What Total Express does

Total Express is a privately held Canadian logistics provider founded in 1992 by Chang H. Choi and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario. The company operates as a multi-modal freight forwarder and integrated 3PL/4PL, offering eight core service lines: ocean freight, air freight, ground freight, warehousing and distribution, Canada customs brokerage, transloading, project cargo management, and contract logistics (4PL). It holds Canada Customs Bonded Sufferance Warehouse licenses in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver — including a 120,000 sq.ft Toronto facility — alongside in-house customs brokerage, trucking equipment, and proprietary technology (a warehouse management system with lot control and FIFO/LIFO processing, a real-time inventory portal, digital proof of delivery, EDI integration, and e-manifest filing). The firm maintains relationships with 14+ ocean liners, 6+ airlines, and 8+ port authorities, and runs direct consolidations through Rotterdam, major China ports, and Busan, with daily flights from China and Korea to Canada.

The business is built around a "One Stop Shop" model that lets customers bundle transportation, customs clearance, bonded storage, transloading, and value-added services under a single provider, including long-term Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) contracts with major manufacturers established since 2005. Pricing is fully custom and quote-based, with no public tiers, and revenue is generated primarily through per-transaction freight/brokerage fees plus managed-services revenue from VMI and 4PL contracts. The go-to-market is sales-led and inbound-driven through the company website's quote form, supported by direct phone engagement, a self-serve shipment tracker, and an inventory web portal.

Ownership and capital structure are notable: the company is fully founder-controlled by Chang H. Choi, with no external investors, PE backing, or M&A activity disclosed. All growth to date — including warehouse expansions, regulatory certifications (CBSA Partners in Protection 2019, Transport Canada Air Cargo Security 2012), and geographic buildout — has been self-funded.

Name

Total Express

Legal name

Total Express

Website

https://totalexpress.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Total Express is a Canadian-founded, founder-owned freight forwarder and 3PL/4PL providing ocean, air, and ground freight, customs brokerage, bonded warehousing, transloading, and project cargo services across Canada with global consolidation lanes into Asia and Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Logistics Services

NAICS

Freight Transportation Arrangement (4885), General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance (48412), Couriers and Express Delivery Services (492110)

SIC

Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731), Trucking & Courier Services (No Air) (4210)

akta.pro primary industry

Customs Brokerage for Ocean Shipments (Import/Export Clearance) (TLACABAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

FCL (Full Container Load) Ocean Forwarding (TLACABAA), Trade Compliance & Ocean Regulatory Services (Sanctions/Export Controls) (TLACABAL), Cross-Border Parcel Consolidators & Injectors (Linehaul + Destination Injection) (TLAAANAF)

Keywords

• Freight forwarding services
• Customs brokerage
• Bonded warehousing
• Project cargo management
• Contract logistics

Headquarters

HQ city

Mississauga

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Freight Forwarding Services: International freight forwarding across ocean, air, and ground transport modes. Revenue is generated through freight fees based on shipment type, volume, and routing. The company offers consolidations to optimize rates for customers.
2. Customs Brokerage Services: Canada Customs brokerage services including customs clearance for all transport modes, importer number registration, HS code determination, duty recovery and drawback, and tariff reviews. Revenue generated through brokerage fees.
3. Warehousing and Distribution: Storage and distribution services through Canada Customs bonded warehouses in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. Includes short-term and long-term customs bonded warehousing with deferred taxes and duties. Value-added services include pick and pack, labeling, lot control, and reverse logistics. Revenue from storage fees and per-transaction service charges.
4. Contract Logistics (4PL) Services: Fourth-party logistics services integrating multiple 3PL services for ongoing or special project needs on a contractual basis. The company dedicates capacity and subject matter experts to specific customer needs, providing operational stability and efficiencies.
5. Project Cargo Management: Specialized project cargo solutions for overweight, oversized, and special requirement cargo. Includes chartered vessels, aircrafts, and trucks; specialized equipment; and door-to-door transportation. Revenue from project-based fees.
6. Transloading Solutions: Transfer of goods between transport modes en route to final destination, with facilities in Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. Transloading from ocean, air, and rail to truck. Revenue generated through transloading service fees.
7. Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI): VMI service allowing Total Express to manage inventory requirements and releases on behalf of shippers/suppliers. Part of the company's VMI Network Hub.
8. Value-Added Services: Sorting, inspection, rework, certification of parts; labeling; and other operational value-added services at warehouse level.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Total Express is an integrated logistics company providing international freight forwarding (ocean, air, and ground), Canada Customs brokerage, Canada Customs bonded warehousing and distribution, transloading, project cargo management for oversized/overweight shipments, and fourth-party logistics (4PL) contract logistics. The company operates as a 'One Stop Shop', combining its own customs brokerage, bonded warehouses, trucking equipment, and proprietary IT systems (WMS, inventory portal, e-manifest filing) to deliver end-to-end supply chain solutions for businesses with cross-border and domestic logistics requirements.

Product overview

Total Express is a Canadian-based global supply chain solutions provider offering an integrated 'One Stop Shop' logistics platform. The company operates eight core service modules: Ocean Freight, Air Freight, Ground Freight, Warehousing & Distribution, Canada Customs Brokerage, Transloading Solutions, Project Cargo Management, and Contract Logistics (4PL). These services work together as a unified offering—freight forwarding services (ocean, air, ground) handle transportation, while customs brokerage enables regulatory compliance, warehousing provides storage and value-added services, transloading facilitates inter-modal transfers, and 4PL contract logistics delivers integrated supply chain management. The company differentiates through strategic assets including Canada Customs bonded warehouses, in-house customs brokerage, trucking equipment, and proprietary technology systems (WMS and inventory portal), all coordinated through a network of offices in Toronto (HQ), Montreal, and Vancouver.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ocean Freight International ocean freight forwarding services including Europe, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia consolidations via major ports (Rotterdam, Busan), with Port-to-Port and Door-to-Door service options, inland drayage, and trucking for businesses with cross-border shipping needs.
• Air Freight Global air freight services with daily flights from China and Korea to Canada, European airport coverage, consolidations, chartered aircraft options, and Terminal-to-Terminal and Door-to-Door service offerings for time-sensitive international shipments.
• Ground Freight North American trucking services including LTL (Less Than Truckload), FTL (Full Truckload), expedited shipping with team drivers and sprinter vans, border crossing assistance, and transloading from air or ocean to ground for cross-border and domestic shipments.
• Warehousing & Distribution Canada Customs Bonded warehouse services in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver with short-term and long-term storage, pick and pack, sorting, inspection, rework, labeling, lot control, reverse logistics, and dedicated 3PL solutions. Backed by WMS and inventory portal for real-time tracking.
• Canada Customs Brokerage Full-service customs brokerage including importer number registration, Non-Resident Importer registration, National Customs Ruling (NCR), commodity classifications, HS code determination, duty recovery and drawback, and tariff reviews for importers bringing goods into Canada.
• Transloading Solutions Transfer of goods between transport modes (ocean, air, rail to truck) at facilities in Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. Enables shipment consolidation, expedited delivery, and flexibility for cross-border and domestic movements.
• Project Cargo Management Specialized solutions for overweight, oversized, and high-value cargo including chartered vessels, aircrafts and trucks, specialized equipment (trucks, trailers, lifts, cranes), door-to-door transportation, inter-modal/multi-modal options, custom loading/offloading plans, and packing/crating/blocking/bracing services for Oil & Gas, Mining, Construction, Energy, and Aerospace sectors.
• Contract Logistics (4PL) Fourth-party logistics service integrating multiple 3PL services including customs clearance, freight forwarding, transportation, warehousing, and distribution across multiple locations. Provides dedicated capacity and subject matter experts on a contractual basis for ongoing or special project needs.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Major Manufacturers (VMI Service Partnerships)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) 3PL service partnerships established with major manufacturers since 2005. Total Express manages inventory requirements and releases on behalf of shippers/suppliers through its VMI Network Hub, creating deep integrated relationships in the supply chain.
• Ocean Liner Carriers (HMM, OOCL, Yang Ming, COSCO, Westwood, CMA CGM, ONE, Maersk, SM Line, TS Line, MSC, Hapag Lloyd, ZIM, Evergreen)coreOthersTotal Express maintains strong relationships with all major ocean liner carriers including HMM, OOCL, Yang Ming, COSCO, Westwood, CMA CGM, ONE, Maersk, SM Line, TS Line, MSC, Hapag Lloyd, ZIM, and Evergreen. These partnerships enable optimal pricing, transit time, and scheduling for ocean freight services across major global shipping lanes.
• Air Liner Partners (Korean Air, American Airlines, Air Canada, Delta Cargo, United Cargo, British Airways)coreOthersPartnerships with top airlines including Korean Air, American Airlines, Air Canada, Delta Cargo, United Cargo, and British Airways. Daily flights from China and Korea to Canada are facilitated through these relationships. Strong airline relationships allow for optimal pricing, transit time, and scheduling for air freight services.
• Port Partners (Montreal Port, Prince Rupert Port, Seattle & Tacoma Port, Vancouver Port, Hamilton Port, Port of New York/New Jersey, GCT Deltaport, Port of Long Beach)coreOthersEstablished relationships with major port authorities including Montreal Port, Prince Rupert Port, Seattle & Tacoma Port, Vancouver Port, Hamilton Port, Port of New York/New Jersey, GCT Deltaport, and Port of Long Beach. These partnerships support the company's transloading, in-bond transfers, and multi-modal logistics operations.
• Global Agent and Carrier NetworkcoreOthersRobust global network of trusted agents and carriers established since 1992, enabling the company to meet customers' global supply chain needs across Europe, Asia, and North America. The network includes reliable overseas agents and local carriers for comprehensive coverage.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Farrow: Farrow is a Canadian freight forwarder and customs broker with cross-border North America and global trade lane expertise. It is directly comparable to Total Express given its similar mid-market, Canada-anchored model offering customs brokerage, forwarding, and logistics services to enterprise customers.
• Cole International: Cole International is a long-standing Canadian customs brokerage and trade services firm with North American and global trade lane capabilities. It competes directly with Total Express in customs clearance, brokerage, and freight forwarding for Canadian importers and exporters.
• Livingston International: Livingston International is one of Canada's largest customs brokers and trade management companies, offering customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and trade compliance services. It is a direct peer to Total Express, operating at larger scale but in the same core Canadian customs and forwarding market.

Broad incumbents

• Kuehne+Nagel: Kuehne+Nagel is a global freight forwarder and logistics provider with extensive ocean, air, and overland forwarding capabilities and customs services. It is a broad incumbent competing with Total Express on multi-modal forwarding and customs brokerage across the same global trade lanes, but at vastly greater scale.
• DHL Global Forwarding: DHL Global Forwarding is a top-tier global freight forwarder offering ocean, air, road, and rail forwarding plus customs brokerage and supply chain solutions. It competes with Total Express on international forwarding lanes into and out of Canada but as part of a much larger, broader portfolio.
• Expeditors International: Expeditors International is a large global logistics company specializing in air and ocean freight forwarding plus customs brokerage. It competes with Total Express on international air/ocean forwarding and customs services, especially on Asia-North America lanes, but at materially larger scale.
• DSV: DSV is a global transport and logistics provider offering air, sea, road forwarding, contract logistics, and customs clearance, and now includes former Canadian peer UTI and Panalpina operations. It competes with Total Express across multi-modal forwarding and customs services and has strong Canadian presence through prior acquisitions.
• Yusen Logistics: Yusen Logistics is a global logistics provider with deep Asia-origin forwarding capabilities, ocean/air forwarding, contract logistics, and customs services. It is a relevant Asia-specialist incumbent comparable to Total Express on Korea/Japan/China-Canada lanes but operating as part of a much wider portfolio.

Emerging players

• Cargojet: Cargojet is a Canadian air cargo carrier operating scheduled and chartered services across North America and to international destinations. It is comparable to Total Express as a Canada-based air freight partner on the company's daily Korea/China-to-Canada flights, though Total Express is a forwarder using Cargojet-style capacity rather than a competing carrier.
• Flexport: Flexport is a digital-first global freight forwarder offering ocean, air, and trucking services with strong technology and visibility tooling. It is an emerging player competing for the same Asia-North America forwarding customers that Total Express serves, but with a tech-led, asset-light model versus Total Express's asset-heavy, relationship-led approach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/total-express-canada

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Total Express