Resources > 2025 Trucking Industry in Canada

A line of commercial semi trucks on a gravel lot | Credit: iStock

Introduction: A Year of Cautious Optimism

In 2025, the Canadian trucking industry continued its recovery from years of disruption caused by supply chain instability, inflation, and labour shortages. While uncertainty remains, particularly around global markets, tariffs, and regulatory changes, there are clear signs of progress.

Driver shortages began to ease, freight demand showed improvement as parts of the economy recovered, and digital tools became more accessible to fleets of all sizes. At the same time, rising fuel prices, insurance premiums, and compliance costs kept profit margins under pressure.

The purpose of this blog is to break down the most important Canadian trucking industry news from 2025, explore what fleets learned this year, and help trucking businesses prepare for a more competitive 2026.

Key Trends in the Trucking Industry in 2025

Labour Market Shifts

One of the biggest developments in the trucking industry Canada saw in 2025 was a shift in the labour market. While the severe driver shortage did not disappear entirely, it began to ease as more job seekers entered the market.

This created a larger hiring pool for fleets, giving employers more flexibility than in previous years. However, recruitment alone was not enough. Driver retention remained a top priority, as experienced drivers continue to be in high demand.

Another important trend was the growing focus on diversity and inclusion. Programs supporting women in trucking and underrepresented groups gained more attention, supported by industry associations and government initiatives. For fleets willing to invest in inclusive hiring and better working conditions, 2025 presented an opportunity to build a more stable and skilled workforce.

Technology and Sustainability

Technology adoption accelerated across the Canadian trucking industry in 2025. Fleets increasingly turned to digital solutions to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and manage risk.

Key developments included:

• AI-powered dispatch and route optimization, helping reduce fuel consumption and idle time
• Predictive maintenance tools, minimizing breakdowns and unexpected downtime
• Advanced data analytics, allowing fleets to make smarter decisions based on real-time performance

Electric vehicles also gained traction. While widespread adoption is still very limited, more fleets began testing EVs for short-haul and urban routes. Sustainability goals, combined with regulatory pressure and fuel cost volatility, made electrification a serious consideration rather than a long-term concept.

Autonomous technology remained in early stages, but continued investment signalled that automation will play a larger role in the future of industrial truck service and fleet operations.

Costs and Economic Pressures

Despite progress in other areas, cost pressures remained one of the biggest challenges for trucking companies in Canada in 2025.

Expenses rose across all parts of typical operations. Fuel and energy costs, equipment and parts shortages, insurance premiums, maintenance and repair.

Tariffs on heavy vehicles and parts further strained budgets. Combined with geopolitical uncertainty and fluctuating global markets, these factors forced fleets to focus heavily on cost control.

To stay profitable, many fleets began putting more focus on optimizing routes and loads, renegotiating freight rates, salaries, and hiring budgets, and delaying equipment purchases. 

These cost-management practices are expected to remain critical going into 2026.

Compliance and Regulation

Compliance was a major theme in Canadian trucking industry news throughout 2025. Regulatory oversight increased, particularly around driver classification and tax reporting.

The CRA increased scrutiny on T4A reporting and Personal Services Business (PSB) classifications.

This had a direct impact on how drivers are paid and classified, especially for fleets using independent contractors. Failure to comply with CRA rules can result in significant penalties.

Cross-border operations also faced evolving rules, with changes affecting documentation, safety standards, and inspections. Provincial regulations continued to vary, adding another layer of complexity for fleets operating across multiple jurisdictions.

Safety and Training

Safety remained a top priority in 2025, with growing calls for national minimum standards for driver training and testing across Canada. Industry leaders emphasized the importance of consistent, high-quality training to improve road safety and reduce incidents.

Another emerging trend was the push for confidential reporting systems that allow drivers to report fraud, unsafe practices, or compliance issues without fear of retaliation.

Fleets that invested in structured training programs, safety technology, and transparent reporting systems were better positioned to reduce risk.

Opportunities for the Trucking Industry in 2025

Despite challenges, 2025 presented several meaningful opportunities for the trucking industry.

Balanced Labour Market

With a more stable hiring environment, fleets had the chance to focus on quality hiring rather than emergency recruitment.

Technology Adoption

AI, analytics, and fleet management tools offered clear efficiency gains and long-term cost savings.

Government Support

Funding initiatives, particularly those supporting diversity and workforce development helped reduce barriers to entry and growth. The new federal budget for 2026, released earlier in November 2025, showed support for the transportation sector.

Flexible Financing

As traditional banks became more cautious, alternative lenders stepped in to address trucking industry funding needs, providing new options for equipment upgrades and expansion.

Actionable Steps for Truckers and Fleet Owners

Focus on Compliance

Understanding CRA rules around T4A and PSBs is essential. Fleets should also stay informed about provincial and cross-border regulatory changes.

Embrace Technology

Investing in AI tools, telematics, and data-driven platforms can improve efficiency, safety, and decision-making.

Prioritize Training and Safety

Ensure drivers meet evolving standards and promote a culture of safety and transparency.

Manage Costs

Track fuel, maintenance, and insurance expenses closely. Strategic rate negotiations and preventive maintenance can protect margins.

Stay Informed

Economic conditions and regulations are constantly changing. Fleets that stay informed can adapt faster and reduce risk.

Forecast for 2026

Looking ahead, the trucking industry Canada enters 2026 with cautious confidence. Efficiency, technology, and compliance will remain top priorities. The labour market is expected to stabilize further, but retention will continue to separate successful fleets from struggling ones.

EVs, AI, and data analytics will play a larger role in daily operations, while regulatory requirements will demand more proactive fleet management. Government budget will help legal carriers maintain competitive. Fleets that plan ahead will be better positioned to manage trucking industry funding, compliance, and operational challenges.

Conclusion

The trucking industry in 2025 balanced persistent challenges with real opportunity. As 2026 approaches, our key takeaways are to stay flexible, stay informed, and plan strategically. The fleets that act now will be the ones best positioned to remain profitable in next year’s Canadian trucking industry.