The year 2023 will see Canada facing a shortage of truck drivers. In Canada, a large number of trucks transport goods daily, in different territories. There is always a great demand for long-haul drivers, and Canadian authorities constantly lookout for these workers amongst the immigrants.
However, in Canada, it is not very easy to become a trucker, no matter how experienced a driver you are. You must first find an employer having the right to hiring foreign nationals, post which you will have to enroll in a driver’s school so as to get the Canadian driver’s license. Furthermore, there are many bureaucratic procedures you have to pass through.
How much is the Salary of a Truck Driver in Canada?
Truck drivers get distinct benefits: referral bonus, detention pay, safety bonus, layover pay, bonus for fuel-efficiency, bonus for the clean-DOT inspection, and the monthly mileage bonus. Specific truck drivers like hazmat or ice road or oversized load drivers are given higher salaries as the operation of these vehicles need drivers of high skill levels and specialization. Even an OTR driver can earn a higher salary, as they travel for long hours across the country and must be adhered to different road regulations.
Why must I opt for a professional truck driving career?
- You can earn a good salary which is above average
- You can be the decision-maker
- You will have chances to progress
- You get a secure job that has good benefits as well as pay
- You can choose your style of work and location of work
- You can buy your truck and be self-employed
- You will challenges every single day
Can I become a fine professional truck driver?
Transport companies constantly lookout for people with a good attitude, good communication skills, and who wish to work hard. They should be in a position to make decisions as well as manage themselves so as to meet their delivery schedules. Drivers are required to work safely and be able to make independent judgments regarding the vehicle they operate.
In terms of income, what can I expect once I’m trained?
Professional truck drivers’ income varies based on the truck that they drive. As a guide, some figures are listed below:
Inexperienced drivers of tractor-trailer: About $26,000 to $36,000 annually
MTI Way graduates: About $55,000 to $80,000 annually
Note: Benefit packages can be included.
Myths on truck driving
1. Drivers must work 24 hours to earn a good income.
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- Drivers in Canada earn a good income, which is mostly above the national average. Long-haul trips, staying away from home every day isn’t the norm. Lesser than 5 % of truck drivers in Canada have to be on long-haul trips for 2 days or more.
2. Trucking is quite a low tech.
- Drivers in Canada earn a good income, which is mostly above the national average. Long-haul trips, staying away from home every day isn’t the norm. Lesser than 5 % of truck drivers in Canada have to be on long-haul trips for 2 days or more.
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- New technology is being constantly applied in the trucking industry to give it a competitive edge. A common feature in cabs these days are laptop computers or even onboard satellite systems, and the drivers are skilled users in this equipment.
3. The trucking industry has no space for women
- New technology is being constantly applied in the trucking industry to give it a competitive edge. A common feature in cabs these days are laptop computers or even onboard satellite systems, and the drivers are skilled users in this equipment.
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- The trucking industry in Canada has a lot of women who are transport drivers, sales representatives, dispatchers, managers as well as presidents of the trucking firms.
4. There is less job security in truck driving
- The trucking industry in Canada has a lot of women who are transport drivers, sales representatives, dispatchers, managers as well as presidents of the trucking firms.
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- This is not true. There is a constant need to transport goods to meet the demands of the growing population, thereby increasing the demand for drivers.
5. Trucking is unhealthy and not very safe
- This is not true. There is a constant need to transport goods to meet the demands of the growing population, thereby increasing the demand for drivers.
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- Canada has the highest standards when it comes to equipment safety as well as driver skill. Very few trucks get involved in less than 4% of road accidents.