Are you interested in a truck driving career in Canada? With a current shortage of about 20,000 truck drivers, it’s a high-demand occupation in Canada. Truck driving is an exciting career within a $67 billion industry and is essential to the country’s economy. To respond to the truck driver shortage, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) created a new transportation category and process for Canada’s Express Entry program. This focus on candidates with transport experience, including commercial truck drivers, will make it easier for you to immigrate to Canada. The new selection process also helps Canada to invite newcomers with driving experience to fill labour gaps and ensure the success of the transport sector. This overview provides information to research job requirements, learn about a truck driver salary in Canada, and much more!
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Contents
- How to Immigrate to Canada as a Transport Truck Driver
- What to Expect When Pursuing a Transport Truck Driver Job in Canada
- Communication Skills Required for Trucking Jobs in Canada
- Truck Driver Training Programs in Canada
- Trucking Associations in Canada
- How Much is a Truck Driver Salary in Canada?
- Best Provinces to Work as a Transport Driver in Canada
- Pursuing a Transport Driver Career in Canada
- How to Find Your First Transport Driver Job in Canada
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Transport Truck Driver
It’s vital to know and understand the steps you will have to take before you can work as a truck driver in Canada.
Before You Move to Canada to Pursue a Truck Driving Career
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These are some general steps to take before you arrive in Canada:
- Attend the free Job Search Strategies and Techniques webinar to learn more about the job market in Canada.
- Learn what truck driving license you require in the province where you want to settle.
- Research how to transfer your international driver’s license to a Canadian equivalent.
- Look into Canadian truck driving training programs if your international driving license is not recognized or if you require more training.
- Take an online Canadian Language Benchmarks self-assessment to assess your language skills.
- Improve your English or French language skills (depending on your destination province). You will need to prove your language competency or be tested.
- Take language classes while you’re in your home country and continue them when you arrive in Canada.
- Research wage and compensation information to learn how much you can expect to make.
- Research Canadian trucking companies and learn about the industry in Canada.
What to Expect When Pursuing a Transport Truck Driver Job in Canada
It’s vital to know what you need to work as a truck driver. In Canada, you’ll need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). And employers usually require:
- High school completion
- Driver training from an accredited vocational school or community college.
- A Class 3 or D license to drive straight-body trucks
- A Class 1 or A license to drive long combination vehicles
- Air brake endorsement (Z) to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes.
Canadian employers will also provide on-the-job training.
How to Obtain a Commercial Driving License in Canada
To get your CDL, you have to take driver training and meet the minimum age requirement in the province where you want to live. Generally, the minimum age to obtain a CDL in Canada is 18. However, in some provinces such as Ontario and Quebec, you must be 21. You will also have to pass a:
- Medical exam to ensure you are physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle
- Knowledge test that covers driving laws, traffic signs, and safe driving practices
- Practical driving test that assesses your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
Employment Outlook for Truck Drivers in Canada
According to Transport Canada, over 350,000 people work in the country’s trucking and logistics sectors and most are truck drivers. Even so, the Government of Canada Job Bank, predicts a labour shortage from 2022-2031. This means there will be job opportunities for newcomers with the right skills, experience, and qualifications.
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Start Your Research with the Transport Truck Driver NOC Code 73300
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) provides a general overview and standard definition of truck driver jobs in Canada. The five-digit NOC code 73300 applies to drivers such as:
- Bulk goods truck driver
- Flatbed truck driver
- Heavy truck driver
- Long haul truck driver, and more.
You can review this information to understand the main duties and transport driver job requirements.
Communication Skills Required for Trucking Jobs in Canada
Truck drivers need to be excellent drivers, but they also have to have strong communication skills. Foreign truck drivers require a minimum of Level 7 Canadian Language Benchmark score (CLB 7) in a language proficiency exam. Canadian employers look for friendly and assertive drivers who can communicate with customers and clients, dispatchers, and others.
You may need to upgrade your skills, including your soft skills for trucking jobs in Canada.
Language Training in Canada
Having strong skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages, English or French, is important for your success. Whether you choose to focus on improving English or French will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you live.
There are Job-specific language training programs to teach you professional terminology. And, there is Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT) in Ontario.
You may be eligible for the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Or you can find other free or affordable classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes through local school boards or settlement agencies.
Truck Driver Training Programs in Canada
Some colleges in Canada offer truck driving program, or you can attend a program that private companies offer. However, be sure to verify that the program is government-approved to that you’re eligible to apply for your truck driving license once you graduate. Here are some accredited truck driving schools:
Humber College (Toronto)
CCA Truck Driver Training (Calgary)
Collège Trans-Canada College (East Coast)
Road Titans Driving School (Greater Vancouver Region and Surrey)
You can also check these directories of accredited schools:
Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario
Licensed Driver Training Schools Alberta
Trucking Associations in Canada
Trucking associations can be a valuable resource to help you advance your truck driving career. The following associations provide information, education programs, training materials, and webinars to help truck drivers stay informed about the ever-changing trucking industry in Canada.
- Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA is a federation of provincial trucking associations)
Provincial Trucking Associations
Alberta Motor Transport Association
Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association
Saskatchewan Trucking Association
How Much is a Truck Driver Salary in Canada?
The truck driver salary in Canada is based on your experience, qualifications, and the province where you work. On average, truck drivers make about $24.00 per hour (national average., according to Government of Canada Job Bank information. The average base salary is about $61,468. But, the yearly truck driver salary varies based on where you live in Canada. In addition to yearly salary, truck drivers can also earn additional cash compensation and bonuses.
Long-haul truck driving typically pays the highest rates because of the extended hours on the road to cover large distances.
Transport Driver Salary in Canada
The provincial median wages are higher in Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and Yukon Territory. Here are the most recent wages for transport drivers across Canada (click on the links in the table to see wage information by provincial regions.)
| PROVINCE | LOW ($/HOUR) | MEDIAN ($/HOUR) | HIGH ($/HOUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 16.50 | 24.00 | 33.72 |
| Alberta | 18.12 | 28.00 | 37.45 |
| British Columbia | 19.00 | 27.00 | 38.00 |
| Manitoba | 15.00 | 22.00 | 21.00 |
| New Brunswick | 15.00 | 19.88 | 26.25 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 15.00 | 22.00 | 34.38 |
| Northwest Territories | 25.00 | 30.00 | 35.00 |
| Nova Scotia | 14.50 | 20.50 | 28.85 |
| Nunavut | 22.85 | 28.00 | 36.00 |
| Ontario | 17.00 | 24.00 | 32.24 |
| Prince Edward Island | 15.00 | 19.55 | 28.50 |
| Quebec | 16.00 | 22.08 | 30.00 |
| Saskatchewan | 16.00 | 25.00 | 32.50 |
| Yukon Territory | 25.00 | 30.90 | 35.00 |
Best Provinces to Work as a Transport Driver in Canada
You can find transport driver jobs in most provinces and Canadian cities. However, the truck driver shortage is the greatest in Saskatchewan and it has the highest number of trucking jobs per capita of any province. Canada’s biggest provinces including Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia also have many trucking jobs available. You can explore job prospects by province or territory to determine where to find the greatest demand for drivers.
Pursuing a Transport Driver Career in Canada
Canada offers different jobs to licensed truck drivers within two broad categories:
- Long-haul drivers
- Regional drivers.
Long-haul drivers transport goods between provinces and across the Canada-U.S. border. They usually drive across Canada and further distances than regional drivers. For those with international truck driving experience, long-haul driving is a great opportunity to explore Canada’s different regions and cultural differences.
Regional drivers transport goods from one city to another within the province. A benefit for regional truck drivers is that they usually are not away from their families for long periods. In fact, most regional drivers can return home each day, allowing for more time to spend with family and a greater work-life balance.
Truck drivers are the backbone of the global supply chain and driver
Trucking Companies in Canada
According to the Canada Trucking Alliance, There are about 4,500 carriers, owner-operators, and industry suppliers.
Some of the top trucking companies in Canada include:
- Bison Transport (based out of Winnipeg with terminals in Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta.
- Mullen Trucking Corp (based out of Adrie, Alberta)
- Trimac Transportation (based out of Calgary, Alberta)
- Maritime Ontario (based out of Brampton, Ontario with terminals in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec.)
In addition to transportation companies, truck driver jobs are also available in manufacturing, distribution and moving companies, and trucking employment service agencies. Truck drivers can also be self-employed.
How to Find Your First Transport Driver Job in Canada
Searching for a job in Canada may be different than how you would search in your home country. So, you may need help with your job search. Fortunately, there are settlement services to help you search for jobs, update your resume, write cover letters, and prepare for job interviews.
Here are additional tips to search for trucking jobs in Canada:
- Broaden your search and include cities across Canada
- Join job-finding or networking groups through settlement agencies.
- Attend career/job fairs, info sessions, and related conferences.
- Browse online job boards to understand job requirements and current skills that employers are seeking.
- Volunteer to gain Canadian work experience.
- Seek out a mentor who could give you valuable advice and introduce you to their professional network.
Click here to find immigrant services in your area.
Networking
Networking and building relationships with others will play an important role when searching for a job in Canada. So, take advantage of opportunities to network with others in the trucking industry. For example, when taking driving training, participate in class discussions and build relationships with classmates and instructors.
Networking plays a crucial role in learning about the trucking industry in Canada and tapping into job opportunities. Often, many companies do not advertise job vacancies, so networking is an effective way to tap into this ‘hidden job market.’ Connecting with others in the trucking industry will help discover jobs in the hidden job market.
Conferences, association events, and job fairs are great places to network and meet others in the trucking industry.
LinkedIn is another valuable tool for networking. It allows you to reconnect with former colleagues and employers, search for companies and job openings, and receive introductions to others in the field.
When networking, it’s better if you avoid asking directly for a job. However, if your contacts are aware of any job leads, they will likely share that information with you. Your network can serve as a valuable resource to learn about job vacancies.
Resume Writing Tips for Transport Driver Jobs
When crafting your resume, it’s helpful to keep the needs of hiring managers in mind. Your resume should demonstrate your strong driving track record, time management skills, customer service skills, and technical skills and licenses.
Consider these resume writing tips to showcase your qualifications and stand out as a strong candidate:
- Highlight both your technical skills and soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
- List relevant skills such as technical repair knowledge, and relevant licenses
- Ask someone to review your resume and provide constructive input.
Here are some examples of phrases that you might include in your resume:
- Completed regular truck maintenance, and created and updated a daily mileage schedule to improve vehicle reliability by 45%
- Operated commercial vehicles for long-haul deliveries, maintaining an accident-free record across 100k+ km
- Ensured all pick-up, delivery, and vehicle condition reports were completed in an accurate and timely manner.
- Recorded routine truck and equipment maintenance, to reduce the risk of injury or malfunction.
- Organized deliveries with manufacturers and supervisors to ensure cost-effective and efficient delivery.
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Cover Letter Format that Canadian Employers Notice
Interview Techniques for Transport Driver Jobs
Driving a truck is a demanding job and can be stressful. Employers will want to assess your work history and safe driving skills. In addition, employers look for drivers with strong customer service skills and value the importance of road safety. You can expect to answer some of the following questions:
- Describe your experience as a commercial truck driver. Your response can include any special licenses you have, the number of years that you have been driving, the distances you travelled, and any incidents that you had.
- How do you maintain a safe driving environment? Your response can include driving practices that you follow to ensure that you drive safely. You can also talk about how you keep up with safe driving procedures.
- How would you handle a major problem with a shipment? Your response can include how you responded to a shipment problem that you had in the past, and what actions you took to resolve it. This is also an opportunity to highlight your customer service skills, and your ability to deal with stressful situations.
Transport driver jobs are key to manufacturing, agriculture, and mining industries and linking Canadian businesses with the world. With a current shortage of about 20,000 drivers, trucking in Canada is a high-demand occupation. And, with an understanding of job requirements, career options, and a truck driver salary in Canada, this could be a great opportunity for you!
Interested in learning more about working in Canada? Check out our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. We can help you achieve your career goals!
