Dive Brief:
- IMC Logistics will open its first marine drayage facility outside the U.S. in Toronto during Q2 of this year, the company announced on March 5.
- The move improves the company’s ability to move freight between the U.S. and Canada by providing seamless end-to-end service for customers in both markets, per the release.
- International expansion has been a longtime goal for IMC, CEO Joel Henry said in an email to Trucking Dive, adding that while the project is still in the early stages, “we anticipate consistent shipment activity from existing customers and strong growth from new customers.”
Dive Insight:
In the announcement, Henry said the expansion supports Canadian shippers who are broadening sourcing strategies to remain competitive. He noted that the company also has U.S. customers who operate in Canada and seek this lane.
Henry expects it also will open avenues for IMC to pursue prospective business seeking end-to-end service between the U.S. and Canada.
IMC’s move into Canada benefited from its partnership with Kuehne+Nagel, which announced in 2024 that it would acquire a majority stake in the Tennessee-based company.
“Our partnership with K+N has presented the opportunity to expedite our expansion into Canada given their significant presence in this market,” Henry said.
In Toronto, the company is currently operating out of a shared office space but is finalizing details to lease a facility, where it will operate a storage and depot operation, Henry said.
Specific operational details are still being worked out, including how many tractors will be needed in the yard initially, but Henry said it would start small to allow for organic growth of its driver base. The company also is considering purchases to aid its expansion in Toronto, he said.
“We will have the ability to utilize partner capacity, if needed,” Henry said. “In addition, we are also exploring potential acquisitions that would provide immediate fleet growth in Toronto.”
