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François DuPlessis
A Passion That Moved the World: The Story of Dubo International Logistics
For François DuPlessis, transportation isn’t just a profession—it’s part of his DNA. Growing up with a trucking company practically in his backyard, he spent his childhood fascinated by the rhythm of the road. “Every other weekend I’d hop in the truck and go on a ride with the drivers when I was 12 or 13 years old,” he recalls. That early spark ignited a lifelong passion that would evolve into a thriving enterprise—Dubo International Logistics Inc., one of Canada’s fastest-growing logistics firms.
Today, as CEO and president, François DuPlessis leads Dubo with a vision forged from the ground up. “We’ve worked for the carriers, with the truckers, and we’ve gained experience in every facet of logistics and distribution,” he says. “This journey revealed a clear need: to bring humanity back into logistics. We wanted to build a company that supports its customers in a humane, fast, and professional manner.” This foundational belief in people-first service is the cornerstone upon which Dubo was built.
Headquartered in Saint-Philippe, Quebec, Dubo specializes in end-to-end logistics optimization and cross-border trade between Canada and the U.S. The company’s client-centric model and data-driven technology have made it a trusted partner for companies navigating the complexities of global supply chains. Recognized as a Top Transportation Services Provider in Canada by Logistics & Transportation Review, Dubo continues to expand rapidly, guided by François’s philosophy that relationships—both personal and professional—drive long-term success.
It’s also a family affair, François says proudly. “My wife, Carole, and my three kids—Anthony, Zachary, and Melina—are all working with me. My two youngest are studying logistics and transportation, and my oldest daughter is studying accounting. She’ll take over the admin side one day. It truly is a family business and I wouldn’t have done this without their help.”
Q&A
Francois, what inspired you to start Dubo International Logistics?
For many years, I held leadership roles in larger transportation companies. While we achieved significant growth, a corporate acquisition led to a shift in culture that no longer resonated with my core values. I missed the personal connection and the agility to truly serve customers. I reached a point where I realized that to build the kind of company I believed in—one centered on service and strong relationships—I had to start from scratch. In 2021, Yannick and I decided to build something of our own, combining our experience and a shared vision to create a different kind of logistics partner. And that’s how Dubo was born.
Dubo has experienced extraordinary growth in just its first four years. How did it unfold?
We launched Dubo with a clear mission: to be the most responsive and reliable partner in the industry. The trust we built with our very first clients was immediate and powerful, with many of our previous customers choosing to join us on this new venture. Our true test came during the global pandemic when borders closed and supply chains were thrown into chaos. While others struggled, our team worked tirelessly to rescue thousands of urgent retail shipments, including critical protective equipment, without a single failure. It was during this crisis that we proved our commitment was more than just words. We built a reputation for being the partner you could count on when it mattered most. This dedication to service has been the engine of our growth, allowing us to steadily expand our team and our reach, and we are now preparing to open an office in Ontario to serve our clients better.
What makes Dubo unique from other logistics companies?
Our entire identity is built on accessibility and authentic relationships. We are intentionally close to both our customers and our carriers. When you call us, a person answers the phone—no voicemail runaround. We respond to emails with a sense of urgency, often within minutes. For me, these aren't just client relationships; I’ve built real friendships. I’ve celebrated their milestones, and we talk about life, not just business. We serve multinationals and small businesses alike, but we have a special commitment to the "little guys." During the toughest times, like the peak of COVID, when many logistics firms focused solely on large corporations, we made it our mission to find solutions for small businesses when no one else would. To us, every single shipment matters, and every on-time delivery is a personal win.
Cross-border trade optimization is one of Dubo’s specialties. How have you streamlined Canada-U.S. supply chains?
We looked at the typical delays and complexities at the border and asked, "How can we make this simpler and more reliable for our clients?" The answer was collaboration. We created a unique, relay-style system by strategically partnering with carriers on both sides of the border. This allows for faster, more flexible transfers and eliminates the lengthy waits typical of traditional long-haul border crossings. It’s an uncommon strategy in our industry, but it was born from listening to our clients' needs for speed and reliability. We become the vital connecting link, ensuring their goods keep moving seamlessly.
You’ve worked in nearly every role in this industry. How has that 360-degree experience influenced your leadership?
It’s everything. I took an unconventional path. After starting in office roles, I went and got my driving license to work full-time as a driver for a while. That experience is invaluable. It allows me to truly understand the challenges of every single person in our ecosystem. When a driver is facing a breakdown on the side of the road, I know what that stress feels like. I can relate to my team’s frustrations and guide them with empathy instead of judgment. Logistics is a symphony of moving parts; one small issue can trigger a domino effect. Having lived those roles allows me to make better, more compassionate decisions and fosters a culture where every team member feels understood and valued.
What are the most important traits of a great leader?
Being a good listener and being hands-on. Leadership is not a title; it's an action. If someone on my team needs help, I’ll sit down with them and work through it together. It’s about empowering people, rolling up your sleeves, and genuinely appreciating the work they do. I always tell my kids, “Everyone can be a boss, but not everyone can be a leader.” A leader inspires through action and connection.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The people. Our team is incredible—loyal, energetic, and passionate. I love coming to work every day. Our office is open-concept, so I’m right in the middle of the action. The interaction between our staff, suppliers, and customers makes it a vibrant place to be.
What’s next for Dubo?
Our focus is on thoughtful expansion. The new Ontario office is the next step, to be followed by a presence in other major cities across Canada. Our long-term vision includes establishing operations in the United States. But no matter how much we grow, our goal will always be the same: to keep building smarter, more efficient logistics solutions while fiercely protecting the human touch that defines who we are. Dubo International Logistics Inc. may be built on technology and strategy, but at its heart, it’s powered by family, loyalty, and an unwavering passion for keeping the world moving—one relationship, one shipment at a time.
Francois DuPlessis
CEO and President
Dubo International Logistics Inc.
Website: www.dubointl.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/francois-duplessis-baa-00b35429