Best truck driver jobs in Canada (Hiring Now!)

Truck driver jobs in Canada: The Canadian economy relies heavily on freight transport as it is a gateway to stability and growth in their thriving economy. With this, the demand for skilled truck drivers continues to rise. With the year coming to an end and a new year fast approaching, there is an even greater opportunity.

Companies in Canada are in active search for drivers who can fill vital roles. This demand extends beyond locals, they increasingly welcome foreign workers as well.

If you have ever considered truck driving as a career, then this might be the best time for you because this article will break down everything you need to know. You will learn the skillset that you will require to work in Canada as a truck driver, you will learn the best province for the opportunity, and finally, the best tips to stand out as an applicant.

Different truck driver jobs in Canada

Truck driving jobs involve using various kinds of machines and gadgets to pick up goods from point A to deliver to point B. There are different truck driving careers in Canada and here are a few of them;

Dry van hauler:

This is a common truck driver job in which you operate a single large trailer containing items packed in pallets of boxes.

Auto hauler

This is the most noticeable truck driver job that involves transporting heavier items such as the transportation of new cars to their dealers and it is meant for people that have the experience and appropriate training.

Logistics and courier driver:

This involves picking up goods from a point and delivering them to their respective individuals or businesses.

Flatbed hauler:

A very challenging driving job that involves carrying an oversized load and wonkily-shaped freight.

Hazmat hauler:

Transportation of items like explosives, solids, poisons, and flammable liquids from one point to another and you must have a special hazmat endorsement to carry out this type of trucking job.

Refrigerated hauler:

This type of job involves using specialized trailers that can maintain cargo at a certain temperature to transport foods, medical products, and other perishable items.

Hotshot hauler:

This involves attaching a small trailer to transport smaller but time-sensitive freights.

Tanker hauler:

This involves the transportation of hazardous or nonhazardous liquids from one point to another.

Heavy machinery truck drivers:

To carry out this type of trucking job, you need to have a class 3 license and up to 5 years of experience.

Forklift driver:

Involves manning the forklift which is an industrial truck.

Top Provinces To Find Truck Driver Jobs

The trucking industry in Canada spans across the entire country, but certain provinces stand out for their abundance of job opportunities. They offer competitive salaries, and lifestyle benefits and also have a high demand for drivers. These provinces include;

Ontario: The Hub of Trucking Activity
British Columbia: Scenic Routes and High Demand
Alberta: Booming Oil and Gas Industry
Quebec: Bilingual Opportunities
Manitoba: A Crossroads for Freight Transport
Saskatchewan: Agricultural Transportation Needs
Nova Scotia: Gateway to Atlantic Canada

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Benefits

Skill development:

Truck driver jobs in Canada require you to attain certain skills that can be developed while on the job and the skills include; navigation skills, time management skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills. All the skills acquired cannot only be used in truck driving jobs but also in other professions.

Travel:

Truck driving jobs give you the luxury of traveling while making an income. You can decide to work while on vacation by aligning your vacations with your drop-off areas.

No degree required:

You don’t have to have a degree before you can apply for Truck driver jobs in Canada as it just needs you to have a proper driving license and a high school certificate. You also get the privilege to earn as high as people from other careers with good degrees and can get endorsed in at most three weeks of being a truck driver.

Health insurance:

Truck drivers especially those employed by trucking companies have the opportunity to enjoy some standard benefits like health and life insurance like every other standard profession. Some companies go as far as including your family members to take part in the benefits.

Competitive salary:

After training, new drivers have the opportunity to earn an average of $50,000 while an active truck driver can earn between $51,000 to $210,000 as the average annual salary which varies from experience level, expertise, and type of employment.

Career advancement:

Being a truck driver doesn’t necessarily need you to remain in a particular position for a long period. There is room for advancement which includes gaining more expertise and earning more salary. There are various driving roles you can explore as a truck driver in Canada, so instead of keeping yourself in a particular position, explore the whole career as some companies also offer bonuses for longevity with the company and safe driving.

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Eligibility requirements

Before taking a career in the truck driving industry in Canada, there are certain criteria you need to meet. These will ensure that you are qualified, safe, and well-prepared for the job;

Valid commercial driver’s license:

It is mandatory to get your driver’s license if you want to apply for a truck driver job in Canada. Depending on which province you are working in, you will need a class 1 license for tractor-trailers or a class 3 license for small trucks. You may need to obtain this license upon arrival If you are a forging applicant.

Medical fitness certificate

You must undergo a medical examination to prove that you are fit for the job. Some of these tests include vision, hearing, and overall health tests. This ensures that you can handle long hours on the road safely.

Age requirement

The minimum age requirement is at least 18 years, but for cross-border routes, you should be at least 21 years old.

Work experience

Most companies in Canada prefer to hire truck drivers with at least 1-2 years of experience. This doesn’t mean that there are no entry-level positions. So, if you are new to the field, enrolling in certified training programs can help boost your chances.

Language proficiency

English and French are the two most common languages in Canada. You are required to be fluent in either of them as this helps in clear communication on the road and compliance with safety protocols. If you are an international applicant, you will need to present proof of language proficiency.

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To be a successful truck driver in Canada, you must possess the following skills and attributes;

Communication:

Truck drivers need some good communication skills in updating both their managers and their clients on the progress of their goods and they can also use the skill in writing detailed reports.

Navigation:

Although truck drivers make use of GPS in navigating through routes, they also need to have good navigation skills either in the case of system failure or to determine the best routes to use for their deliveries in accessing a map.

Problem-solving:

Problem-solving skills are needed for a truck driver in the case of minor road accidents like flat tires and the rest of it. Their problem-solving skills should help them identify the issues and find the best way possible to solve them for they to have a safe delivery.

Time management:

In other to meet the deadlines of their delivery, truck drivers need time management skills to prioritize their tasks and plan a more efficient route to take.

Tips to Land a Truck Driver Jobs

Create a cover letter and a resume:

Your resume is usually the first impression employers have of you. Ensure you highlight all relevant skills and experience.

Use online job boards and platforms

You can always use online job boards and platforms to find truck driver jobs in Canada. Many canadine companies post job openings on specialized websites like Indeed, Workopolis, and Canada Job Bank,

Leverage networking

When you have a professional network, you can easily uncover job opportunities that are not publicly advertised.

Apply to Companies Directly

Some companies in Canada prefer to hire you as a truck driver directly rather than through job boards or agencies.

The application process for truck driver jobs in Canada

Get your driver’s license:

Before you can get your truck driving license, you must have gotten a full driving license which gives you the ability to drive a standard vehicle before learning to drive a truck.

Meet the minimum requirements:

There are some basic qualifications you need to meet before attending a truck driving school or getting your driving license. Firstly, you must be at least 21 years of age after which you must have obtained a high school diploma or something equivalent. Then your driving record must be clean, you must pass designated medical and vision tests and finally, you must pass a drug and alcohol test.

Attend truck driving school:

In attending a truck driving school, you should ensure to find a program that includes both practical and classroom education as it allows you to gain foundational knowledge on driving laws and regulations as well as gaining physically guided experience driving a commercial vehicle. Make sure to choose a program that is government-approved to make you eligible to apply for your truck driving license after graduation.

Apply for your truck driving license:

After graduating from truck driving school, the next thing is to apply for your truck driving license. To get your license, you are required to take a written test to prove your industry knowledge and a road test on an approved vehicle.

You can review your truck handbook to prepare for the test and if you are not confident in your driving skills yet, you can pay for additional driving lessons with your instructor. It is also possible to retake the test for a fee in case you fail on your first attempt but then you can practice as much as you can to ensure you pass on your first trial.

Conclusion

Being a truck driver, you need to have the zeal and passion for driving before proceeding to apply for a job. There are so many challenges that come with the work and likewise, there are also so many benefits to gain from working as a truck driver.

There are various types of trucking jobs most of which require you to have a certain expertise so make sure to have a broad knowledge and training to enable you to go higher in the career.

The most important thing you need to consider before venturing into the career is to be above 18 years of age, you must have a high school certificate or diploma, a driving license and a clean driving record all of which will make your application process into a truck driving job and easy and smooth one.