Montreal Freight Activity and the Demand for Skilled Sales Professionals

Montreal’s Growing Role in North American Logistics

Montreal has established itself as a key player in the Canadian and North American freight network. With its strategic location along the St. Lawrence River, the Port of Montreal serves as a crucial gateway for transatlantic cargo, connecting Canada to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. In addition, the city’s access to major highways and intermodal rail systems makes it an important hub for domestic and cross-border freight movement.

Montreal’s proximity to U.S. markets like New York, Boston, and Chicago allows for efficient over-the-road trucking operations, while also supporting warehousing and distribution activity across Quebec and Ontario. As demand for quicker transit and greater logistical flexibility increases, Montreal is becoming even more vital to supply chain strategies in North America.

All of this has translated into greater demand for professionals who can sell logistics services in the region. From freight forwarding and warehousing to customs brokerage and domestic trucking, businesses need salespeople who understand Montreal’s market and know how to win business in a bilingual, multicultural environment.

Why Sales Talent is in Short Supply

One of the biggest challenges logistics companies face in Montreal is finding skilled sales professionals who not only understand freight but also speak the language—literally and figuratively. Bilingualism is often essential for client engagement in Quebec, especially in sectors like retail, food distribution, and manufacturing where relationships are key.

Sales reps with experience in international freight or cross-border trade are especially valuable. Montreal’s mix of ocean, rail, and road freight means clients are looking for end-to-end solutions—and they expect sales reps to be able to talk them through it. That makes product knowledge and strong communication skills a non-negotiable part of the hiring criteria.

There’s also strong competition between freight companies in the region, making experienced reps difficult to lure away. Many professionals are already well established in their books of business and hesitant to make a move unless there’s a strong reason to do so. That’s why compensation, growth opportunity, and operational support need to be part of the conversation from the very beginning.

What It Takes to Hire in Montreal

To hire effectively in Montreal’s freight market, employers need to be precise and proactive. First, clearly define the type of client base the new hire will focus on—whether it’s import/export, warehousing contracts, or cross-border trucking—and make sure the job spec reflects real-world expectations.

Second, bilingualism should be addressed early in the recruitment process. Whether it’s a requirement or a preference, transparency on this front saves time and avoids mismatched interviews. For many roles in Montreal, fluency in both English and French isn’t just a bonus—it’s a deal-breaker.

Lastly, local insight matters. Working with a recruitment partner that understands the regional logistics landscape, talent pool, and candidate expectations can give companies an edge. At Atlas Global Talent, we help logistics companies across Canada build high-performing commercial teams that understand the complexity of Montreal’s freight sector. Whether you're expanding a brokerage desk, opening a new office, or backfilling a senior role, we’ll help you find the right sales professionals to drive growth in the region.