How to start a transport business in Quebec

Understanding the transport segments

“Transport” covers very different realities, each with its own rules, margins and clients. Identifying your segment is the first step: it determines your authorizations, your vehicles and your commercial strategy.

• Freight transport (local, regional or long-haul);
• Last-mile delivery and courier service, growing fast with e-commerce;
• Passenger transport (shuttle, adapted transport, taxi);
• Moving, halfway between transport and service;
• Specialized transport (refrigerated, oversized, dangerous goods).

The more specific your niche, the easier it will be to position yourself — both with shippers and in search results.

Authorizations by type of transport

Contrary to a common belief, there is no single universal “carrier licence” in Quebec. Your obligations depend mainly on the weight of your vehicles and on whether you transport goods or people.

The heavy-vehicle registry (PEVL) and the SAAQ

If you operate heavy vehicles — generally from a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,000 kg — you must register with the Registry of Owners and Operators of Heavy Vehicles (PEVL), administered by the SAAQ. This registry governs safety: your driving “rating” is tracked based on your violations, the mechanical condition of your vehicles and your compliance with the rules. It's a mandatory step to operate legally in heavy transport.

The Commission des transports du Québec (CTQ)

The Commission des transports du Québec issues certain authorizations depending on the type of transport, notably for bus transport, passenger transport and certain specialized activities. Check with the CTQ whether your type of activity requires a specific permit before starting.

Paid passenger transport

Paid passenger transport (taxi, app-based transport, shuttle) is governed by a specific regime in Quebec, with requirements particular to drivers, vehicles and dispatchers. If this is your niche, look into the conditions in force precisely, as they differ markedly from freight transport.

Dangerous-goods transport

Transporting dangerous goods adds strict obligations: TDG training, compliant documentation, signage and equipment. This niche is more demanding but also better paid, precisely because it requires a rigour few players master.

Commercial registration and compliance

Registering your business (NEQ)

Like any Quebec business, you must register with the Registraire des entreprises to obtain your Quebec enterprise number (NEQ), unless you operate under your exact family name. Your commercial vehicles must also be registered accordingly with the SAAQ.

Mechanical inspection and safety checks

Heavy-vehicle operators must meet safety obligations: mandatory periodic mechanical inspection and a pre-trip safety check, logged by the driver. These checks protect the public, but also your PEVL rating — a poor rating can lead to penalties, even a ban on operating.

Driving and rest hours

Long-haul transport is subject to rules on driving and rest hours, designed to limit fatigue at the wheel. Build them into your planning and contracts from the start: they directly affect your timelines and operating costs.

Choosing the legal form

Why incorporation is often advisable

Transport involves significant assets (vehicles) and real risks (accidents, damage). Incorporation as a corporation creates a distinct legal entity that protects your personal assets from the company's debts and obligations. For a fleet or large contracts, it's generally the most prudent form.

Liability and taxation

Beyond protection, the corporation can offer advantageous tax rates and make financing and growth easier. A sole proprietorship remains possible for a modest start, but the move to incorporation often comes quickly in transport.

Insurance and financing

Commercial insurance

Insurance is central in transport: liability, vehicle insurance and, depending on the case, coverage of the goods transported (cargo). Insurance requirements may also be imposed by your clients or by regulation. Shop early, as premiums weigh heavily on your financial model.

Financing your vehicles

Acquiring vehicles is often the biggest expense item. Leasing, financing or buying: each option affects your cash flow and your taxes. Your business plan must model these choices carefully to avoid choking your cash flow at startup.

Winning contracts and volume

Once compliant and insured, you need to fill your vehicles. Whether you target individuals (moving, delivery) or businesses (recurring contracts), your online visibility has become decisive: people look for a carrier on Google before calling one.

Local SEO

For delivery, moving or regional transport, searches are geolocated. Appearing for “carrier + city” or “mover + region” brings you clients ready to book. Our local SEO targets exactly these queries; if you do moving, also see our SEO for moving companies page.

Content and authority

A site that clearly explains your services, zones and specialties inspires trust and ranks better. Our SEO writing and content service builds pages that answer your clients' questions while targeting the right keywords.

Visibility in AI search

More and more people put their questions to AI assistants like ChatGPT. Appearing in those answers is an early advantage to grab: our AI search optimization works on it specifically.