Transportation & Distribution

Asper School of Business Transport Institute (opens in new window): Located at the University of Manitoba, it is a globally recognized leader in transportation and logistics research. With more than 30 years of history, it excels in collaborative research, knowledge transfer and training graduate students.

Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (opens in new window) (VTEC): VTEC at RRC Polytech drives innovation in Manitoba’s vehicle manufacturing industry by supporting new vehicle technologies. It focuses on alternative fuels, improving fuel efficiency and evaluating emerging technologies, leveraging RRC Polytech’s resources for national and international manufacturers.

Transportation Management Centre (opens in new window) (TMC): TMC is a leading-edge facility that manages traffic incidents using data. It monitors 671 signalized intersections across the city, responds in real-time to malfunctions and incidents, and provides live traffic information updates via the Waze app (opens in new window) or Twitter (@WinnipegTMC).

Centreport Canada (opens in new window): CentrePort Canada, located in Winnipeg, is the country’s only trimodal inland port offering foreign trade zone benefits. This 20,000 acre hub facilitates efficient and economical movement of goods to North American, Asian and European markets, featuring transportation infrastructure, business parks and investable properties.

Manitoba Trucking Association: (opens in new window) The Manitoba Trucking Association is an advocacy group working on behalf of the trucking industry. Since 1932, it has worked to develop and maintain a safe and healthy business environment for its members.

Supply Chain Manitoba (opens in new window): Supply Chain Manitoba is a member of the Province of Manitoba Sector Council Program representing Transportation & Logistics, which dedicates to supporting individuals and organizations, to optimize their supply chains. It serves all aspects of the end-to-end supply chain, including sourcing, procurement, transportation and warehousing.

Winnipeg combines transportation infrastructure with a growing research and innovation ecosystem focused on improving how goods and people move. The University of Manitoba Transport Institute conducts research in transportation and logistics, working with industry and government to address real-world challenges in freight, infrastructure and supply chain systems.

The University of Manitoba's transportation engineering researchers are also advancing work in freight transportation systems, traffic engineering, infrastructure and the movement of goods across Manitoba and the Prairies.

At RRC Polytech, the Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre and MotiveLab support applied research and innovation in vehicle technologies, energy systems and mobility. These capabilities complement Winnipeg's growing focus on automation, advanced manufacturing, data and sustainable transportation.

New infrastructure investments are further strengthening this innovation environment. Expansion of Winnipeg Richardson International Airport's airside development is creating opportunities for aviation, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and logistics businesses, while new partnerships are working to create more integrated and resilient trade corridors across Manitoba.

Local institutions are actively preparing the next generation of talent. RRC Polytech offers specialized training in Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, including work-integrated learning, while the University of Manitoba supports advanced research and graduate-level training in transportation and logistics.

Industry organizations including the Manitoba Trucking Association and Supply Chain Manitoba also work with employers, educators and government to strengthen workforce development and address evolving industry needs.

For employers, Winnipeg offers access to talent across commercial driving, warehousing, logistics, supply chain management, engineering, technology and skilled trades, supported by a growing network of education, training and industry partners.

The sector benefits from Winnipeg's central location, competitive industrial costs, reliable infrastructure and access to major North American trade corridors.

CentrePort Canada offers businesses a strategic location within a 20,000-acre trimodal inland port and Foreign Trade Zone, with access to rail, truck and air cargo infrastructure. Businesses can also access Canada's suite of Foreign Trade Zone programs, including duty deferral, duties relief, drawback and customs bonded warehouse programs.

Manitoba also offers competitive investment and innovation supports, including the Manitoba Research and Development Tax Credit and the Manitoba Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit for eligible investments. Federal and provincial programs can further support infrastructure, workforce development, innovation and business expansion.

Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism can help companies navigate available programs, identify suitable locations and connect with the partners needed to establish or expand transportation and distribution operations in Winnipeg.