Work in Canada
How the Canadian Trucking Industry is Paving New Roads for Skilled Immigrants
The Canadian trucking industry is more than just a backbone for the economy; it’s the lifeline that connects products, services, and communities across the nation. With over 400,000 employees and supporting over 500,000 businesses, the trucking industry is fundamental in maintaining the country’s supply chains. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was deemed essential, as the demand for goods surged. However, the industry now faces significant hurdles due to workforce shortages, a rapidly aging driver pool, and the challenging conditions of truck driving jobs.
With the Federal Skilled Worker Program now including truck jobs in Canada as eligible positions, immigrants have new avenues to explore fulfilling careers while filling critical labor gaps. In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of this decision on the Canadian economy, the evolving landscape of truck driving in Canada, and how immigrating to Canada as a trucker could offer new opportunities for skilled workers worldwide.
The Current Landscape of Truck Jobs in Canada
The demand for truck drivers is on the rise, yet companies are struggling to keep up with recruitment. According to a 2019 Statistics Canada report, a notable 31% of truck drivers were over 55, signaling an aging workforce that will soon retire. Adding to this, factors such as long hours, unpredictable pay due to per-kilometer compensation, and time away from home make the job less attractive to younger generations.
Key Statistics
- Projected Shortage: Canada could face a shortage of 25,000 truck drivers by 2025 and 55,600 by 2035 if current trends continue.
- Economic Impact: Labour shortages in transportation cost Canada over $1.3 billion in 2022 alone, with indirect effects reaching $4.3 billion due to impacts on other sectors like manufacturing and agriculture.
How Immigration Programs Are Addressing Trucking Shortages
Canada’s government has recognized these challenges and has introduced immigration-friendly policies to fill vacancies in high-demand fields, including trucking. By adding trucking to the Federal Skilled Worker Program’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) list, Canada has opened doors for qualified international drivers to support the economy.
For trucking companies, these initiatives mean access to a larger pool of skilled drivers, and for immigrants, it presents a pathway to stable employment in a growing industry. This change represents a win-win for the Canadian economy and aspiring immigrants alike.
Factors Contributing to the Trucker Shortage
Long hours, irregular schedules, and long stretches away from home make trucking less attractive.
Many drivers are paid per kilometer, leaving them with little or no pay for time spent waiting at loading docks.
A large portion of truck drivers are nearing retirement, with younger generations hesitant to enter the field due to the industry’s demanding nature.
Why Immigrate to Canada as a Trucker?
For skilled drivers considering a move to Canada, a career in trucking can offer:
Competitive salaries are around $50,000 to $63,000 annually, depending on experience and route type.
Job security and a steady career path.
Work permits and potentially permanent residency through programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Some provinces, like Alberta, have gone further to alleviate the shortage by investing in specialized training programs. Alberta has allocated $30 million to driver training programs, aiming to produce qualified drivers to meet industry demands. Such investments highlight the seriousness with which Canada views the trucking industry and its critical role in the economy.
Industry Outlook: The Road Ahead
The Canadian trucking industry is essential for sustaining the nation’s supply chains, affecting industries from agriculture to retail. With businesses across sectors reporting ongoing supply chain disruptions, labor shortages in trucking have intensified these issues, slowing production and delaying delivery times. For example, nearly half of all businesses in transportation and warehousing report experiencing supply chain challenges in 2024, many citing a shortage of truck drivers as a key factor.
Industry leaders and government agencies, including the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), are actively working to make trucking more appealing to new drivers. Initiatives include:
Flexible Scheduling Options
Increased Wages and Benefits
Crackdown on “Driver Inc.” Practices
Why the Canadian Trucking Industry Needs You?
The Canadian trucking industry holds immense opportunities for skilled workers looking to establish themselves in a stable, well-compensated profession. As Canada faces a severe labor shortage in the trucking sector, now is the perfect time for skilled international drivers to consider immigrating to Canada as a truckers. From competitive salaries and job security to provincial investment in training and support, truck jobs in Canada are becoming a highly attractive option for new and experienced drivers.
For those ready to embark on this journey, Canada’s evolving immigration pathways present a promising road forward. Not only can new drivers help meet the demands of the Canadian economy, but they can also look forward to a fulfilling, stable career in a field that is essential to the nation’s prosperity.
