2026) and capacity expansion (the 86,000 sq ft Brampton bonded facility relocated February 2021). Leadership: Don Birch, Chief Executive Officer.

Name

Simard

Legal name

Simard

Website

https://simard.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1943

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Simard is a privately held Canadian asset-based 3PL founded in 1943 that provides transportation, warehousing, and logistics services across Canada and North America from 10 terminals in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, serving manufacturers, retailers, and multinational shippers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Logistics Services

NAICS

Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510), Support Activities for Transportation (488), Specialized Freight Trucking (4842), Other Support Activities for Transportation (4889)

SIC

Trucking (No Local) (4213), Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialized Equipment Transport (Flatbed, Step-Deck, Lowboy, Car Carrier) (TLAIAMAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Value-Added Services in Bond (Kitting, Labeling, Repacking, Light Assembly) (TLALAGAI), Truck & Trailer Parking/Storage Yards (TLALAKAB)

Keywords

• Transportation services
• Warehousing logistics
• Truckload brokerage
• Supply chain management
• Freight forwarding

Headquarters

HQ city

Lachine

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Transportation Services (FTL, LTL, Container, Intermodal, Dedicated): Simard generates revenue primarily through transportation services including Full Truckload (FTL), Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), container drayage/intermodal, and dedicated transport. The company operates over 1,500 vehicles and leverages both its own asset-based fleet and a network of specialized asset-based partners, enabling coverage across Canada and all of North America.
2. Warehousing and Storage Services: Revenue from short, medium, and long-term warehousing solutions including public warehousing, dedicated warehouse management, and customs bonded container de-stuffing. With over 1 million square feet of warehouse space across 10 terminals and distribution centers in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
3. Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Simard's 'Asset-Right' logistics services use the company's own fleet when appropriate while leveraging a vast network of specialized asset-based partners. Revenue is generated through logistics management, distribution optimization, and supply chain integration services managed through the TMS platform.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Simard is an asset-based Canadian logistics provider offering integrated transportation, warehousing, and supply chain management services. The company operates a modern fleet of 1,500+ vehicles across FTL, LTL, container, intermodal, and dedicated transport modes, complemented by 1 million+ square feet of warehouse space across 10 terminals in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. Logistics services are delivered through an Asset-Right model combining proprietary fleet with a network of specialized partners, supported by proprietary TMS, WMS, and EDI platforms and the SIMAccess client portal.

Product overview

Simard is an asset-based logistics provider offering integrated transportation, warehousing, and logistics services across Canada since 1943. The company operates a modern fleet of over 1,500 vehicles and manages 10 terminals with over 1 million square feet of warehouse space in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. The core product portfolio includes Transport Services (FTL, LTL, dedicated, intermodal, and container drayage), Warehousing Services (public, dedicated, and bonded options), and Logistics Services (Asset-Right model combining proprietary fleet with partner network). Technology platforms supporting operations include the Transportation Management System (TMS) for route optimization and real-time tracking, Warehouse Management System (WMS) for inventory control, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for B2B document exchange, and the SIMAccess Client Portal for customer self-service. Recent innovation includes deployment of electric eCascadia trucks as part of fleet electrification strategy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Transport Services Core transportation services including Full Truckload (FTL), Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), dedicated transport, intermodal transport, and container drayage across Canada and North America from Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver terminals. Targeted at businesses requiring freight movement services.
• Warehousing Services Over 1 million square feet of warehouse space across Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver offering public, dedicated, and bonded warehousing options including customs container de-stuffing, transshipment, distribution, and specialized storage. Targeted at businesses needing flexible warehouse capacity.
• Logistics Services Asset-Right logistics services combining Simard's proprietary fleet with a vast network of specialized asset-based partners to cover Canadian and North American markets, managed through the TMS platform. Targeted at businesses seeking supply chain optimization and distribution services.
• SIMAccess Client Portal Interactive online platform enabling clients to track shipments, access personalized dashboards, manage delivery instructions and appointments, view real-time inventory, and run customized reports. Includes public access for freight tracking and authenticated access for account management.
• Electric Truck Fleet (eCascadia) Electric truck fleet offering featuring four Freightliner eCascadia trucks with 438 kWh batteries, providing low-emission transportation services. Includes integrated charging infrastructure deployment via Cléo (Hydro-Québec subsidiary). Targeted at customers seeking sustainable freight transport options.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,500 vehicles in modern fleet and 1,000,000+ square feet of warehouse space across 10 terminals in 3 major Canadian cities
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Transport Canada, Province of British Columbia, Vancouver Fraser Port AuthoritycoreOthers · 17 June 2026The ELECTRA (ELEctric Container TRucking progrAm) pilot received approximately $3 million in combined funding from Transport Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to deploy electric Peterbilt 579EV Class 8 trucks for first-mile container-hauling routes. Five port shipping companies including Simard Westlink receive heavily subsidized 60-month lease terms covering trucks, charging infrastructure, maintenance, and technical support. Data from trucks will be shared with industry and government partners over the next year.
• Simard Westlink (Vancouver subsidiary in ELECTRA pilot)minorOthers · 17 June 2026Simard Westlink is one of five port shipping companies participating in the Port of Vancouver ELECTRA electric truck pilot, receiving subsidized electric Peterbilt 579EV Class 8 trucks for container-hauling first-mile delivery routes. The program provides 60-month heavily subsidized lease terms.
• Cléo (Hydro-Québec subsidiary)coreTechnology or Integration · 20 July 2023Simard partnered with Cleo, a subsidiary of Hydro-Québec, to oversee deployment of charging infrastructure for four eCascadia electric trucks. Cleo provides a turnkey service including dynamic charging management through its smart platform developed in Quebec, remotely controlling charging stations and optimizing electricity costs by managing power demand.
• GLOBOCAMcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 July 2023Simard purchased four Freightliner eCascadia electric trucks through GLOBOCAM, the largest network of heavy truck dealerships in Quebec. GLOBOCAM supported Simard throughout the decision-making process including technical and operational analyses, training, and subsidy application assistance.
• SmartWay (Natural Resources Canada)minorOthersSimard holds SmartWay certification from Natural Resources Canada, recognizing high energy efficiency in commercial transportation operations. SmartWay certification is a government-backed program that helps freight companies measure and improve fuel efficiency.
• C-TPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)minorOthersSimard is a member of C-TPAT, a voluntary supply chain security program led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that recognizes companies demonstrating compliance with supply chain security best practices.
• Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (ATIC/CIFFA)minorOthersSimard is a member of the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (ATIC/CIFFA), the national trade association representing freight forwarders and customs brokers in Canada.
• Ontario Trucking Association (OTA), BC Trucking Association (BCTA), Association du Camionnage du Québec (ACQ)minorOthersSimard holds memberships in the Ontario Trucking Association, BC Trucking Association, and Association du Camionnage du Québec, providing industry advocacy, networking, and professional development.
• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)minorOthersSimard is listed as a member/partner of the Canada Border Services Agency, facilitating customs clearance processes and compliance for international freight moving through Canadian borders.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Day & Ross: Canadian LTL, truckload, dedicated, and logistics provider operating from Atlantic Canada to Western Canada and into the US. Direct competitor on LTL consolidation and dedicated transport with similar multi-region terminal structure.
• Manitoulin Transport: Canadian transportation, warehousing, and logistics company with terminal coverage across all provinces. Closely comparable asset-based mixed service model with adjacent warehouse footprint and similar mid-market customer profile.
• TFI International: Publicly listed Canadian trucking and logistics conglomerate operating LTL, truckload, dedicated, logistics, and fleet management services across North America. Directly comparable to Simard in asset-based transportation, warehousing, and intermodal; materially larger scale and US footprint.
• Challenger Motor Freight: Canadian truckload, LTL, dedicated, and warehousing carrier with significant cross-border operations. Comparable in asset-based FTL, cross-dock warehousing, and North American coverage via partner network.
• Mullen Group: Canadian provider of transportation, warehousing, and logistics services with a large owned fleet and terminal network across Western Canada and the US. Comparable business model and vertical mix (retail, oil & gas, general freight); larger scale and broader US presence.
• Andlauer Transportation Services: Canadian asset-based trucking and logistics provider specializing in dedicated transportation, LTL, and supply chain solutions. Comparable on dedicated transport turnkey model and TMS/WMS-enabled visibility offerings for mid-market shippers.

Broad incumbents

• DSV A/S: Global freight forwarder and logistics provider with significant Canadian road, air, and sea operations, as well as warehousing and contract logistics. Larger global incumbent providing indirect competition on enterprise cross-border contracts.
• Purolator: Canada's largest parcel and freight carrier offering domestic and international shipping, including less-than-truckload freight services. Broader incumbent competing in shared LTL lanes with Simard across Canadian routes.
• Kuehne + Nagel: One of the world's largest freight forwarders and contract logistics providers with contract logistics sites in Canada. Competes with Simard for multinational contract logistics and warehousing RFPs, especially in pharma and aerospace.

Emerging players

• Werner Enterprises: US asset-based truckload and dedicated transportation provider with cross-border Canada service. Comparable as a fleet owner expanding into technology-enabled managed transportation; a potential acquirer or partner for cross-border lanes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance15 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Simard