Truck Drivers

What they do?

Long-haul truck drivers perform some or all of the following duties:

A. May transport hazardous products or dangerous goods.

Line-haul and local truck drivers perform some or all of the following duties:

A. Operate and drive straight trucks to transport goods and materials over urban and short inter-urban routes

B. May drive lighter, special purpose trucks such as tow trucks, dump trucks, hydrovac trucks or cement mixing trucks

C. Perform pre-trip inspection and oversee all aspects of vehicles such as condition of equipment, and loading and unloading of cargo.

D. Operate and drive straight or articulated trucks, weighing over 4600 kg with three or more axles, to transport goods and material to destinations

E. Oversee all aspects of vehicles, such as condition of equipment, loading and unloading, and safety and security of cargo

F. Perform pre-trip inspection of vehicle systems and equipment such as tires, lights, brakes and cold storage

G. Perform emergency roadside repairs

H. Obtain special permits and other documents required to transport cargo on international routes

I. Record cargo information, distance travelled, fuel consumption and other information in log book or on on-board computer

J. Communicate with dispatcher and other drivers using two-way radio, cellular telephone and on-board computer

K. May drive as part of a two-person team or convoy

Where they find work?

1. Transportation and warehousing - 64.0%
2. Wholesale trade - 8.0%
3. Construction - 6.0%
4. Administrative and support waste management and remediation services - 3.0%
5. Retail trade - 3.0%
6. Miscellaneous manufacturing - 3.0%
7. Non-metallic mineral product manufacturing - 2.0%

What education do I need?

1. You usually need a high school diploma.

2. You usually receive on-the-job training.

3. You must have a Class "D" licence to drive straight trucks.

4. You need a Class "A" license to drive articulated trucks.

5. Drivers who operate vehicles equipped with air brakes must have air brake endorsements.

6. You need Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) certification to transport hazardous products or dangerous goods.

High School Subject that will help:

1. English
2. Mechanics
3. First Aid

What can you expect to make:

The average hourly wages for Truck Drivers is $16.57/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and below average for all intermediate occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.

Unemployment:

5% of Truck Drivers are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for intermediate occupations.

Current Job Outlook:

The job outlook for Truck Drivers is considered Average because:

1. Employment grew at an average rate.

2. Hourly wages ($16.57) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.

3. The unemployment rate (5%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).

Future Job Prospects:

Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:

1. The employment growth rate will likely be close to the average.

2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.

3. The number of job openings will likely exceed the number of job seekers. This will not be significant enough to have an impact on the work prospects.

Highest Concetration:

The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Unionization Rate:

The unionization rate (26%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.

Useful Experience:

1. Customer service

2. Mechanics

3. Computer use (Global Positioning System)

Age Demographics

Age Demographics:

Self Employed

Self Employed:

Men vs Women

Men vs Women: