introduction
The Canadian logistics industry is witnessing rapid growth, driven by e-commerce expansion, global trade, and technological advancements. This makes logistics skills more essential than ever in 2025. In 2025, employers want workers who can adapt to new systems, manage complex operations, and optimize processes to keep goods moving smoothly.
The top in-demand skills include supply chain management, purchasing, and inventory management. Efficient supply chain and logistics management is the backbone of industries.
Forklift operators must have experience operating forklifts and similar equipment, such as cherry pickers and side loaders. This experience and training will give you a considerable advantage when applying for a job in this sector. Essential skills include experience with Freight+ software, material handling, and repairing and maintaining plant tools and equipment.
supply chain management
In today's dynamic business environment, supply chain expertise is a critical asset for competitiveness and adaptability, making it a sought-after logistics skill in 2025. Proficiency in supply chain skills is fundamental for business success.
These skills enable companies to operate efficiently, reduce operational costs, and consistently meet customer expectations by optimizing the flow of goods and services.
purchasing
Purchasing skills are one of the top logistics skills in 2025. They influence the cost, quality, and availability of materials and services essential for smooth supply chain operations.
Efficient procurement helps optimize inventory, reduce lead times, and enhance overall logistics efficiency, making it essential for industry competitiveness.
inventory management
Good inventory management is all about striking the right balance between having enough stock to meet demand without overstocking or tying up resources. Moreover, this skill helps minimize costs, prevent stockouts, and improve order fulfillment efficiency.
In the fast-paced logistics sector, effective inventory control is a key driver of profitability and customer satisfaction, making it a highly valued expertise for industry professionals.
forklift experience
Forklift experience continues to rank as one of the top in-demand logistics skills in 2025. Experience with various forklifts, like counterbalance, cherry picker, and walkie, gives you an edge over candidates lacking this expertise.
warehousing & logistics
Skills in warehousing and logistics hold great value. They underpin the efficient functioning of businesses, deliver cost-saving benefits, and ensure precise product delivery timelines. Furthermore, warehousing and logistics skills are indispensable for meeting customer expectations, enhancing operational efficiency, and maintaining a competitive edge.
freight+ software
Freight+ is one of the most popular shipping software applications used within the logistics industry, and it is one of the most in-demand logistics skills for 2025. Learning how to use this software to calculate and print shipping labels for the main carriers, including FedEx, UPS, and Canada Post, is vital.
bills of lading
Only some people actively use shipping software, like Freight+, to create bills of lading (BoL), which list all goods in a specific shipment. But if you have this top logistics skill, it is enough to help you land your next job in the logistics industry. It is especially helpful if you're applying to work for a larger company that handles international sales.
preventative maintenance
In the logistics industry, any machine downtime results in loss of production and money. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that logistics companies actively seek out candidates with previous preventative maintenance experience to minimize the risk of breakdowns. Experience maintaining and repairing plant tools and equipment is a great asset when seeking a logistics career.
material handling
Due to the nature of work within the logistics industry, material handling is a core skill set, whether applying for an entry-level or executive position. The more experience you have picking, packing, and moving goods and materials, the better.
pallet jacks
Pallet jacks are smaller and easier to use than forklifts. They are used by nearly every logistics company nationwide, making them one of the essential logistics skills in 2025. While no certification is necessary to use a pallet jack, logistics employers prioritize candidates with experience working with pallet jacks over applicants needing expertise.
top trending logistics certifications for 2025
Due to the complexities of handling and transporting dangerous goods, logistics employers are continuously seeking candidates who are certified in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) and Workplace Hazardous Material Information Systems (WHMIS). Additionally, holding a license to drive a commercial truck or forklift will give you an advantage over candidates without these credentials.
1. transportation of dangerous goods
Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) certification ensures workers are trained to safely handle, package, and transport hazardous materials and comply with regulations. The certification covers everything from identifying dangerous materials to understanding proper labeling and documentation. In addition, employers value candidates with TDG certification as it helps maintain safety standards and avoid costly legal or environmental issues.
2. commercial driver's license
A standard driver's license may be sufficient for local delivery drivers using smaller trucks or vans. However, long-haul truck drivers using commercial-grade trucks (over 11,000 kilos) must have a specialized driver's license. While each province has its licensing requirements, having a commercial license from any district is an excellent qualification to list on your resume.
3. material handling equipment
Material Handling Equipment (MHE) is an umbrella term for any type of workplace vehicle, including forklifts, powered industrial trucks, and cranes. The more complex the vehicle being certified for, the higher the level of training required. Employers actively seek candidates with MHE certification to avoid compliance issues.
4. workplace hazardous material information system
Health Canada requires workplaces to have an effective Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) to track hazardous materials' purchase, use, sale, and disposal. Logistics employers handling this type of material would look for WHMIS-certified candidates with experience classifying and labeling various hazardous materials.
5. forklift certification
Forklifts are among the most common vehicles used in the logistics industry, so having enough certified forklift drivers is a must. While many employers offer forklift certification training, they also search for candidates with these credentials.
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