Jacob WilliamsCanada, known for its stunning landscapes and high quality of life, is a popular destination for immigrants seeking employment opportunities. Canada’s robust and diverse economy relies heavily on the trucking industry to transport goods across its vast landscape. With a growing demand for truck drivers, many Canadian employers are looking abroad to fill these positions. If you’re a foreigner considering a truck driving career in Canada, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process.
This guide provides comprehensive information on the requirements and procedures for working as a truck driver in Canada.
Before applying, ensure you meet the basic requirements:1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old (19 in some provinces).
Canada’s trucking industry was already facing a labor shortage of 20,000 truck drivers before COVID-19 hit and sent online shopping through the roof, fuelling demand.
In the aftermath of COVID-19, demand for truckers has skyrocketed for those companies transporting essential goods. While demand has dropped for those moving non-essential products in Canada, the long-term prognosis for this industry is still very good.
BDO Canada, a leading accounting and advisory services firm, is projecting there to be a shortage of up to 50,000 truckers in Canada within three years. Ottawa is somewhat more conservative in its estimate, projecting a shortage of 23,300 truckers to fill the available jobs over the decade ending in 2028.
“Given the lack of young Canadians choosing careers in transportation and trucking, the labor gap has been on the rise for years,” BDO Canada wrote in a report last year. “Alongside COVID’s impact on the labor market, finding and retaining talent will continue to add to the evolving challenges.
“Fortunately, the government is doing its part to support the industry through wage increase incentives, safety training requirements, and immigration initiatives to attract foreign workers into the profession.”
Trucking companies looking to hire workers from overseas usually do so through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Applicants then need to transition into Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to become Canadian permanent residents.
These are good-paying, blue collar jobs in high demand, usually paying between $15.25 and $33.65 per hour, or between $29,737 and $65,617 annually based on a 37.5-hour work week.
The exact salary depends on both the trucker’s experience and where he or she is located. Truck drivers in Alberta, for example, can earn as much as $38.06 per hour, or more than $74,200 annually based on a 37.5-hour work week. At the other end of the wage scale, truckers in the maritime province of Prince Edward Island can start at as little as $13.33 per hour.
Truckers, who fall under the National Occupational Classification (NOC 7511), are the people who operate heavy trucks to transport goods and materials over urban, interurban, provincial, and international routes. Typically, they work for transportation, manufacturing, distribution, and moving companies, and trucking employment service agencies. But some truckers choose to be self-employed.
Over the next few years, job prospects for truckers in Canada are expected to be good in the provinces of British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island as well as the Yukon territory.
Although the average age of truckers in Canada is higher than that of other workers and retirements are expected to account for up to 60 percent of job openings over the next decade, job seekers under 25 years of age should think twice before applying for these positions.
“Employers in this field rarely hire youth under 25 years old due to the experience requirements and higher insurance costs,” states Canada’s federally-operated Job Bank website. “Indeed, only about five percent of truck drivers were under 25 in 2018, a proportion that was substantially lower than in all occupations (13 percent).”
The Job Bank website listed 2,482 job openings for truck drivers in Canada in late April, with the lion’s share of them being in the francophone province of Quebec which had 958 vacancies for these positions.
There were then 499 trucking jobs available in British Columbia, 445 in Ontario, 159 in Alberta, and 151 in Saskatchewan. Manitoba had 107 job openings for truckers.
In the Atlantic Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, there were 156 trucking jobs up for grabs. In the territories, there were only two.
Canada covers a whopping 8.9 million square kilometres – and with the 4th largest land mass in the world – it’s easy to imagine why truck driver jobs in Canada are a sought-after profession.
Like the rest of the world, Canada relies on on-road travel to transport essential goods and products to the towns and cities dotted around the country. Truck driving in Canada is at the forefront of this industry. Truck driving in Canada is an evergreen industry that operates across all the different seasons throughout the year.
The challenges associated with becoming a truck driver in Canada are continuously changing. Only the most serious and dedicated drivers can create long-standing careers in the industry.
The Canadian worker population is aging and retiring early, creating many opportunities for truck driver jobs in Canada. There are several ways to become a truck driver in Canada. Provincial Nominee Programs are usually the most suitable immigration visa pathways to ensure you become a truck driver in Canada.
With the growing importance of global supply chains and logistics as a facilitator of global trade, truck driving in Canada has become a lucrative industry. Want to earn a living as a truck driver in Canada?
Before embarking on your journey to become a truck driver in Canada, it’s crucial to understand the requirements and eligibility criteria. The first step is to ensure you meet the necessary qualifications. The requirements to be a truck driver in Canada may vary slightly depending on the province you choose to work in, but there are some common factors to consider.
Ensuring that you meet the criteria for the jobs you wish to apply for and aligning yourself with a Provincial Nominee Program positions you in the right direction if you meet the criteria needed to immigrate, work and live in Canada.
What Are The Requirements To Be A Truck Driver In Canada?
Apart from the basic qualifications mentioned above, there are specific requirements you need to fulfill to work as a truck driver in Canada. These include:
Completing a recognised truck driving training program
Obtaining a certificate of completion
Take a medical examination to ensure you are fit for the job
Please note that some provinces might have additional requirements such as age restrictions and language proficiency. Therefore, it’s advisable to research the specific regulations of the province where you intend to work.
According to Canada’s Job Bank, Canada’s official job search platform, Transport drivers in Canada fall within National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 73300. Employment requirements for NOC 73300 include:
Completion of secondary school, high school, or an equivalent
On-the-job training and experience are required
Completion of a relevant training course
A Class 3 or D driver’s license is required for straight-body trucks
A class 1 or A license is required for long-body combination vehicles
Air brake endorsement is a requirement for drivers who will be operating vehicles with this equipment installed
Transportation of dangerous goods certification is required (if necessary for the job)
. It is important to know the requirements for the jobs you apply for and ensure that you possess all supporting documents before applying to any job applications to ensure you are perceived as well-qualified.
This makes your job application more likely to succeed. Another good consideration would be to inquire about Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirements for the jobs you are looking into – as this will be required for many roles.
Utilise online job boards like Indeed, Workopolis, and the Government of Canada Job Bank.
Explore trucking company websites for direct applications.
Job Bank Canada is a Government listing platform that showcases requirements and job opportunities – Create a profile and apply to many transportation and truck driver jobs in Canada.
Learn more about the top 10 free job posting sites in Canada.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Employers can hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages. They must obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove no Canadians are available for the job.
Express Entry System: For skilled workers, the Express Entry system may be an option, especially if you plan to immigrate permanently.
Some of the common documents you may need to provide include a:Valid passport
Educational certificates
Proof of work experience
Language proficiency test results
A valid job offer letter
Police clearance document
Medical clearance document
It’s crucial to ensure that all your documents are accurate, complete, and meet the specific requirements set by the immigration authorities.Step 5: Wait for Your Processing Time:
After submitting your application and supporting documents, it’s time to wait for your processing time. The processing time varies depending on the immigration pathway you have chosen and other factors, such as the volume of applications. It’s important to be patient during this period and avoid unnecessary follow-ups that may delay the process further.Once you have finalized your application, you must wait to see if you receive an Invitation to Apply. Once received, you must collect all of your required documents and submit them to finalize your application. Additionally, you have limited time to complete this step.While you wait, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the province where you will work as a truck driver. Each province in Canada offers unique opportunities and benefits for truck drivers. Some provinces, such as Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia, have a high demand for truck drivers and offer excellent job prospects and competitive salaries.
Competitive Salaries: Truck drivers in Canada earn attractive wages, with the potential for overtime pay.
Job Stability: The high demand for drivers ensures job security.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Working in Canada can be a stepping stone to permanent residency, offering long-term stability.
Long Hours and Travel: Truck driving often involves long hours and extended periods away from home.
Harsh Weather Conditions: Be prepared to drive in various weather conditions, including harsh winters.
Regulatory Compliance: Understanding and adhering to Canadian road safety regulations and protocols is crucial.
Applying for a truck driver job in Canada as a foreigner involves several steps, from meeting eligibility requirements to securing a work permit and converting your driver’s license. While the process may seem daunting, the rewards of a stable, well-paying career and the opportunity to live and work in Canada make it a worthwhile endeavor. With careful preparation and determination, you can navigate the path to becoming a truck driver in Canada successfully.
Jacob Williams
