How do I become a commercial truck driver in Canada?

Requirements

be at least 18 years old.
hold a valid Ontario licence other than G1, G2, M, M1 or M2.
pass a vision test.
submit a valid medical report.
pass a knowledge test about operating large trucks and tractor-trailers.
pass a road test using a vehicle that meets the requirements for Class A (R)

What qualifications do I need to be a truck driver in Canada?

Employment requirements

Completion of an accredited driver training course of up to three months duration, through a vocational school or community college, may be required. A Class 3 or D licence is required to drive straight-body trucks. A Class 1 or A licence is required to drive long combination vehicles.

Can a foreigner work as a truck driver in Canada?

As such, if you're interested in obtaining a job as a trucker in Canada, you'll need to apply through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire people from outside of Canada to fill temporary jobs and skills shortages when Canadian citizens aren't available to do so.

How much does it cost to become a truck driver in Canada?

Truck driver training costs a minimum of $5000 these days. The training school will teach you in class and hands-on driving training. Nowadays truck driver training schools finance you. You don't have to quit your job to get training, because morning or evening classes are available in almost every school.

Which province is best for trucking in Canada?

While truck drivers are needed across Canada, the following provinces have the highest demand.

Saskatchewan. There is a high demand for truck drivers in Saskatchewan, especially long-haul truck drivers. ...
British Columbia (BC) Up next is British Columbia. ...
Nova Scotia. In third place is Nova Scotia. ...
Alberta. ...
Ontario.

15 related questions found

Are truck drivers in demand in Canada?

For Transport truck drivers, over the period 2019-2028, new job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are expected to total 119,900 , while 96,600 new job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration and mobility) are expected to be available to fill them.

Is truck driving a good job in Canada?

It is an excellent career choice for any newcomer to Canada, and there are many companies looking to hire foreigners and recent immigrants. The Canadian trucking industry is experiencing severe labour shortages and there are plenty of opportunities for work.

How long does it take to get a truck driver license in Canada?

TORONTO, Ont. – Canada's future truck drivers will need to complete at least 103.5 hours of training to earn a Class 1/A licence — along with another 8.5 hours of training for an air brake endorsement — under standards that were approved on Friday by transportation and highway safety ministers.

Why do truck drivers quit?

There are many individuals with the training and skills needed to fill these truck driving job positions. But due to low pay and less than desirable working conditions, many are leaving the industry, in search of a better career.

Can truck driver get PR in Canada?

Employer Driver Stream - once you have a job offer as a truck driver from a NWT employer, you must work for the same employer for at least six months and be in good standing with the requirements of your temporary foreign work permit. You will then be eligible for PR status.

Which country is best for truck drivers?

7 Best Countries to Work as a Truck Driver

Australia. The trucking business in Australia is blooming more than ever. ...
Norway. Apart from the trucking profession, Norway offers the best job opportunities to all kinds of professions due to its stable economic system. ...
The USA. ...
Canada. ...
Switzerland. ...
Sweden. ...
Netherlands.

Which country pays highest salary to truck driver?

These 10 countries have the highest-paid general cargo truck drivers (U.S. dollars).

Switzerland: $70,452.
Australia: $53,951.
Belgium: $50,462.
Norway: $47,572.
United States: $47,130.
Germany: $46,871.
Netherlands: $46,865.
Austria: $46,217.

How long can a truck driver drive in Canada?

In Canada, a commercial truck driver must stop driving after: 13 hours of driving time from the end of the most recent period of 8 consecutive off-duty hours. 14 hours of on-duty time from the end of the most recent 8 consecutive off-duty hours. 70 hours over 7 consecutive days, or 120 hours over 14 consecutive days.

What's the hardest part of being a truck driver?

The Hardest Part of Starting a Trucking Career

Double Clutching and downshifting.
Straight backing, or just about any type of backing maneuver in a big rig.
Having the driver's seat and the mirrors adjusted properly.
Making right hand turns.
Getting started from a stop on an incline.

Is the trucking industry growing 2021?

Size of the truckload market has grown 1.6% year over year from $193.21b in 2020 to $196.34b in 2021. Size of the less-than-truckload market in the U.S. has grown from $76.41b in 2018 to $80.16b in 2021.

Are truck drivers in demand 2022?

According to an analysis of data accrued by FTR Intel, rising demand spiked spot trucking rates upwards of 24%, compared to January 2021. Furthermore, freight spot load postings increased almost 44% at the start of 2022.

Can a truck driver get PR in Ontario?

The NOC code for transport truck drivers (7511) was one of three occupations added to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program stream in July 2019. It means that experienced truck drivers with a job offer in Ontario can now get provincial support in obtaining Canadian permanent residence.

How do I become a truck driver in Alberta?

Applicants for Class 1 licences must:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Have a valid Alberta driver's licence (not graduated driver licensing)
Satisfy medical requirements.
Complete the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program.
Pass knowledge tests.
Pass road test.

Can truckers make 100k?

Yes. You can earn $100,000 or more a year as a truck driver. It generally takes a few years, and usually means that you have become a trainer or work as a team driver. Drivers who transition from company drivers to owner-operators often earn more than six figures annually.

What is highest paid job in Canada?

With that in mind, here are the top 5 highest paying jobs in Canada according to data from the Canadian Visa website:

Physician/Doctor – 150,000 CAD/year.
Lawyer – 135,000 CAD/year.
Miner/Oil and Gas Driller – 77,250 CAD/year.
Dentist – 75,000 CAD/year.
Registered Nurses – 74,000 CAD/year.

Is it hard to get a job as a truck driver?

Although a little more challenging, it is possible to snag truck driving jobs with no experience as a new CDL driver. With the shortage of truck drivers, it's nearly impossible NOT to be able to get a driving job, if you do the footwork needed and apply at a good number of trucking companies.

What is the largest trucking company in Canada?

By far the largest provider in the Canadian trucking market is TFI International, who operated a fleet of approximately 34,000 trucks in 2019 and generated revenue of more than 5.1 billion Canadian dollars.

What is the best company to work for as an owner operator in Canada?

Bison Transport – Bison is a well managed and highly ranked carrier in Canada. Based out of Winnipeg, MB, they also have terminals in Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, B.C., Manitoba and Alberta. They run singles and teams, company drivers and also owner operators.

What is the longest a truck driver can drive?

14-Hour Driving Window

You are allowed a period of 14 consecutive hours in which to drive up to 11 hours after being off duty for 10 or more consecutive hours. The 14-consecutive-hour driving window begins when you start any kind of work.