The Canadian trucking industry is a major contributor to the country’s economy, generating over $65 billion in revenue annually and accounting for approximately 3.5% of Canada’s GDP. It employs close to one million workers, most of whom are truck drivers.
As an essential component of the economy, Canada’s trucking industry also plays a significant role in national and international supply chains, transporting goods across the border with the United States and other countries.
In 2022, the industry generated almost 39.55 billion Canadian dollars from nearly 63.7 million shipments.
However, despite its huge successes and contributions to the Canadian economy, the trucking sector in Canada still faces a lot of challenges affecting its continuous growth and development. Like in many other industries in Canada, trucking companies are battling with manpower issues like driver shortages as well as the need for sustainable practices.
In 2023, more than 23,000 job vacancies were left unfilled due to a lack of qualified drivers. This year, the number of vacancies is expected to double to an all-time high of 55,000 by December. In a bid to combat the problem and avoid a total collapse of the supply chain, companies are looking outwards and seeking to hire qualified drivers from other countries to strengthen the workforce. These companies are desperate for your services and are more than willing to handle all your relocation expenses, provided you meet all of the requirements and eligibility criteria.
By the time you are done reading this article, you will possess a clear understanding of the truck driving industry in Canada and how you can apply to migrate and start your life anew as a truck driver in Canada.
Truck Driver Job Role in Canada
Truck drivers in Canada play a crucial role in the transportation and logistics industry, ensuring the timely and safe delivery of goods across the country. These drivers operate vehicles like straight trucks or tractor-trailers to transport goods and materials and may be required to drive over urban, interurban, provincial, and international routes.
As a truck driver in Canada with visa sponsorship, your main duties will include operating and driving trucks, pre-inspecting vehicles before trips, loading and unloading cargo, maintaining the truck, and adhering to safe driving practices. All truck drivers in Canada must have a valid commercial driver’s license and adhere to the National Safety Code standards for hours of service, including maintaining a log of driving activities.
Types of Truck Driver Roles Available in Canada
In Canada, truck driving roles can be categorized based on the distance covered and the type of cargo transported. Here are some common types of truck driver roles:
1- Long-Haul Truck Drivers:
Long-haul truck drivers in Canada have a critical role in the transportation sector, involving extensive travel to deliver goods. This job is vital for maintaining the flow of goods and services across vast distances, contributing significantly to Canada’s economy and supply chain. As a long-haul truck driver in Canada with visa sponsorship, your job will involve operating heavy trucks over urban, interurban, provincial, and international routes, planning logistics and obtaining necessary documentation for transporting goods, as well as performing pre-trip, en route, and post-trip inspections of vehicle systems and equipment.
Other possible duties of long-haul truck drivers in Canada include:
- Ensuring cargo is secured properly in accordance with safety requirements and following procedures for transporting dangerous goods.
- Recording cargo information, hours of service, distance traveled, and fuel consumption. Maintaining log books manually or electronically.
- Using communication devices and on-board computers to communicate with dispatchers, other drivers, and customers.
- Performing emergency roadside repairs if necessary
- Possibly driving as part of a two-person team or convoy.
2- Short Haul Truck Drivers
Short-haul truck drivers in Canada typically operate on local routes or short interurban routes. They cover shorter distances within a city or region, allowing for more frequent home time compared to long-haul drivers.
As a short-haul truck driver in Canada with visa sponsorship, your responsibilities will include transporting goods, conducting vehicle inspections, maintaining logs, and ensuring the safety and security of the cargo. You will most probably be employed by transportation, manufacturing, or distribution companies, or may be self-employed.
While there is no standardized salary structure, the median wage for short-haul truck drivers in Canada is around $25.00 per hour.
Short-haul truck driving can be a suitable option for those seeking a balance between work and personal life, as it often involves regular working hours and less time away from home. The demand for short-haul truck drivers varies across provinces and territories, with numerous job opportunities available.
3- Local Truck Drivers
Local truck drivers in Canada are responsible for transporting goods within a specific local area, which typically allows them to return home at the end of each workday. Most local truck drivers have regular working hours and can enjoy more time at home compared to long-haul drivers. Their responsibilities include delivering goods, ensuring the safety and security of the cargo, maintaining logs, and performing vehicle inspections.
Local truck drivers can be found working for various businesses, including transportation companies, retailers, and manufacturers. To be a local truck driver in Canada, you would need to have a valid commercial driver’s license and a clean driving record. Additional training or certifications may be required depending on the employer and the type of goods transported.
4- Heavy Equipment Truck Drivers
Heavy Equipment Truck Drivers in Canada are specialized professionals who operate trucks designed to transport heavy machinery and construction equipment. These drivers must hold a valid Class 1 or AZ license, which allows them to operate large trucks and trailers legally on public roads.
As a heavy equipment truck driver in Canada, you will be responsible for safely loading, transporting, and unloading heavy equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and other construction machinery. Proficiency in handling heavy equipment, knowledge of safety regulations, and the ability to perform minor repairs and maintenance on the vehicles are essential to getting accepted for this role.
While many drivers receive on-the-job training, formal training programs are also available, such as those offered by Commercial Heavy Equipment Training Ltd. (CHET) and other similar institutions. The demand for heavy equipment truck drivers is consistent, with opportunities available across various sectors, including construction, mining, and logistics.
5- Hazardous Materials Truck Drivers
Hazardous Materials Truck Drivers in Canada have a specialized role that involves transporting potentially dangerous goods. Your responsibilities as a hazardous materials truck driver in Canada will include following strict safety guidelines throughout the pickup, transport, and delivery of hazardous materials to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Other duties include:
- Checking labels and ensuring the correct shipment of products, as well as maintaining accurate records of the materials being transported.
- Driving prescribed routes and adjusting as necessary due to weather, road conditions, and traffic.
- Being prepared to handle emergencies or accidents involving hazardous materials, which includes understanding the proper procedures for containment and reporting.
- Receiving specialized training on how to safely load, unload, handle, store, and transport hazardous materials.
All hazardous materials truck drivers in Canada must be highly responsible and detail-oriented, given the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials. They also need to comply with federal and provincial regulations regarding the transportation of dangerous goods.
6- Dump Truck Drivers
Dump truck drivers in Canada are responsible for operating trucks equipped with dump bodies to transport and unload various materials such as dirt, sand, gravel, or construction debris. Dump truck drivers in Canada may also be required to perform emergency roadside repairs and operate special-purpose trucks like hydro-vac trucks or cement mixing trucks.
For those interested in this role, it’s essential to have a valid driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle class and to comply with all transportation regulations.
Other essential duties of a dump truck driver in Canada include:
- Safely operate dump trucks on designated routes.
- Perform pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections and oversee all aspects of the vehicle’s condition.
- Supervise the loading and unloading of materials onto the truck, ensuring they are secured properly.
- Adhere to safety regulations, especially when transporting hazardous materials.
- Maintain accurate records of cargo information, hours of service, distance traveled, and fuel consumption.
- Effectively communicate with dispatchers and customers.
7- Flatbed Truck Drivers
Flatbed truck drivers in Canada are responsible for operating trucks with flatbed trailers, which are ideal for transporting oversized loads or equipment that requires open space. Drivers of flatbed trucks in Canada must hold a valid Class 1 or AZ license to operate flatbed trucks legally on public roads.
Your duties if accepted to work as a flatbed truck driver with visa sponsorship will generally involve safely loading, securing, and transporting various types of cargo, including construction materials, heavy machinery, and other large items. Proficiency in securing loads with straps, chains, or tarps is essential, as well as the ability to navigate routes and handle the truck under different weather conditions.
While on-the-job training is common, formal training programs are also available to enhance skills and employability. The demand for flatbed truck drivers is consistent, with opportunities available across various sectors, including construction, logistics, and manufacturing. For those interested in pursuing a career as a flatbed truck driver in Canada, it’s advisable to gain experience with standard truck driving and seek specialized training to enhance employability in this field.
To conclude, it is important to note that each of the roles listed here requires specific skills and may demand additional endorsements or certifications depending on the nature of the cargo and the vehicle operated.
Canadian Truck Driver Visa Pathways
There are several visa pathways for truck drivers looking to work in Canada, including:
1- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): This program allows employers in Canada to hire foreign workers for positions that are experiencing labor shortages. A positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is typically required.
2- Atlantic Immigration Pilot: Aimed at skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. The Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program within this pilot is suitable for truck drivers with at least one year of work experience.
3- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Various provinces offer PNP pathways for truck drivers, allowing them to become permanent residents based on their ability to meet specific provincial labor market needs.
Before applying, it’s important to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, such as having a valid job offer and the necessary work experience. It’s also advisable to check the specific requirements for the province where you plan to work, as they can vary.
Canadian Trucking Companies currently hiring Truck Drivers with Visa Sponsorship
Several companies in Canada offer truck driving positions with visa sponsorship for qualified international applicants. Here are some examples:
1- Buchner Manufacturing Inc: They offer full-time positions and emphasize the importance of a clean and well-maintained truck. https://ca.indeed.com/q-visa-sponsorship,-truck-driver-jobs.html
2- Transport N Service: This company provides cross-border transport services and is actively hiring company drivers with competitive wages. https://ca.indeed.com/q-visa-sponsorship,-truck-driver-jobs.html
3- Flashbee Logistics: They are looking for drivers to operate newer models of trucks like Peterbilt or Mack, offering full-time positions with attractive salaries. https://ca.indeed.com/q-visa-sponsorship,-truck-driver-jobs.html
4- Wilride Transport Ltd: They seek drivers with a high school diploma or GED and the ability to operate hand trucks and electric lifts. https://ca.indeed.com/q-visa-sponsorship,-truck-driver-jobs.html
5- Forester Logging Ltd: This company is hiring drivers with experience in hauling logs and a clean Class 1 driver’s license. https://ca.indeed.com/q-visa-sponsorship,-truck-driver-jobs.html
6- Umbrella Group of Companies: They are looking for experienced truck drivers and offer full-time positions with good hourly rates. https://ca.indeed.com/q-visa-sponsorship,-truck-driver-jobs.html
7- Gangster Enterprises Ltd: They offer competitive wages for experienced Class One Drivers to haul frac sand. https://ca.indeed.com/q-visa-sponsorship,-truck-driver-jobs.html
8- Mill Creek Motor Freight Ltd: They provide consistent, weekly home time and destinations to accommodate drivers’ lifestyles. https://ca.indeed.com/q-visa-sponsorship,-truck-driver-jobs.html
9- FOX’S TRANSPORT: They are hiring drivers with basic flat deck experience and offer training in tarping, strapping, and securing loads. https://ca.indeed.com/q-visa-sponsorship,-truck-driver-jobs.html
These companies may have different requirements and application processes, so it’s advisable to contact them directly or visit their websites for more information on the positions and visa sponsorship opportunities.