Statistics Canada quotes that the vacancies for truck transportation are currently at 8.7% (Q3-Q4 2022). It has also been estimated total there are more than 50,000 vacancies for truck drivers across the nation. The Labor Supply is making a forecast that around 36,000 workers will retire between 2019 and 23 along with an additional 100,000 vacancies by people leaving jobs for non-retirement reasons. Having said that the logistics sector what’s sure requires more support and an efficient workforce to tackle this shortage forecasted. Even before the pandemic broke truck transportation was a segment that was witnessing high shortages which even caused a loss of more the $450 million to the industry.
Hence, immigration minister Sean Fraser confirmed the truck drivers’ eligibility to participate in express entry with along the implementation of the new NOC codes. These new NOC codes have taken effect from November 16 and now the occupation class of these drivers has been upgraded to skilled (NOC 7511/73300) which was previously semi-skilled. This certainly is great news for truck drivers willing to immigrate to Canada.
Types of Truck Drivers and Salary in Canada
| TYPES OF TRUCK DRIVER | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY IN USD |
| Logging Truck | $58,500 |
| Flatbed Truck | $50,700 |
| Bulk Goods Truck | $50,001 |
| Heavy Truck Driver | $49,725 |
| Trailer Truck Driver | $47,696 |
| Long Haul Truck Driver | $47,696 |
| Dump Truck Driver | $46,800 |
| Truck Driver | $46,800 |
| Transport Driver | $46,800 |
| Tow Truck Driver | $42,120 |
| Shunt Truck Driver | $40,950 |
| Moving Van Driver | $40,950 |
Long-Haul Transport Truck Drivers
Job Duties/Responsibilities
- Operate and drive primarily tractor-trailers, long-combination vehicles, and straight-body trucks weighing over 4500 kg to transport goods and materials over long distances
- Plan trip logistics and obtain required documentation to transport goods
- Perform pre-trip, en route, and post-trip inspection of vehicle systems, equipment, and accessories such as tires, lights and turning signals, brakes, and cold storage
- Ensure cargo is secured properly in accordance with safety requirements and follow safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods
- Obtain special permits and other documents required to transport cargo on international routes
- Record cargo information, hours of service, distance traveled, and fuel consumption
- Administer bills of lading and manually or electronically maintain log books
- Communicate with dispatcher, other drivers and customers using communication devices and on-board computers
- May perform emergency roadside repairs
- May drive as part of a two-person team or convoy
- May transport hazardous products or dangerous goods.
Short-Haul and Local Transport Truck Drivers
Job Duties/Responsibilities
- Operate and drive primarily straight trucks to transport goods and materials mainly on local routes and short interurban routes
- Perform pre-trip, en route, and post-trip inspection and oversee all aspects of the vehicle such as the condition of equipment, and loading and unloading of cargo
- May drive special purpose trucks such as tow trucks, dump trucks, hydro vac trucks, or cement mixing trucks.
Qualification/Eligibility to Become a Canadian Truck Driver
- Must have completed secondary school education.
- Certificate of completion of an accredited driver training course (minimum of 3 months), through a vocational school or institute.
- Need to have a class 3 or class D license to drive straight-body trucks.
- Need to have a class 1 or class A license to drive long combination vehicles.
- Drivers who operate Air brake vehicles need to have an Air brake endorsement (Z).
- Drivers transporting hazardous goods need to have a Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) certificate.
- For driver-articulated trucks, subjective endorsements or certifications might be required.
- On-the-job training must be completed (generally provided by the employer).
Benefits of a Canadian Truck Driver
- The benefit of variety and working with different industries. You get to be flexible with the delivery location whether are local, regional, or national deliveries.
- You don’t need to pay out of your pockets to enjoy nature and landscapes. You would have your own sufficient time to live then without causing an expense to your pocket.
- High salaries – Currently the average salary of a truck driver is between $35,000 – $60,000 which means great savings.
- Job Security – Since there is very high scarcity, hence chances are equal to zero in terms of losing your job.
- Another major benefit is you get to enjoy paid vacation and depending on the employer you also gain the benefit of insurance coverage.
