Requirements for Working as a Truck Driver in Canada

This article will show you the requirements for working as a truck driver in Canada. Transport drivers operate straight trucks or tractor-trailers to transport freight. Long-haul drivers operate over provincial and international routes, while short-haul and local drivers operate over urban routes.

These requirements for working as a truck driver in Canada apply to various kinds of transport operators. Also, Transportation, manufacturing, distribution, moving companies, trucking service agencies, & self-employed hire them.

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Working as a Truck Driver in Canada.

Working as a truck driver in Canada can be a lucrative and rewarding career. However, there are certain requirements that must be met in order to become a truck driver in Canada. Here are some things you’ll need to cover to work as a truck driver in Canada.

Before proceeding to read the requirements for working as a truck driver in Canada, let’s look at some job duties and vital information.

Job Duties

• Long-haul transport truck drivers
• Operate and drive primarily tractor-trailers, long-combination vehicles and straight-body trucks weighing over 4500 kg to transport goods and materials over long distances.
• Plan trip logistics and obtain required documentation to transport goods
• Perform pre-trip, en route and post-trip inspection of vehicle systems, equipment and accessories such as tires, lights and turn signals, brakes and cold storage.
• Ensure cargo is secured correctly by safety requirements and follow safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.
• Obtain special permits and other documents required to transport cargo on international routes.
• Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled and fuel consumption.
• Administer bills of lading and manually or electronically maintain log books.
• Communicate with dispatcher, other drivers and customers using communication devices and on-board computers.
• May perform emergency roadside repairs.
• May drive as part of a two-person team or convoy.
• May transport hazardous products or dangerous goods.
• Short-haul and local transport truck drivers.
• Operate and drive straight trucks to transport goods and materials, mainly on local and interurban routes.
• Perform pre-trip, en route and post-trip inspection and oversee all aspects of the vehicle, such as equipment condition and loading and unloading of cargo.
• May drive special purpose trucks such as tow trucks, dump trucks, hydrovac trucks or cement mixing trucks.

Job titles

• Bulk goods truck driver
• Dump truck driver
• Flatbed truck driver
• Heavy truck driver
• Logging truck driver
• Long haul truck driver
• Moving van driver
• Shunt truck driver
• Tow truck driver
• Tractor-trailer truck driver
• Transport driver
• Truck driver

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Requirements for Working as a Truck Driver in Canada.

Find out what you typically need to work as a transport driver in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Transport truck drivers (NOC 73300).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

• Completion of secondary school is usually required.
• On-the-job-training is provided.
• 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.
• Air brake endorsement (Z) is required for drivers who operate vehicles equipped with air brakes.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated in your province or territory.

Skills Requirement for Truck/Transport Driver in Canada

Learn about the necessary skills for transport drivers in Canada. These skills are essential for all NOC 73300 transport truck drivers.

Tasks

• Address customers’ complaints or concerns
• Coach colleagues on new methods or work techniques
• Mountain driving expertise
• Owner-operator business skills
• Professionalism in customer service
• Arrange travel, related itineraries and make reservations
• Drive as part of a two-person team or convoy
• Drive lighter, special purpose trucks
• Load and unload goods
• Obtain special permits and other documents required to transport cargo on international routes
• Operate and drive straight or articulated trucks to transport goods and materials
• Oversee condition of vehicle and inspect tires, lights, brakes, cold storage and other equipment
• Pay and receive payments for goods
• Perform brake adjustments
• Perform emergency roadside repairs
• Perform pre-trip, en route and post-trip inspection and oversee all aspects of vehicle
• Perform preventive maintenance
• Receive and relay information to central dispatch
• Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled and fuel consumption
• Tarping and ensuring safety and security of cargo
• Transport and handle dangerous goods

Skills and Knowledge Checklist

The following skills and knowledge are usually required in this occupation. These are the specific requirements for working as a truck driver in Canada.

• Handling Goods and Materials – Handling Goods and Materials Loading and Unloading. This involves working with goods and materials manually or with machines, loading and unloading, and moving goods or materials by hand or with equipment.
• Building – Building Restoring and Repairing. This involves working with materials to construct, renovate and maintain structures, restoring, repairing, and replacing worn or broken parts, and adjusting and testing for function, appearance, operation or safety.
• Operating and Repairing Equipment, Machinery and Vehicles – Operating and Repairing Equipment, Machinery and Vehicles Operating Mobile Equipment. This involves working with and/or repairing vehicles, machinery or stationary equipment. Operating Mobile Equipment Controlling the operation of machinery, equipment or vehicles.
• Communication – Communication Professional Communicating. Using communication skills to share information, advise and influence. Professional Communicating Preparing and delivering written, oral or visual material for the workplace that presents information.
• Information Handling – Information Handling Processing Information. Creating and using systems for the storage and retrieval of knowledge and data. Processing Information Inputting, recording, transcribing and updating data using electronic or manual information systems.
• Analysis – Analysis, Inspecting and Testing Planning. Examining and evaluating information and inspecting and Testing Examining and investigating problems, sites or objects to ensure compliance with safety standards, laws or regulations and planning Determining phases and steps, defining activities and tasks and establishing schedules to complete objectives on time and within budget.
• Communications and Transportation – Communications and Transportation Transportation. Knowledge related to the provision and transmission of communication and entertainment systems and the delivery of consumer goods or services. Transportation Knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques for moving people and goods by air, sea, rail or ground transportation, including relative costs, advantages, risks and limitations.

How to Find Truck Driver Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Canada.

Here are different methods for finding truck driver visa sponsorship jobs in Canada, provide a list of resources that can help truck drivers find these jobs, and explain how to apply for them.

Online Job Boards: One of the easiest ways to find truck driver visa sponsorship jobs in Canada is to search for them on online job boards. Some of the popular job boards in Canada include Indeed, Monster, and Workopolis.

Recruitment Agencies: Truck drivers can also find visa sponsorship jobs in Canada by working with recruitment agencies that specialize in placing workers in these types of jobs. These agencies can provide assistance with the application process and help truck drivers find suitable job openings.

Company Websites: Many trucking companies in Canada have their own websites where they post job openings, including those for truck driver visa sponsorship jobs. Truck drivers can visit these websites to search for job openings and apply directly.

Networking: Networking is another effective way to find truck driver visa sponsorship jobs in Canada. Truck drivers can reach out to friends, family members, or colleagues who work in the industry to see if they know of any job openings.

Social Media: Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can also be used to find truck driver visa sponsorship jobs in Canada. Truck drivers can search for job openings or connect with recruiters and hiring managers to learn about job opportunities.

Government Job Banks: The Government of Canada has its own job bank website where employers can post job openings, including those for truck driver visa sponsorship jobs. Truck drivers can visit the job bank website to search for job openings and apply directly.

Canadian Trucking Associations: The Canadian Trucking Association (CTA) is a national industry association that represents trucking companies in Canada. The CTA has a job board on their website where employers can post job openings, including those for truck driver visa sponsorship jobs.

Provincial Trucking Associations: Each province in Canada has its own trucking association that represents trucking companies in the province. These associations often have job boards on their websites where employers can post job openings, including those for truck driver visa sponsorship jobs.

Local Newspapers: Some trucking companies in Canada still advertise job openings in local newspapers. Truck drivers can check their local newspapers for job postings and apply directly.

Job Fairs: Truck driver job fairs are events where trucking companies and recruiters come together to meet with potential job candidates. These events can be a great way for truck drivers to meet with recruiters and learn about job openings, including those for truck driver visa sponsorship jobs.

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