
Canada's trucking industry is facing a significant shortage of drivers, which has led many companies to look abroad for new talent.
According to the article, the majority of foreign drivers working in Canada come from the United States, with over 30% of the workforce being American.
To qualify for a job as a truck driver in Canada, you'll need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) from your home country.
The process of obtaining a CDL in Canada can be complex and time-consuming, involving multiple steps and requirements, including passing a series of written and practical tests.
Eligibility and Application
To be eligible for truck driving jobs in Canada, you must be between 25 and 55 years old. You should also have a clean police record for the past 5 years.
You'll need a Class 1A driver's license and a temporary employment offer from a Canadian employer. Additionally, you'll require a Temporary Foreign Worker Permit from Home Resources and Skill Development of Canada.
To apply for a job, you'll need to have a Certificate of Secondary Education and proof of English skills, which can be demonstrated through an IELTS (CLB 5) score.
Here's a summary of the basic steps to apply:
- The employer must apply for an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
- The temporary job offer of the truck drivers needs to be extended by the employer
- The truck drivers can apply for work permits
- The permit is issued
If you're new to commercial driving, you can take a course that will provide you with the knowledge and training to obtain a Canadian Class 1 Driver's Licence. This course typically takes around 10 weeks to complete.
Here's a list of the top 10 truck driving jobs in Canada for foreigners:
To apply for a truck driving job in Canada, follow these steps:
1. Update your resume to include international driving experience, licenses, and references.
2. Search for LMIA-approved employers using websites like Job Bank, Indeed Canada, and Workopolis.
3. Apply for jobs directly by contacting companies with current openings and inquiring about visa sponsorship.
4. Prepare for interviews by highlighting your driving safety record, flexibility, and familiarity with long-haul routes.
5. Start the work permit application process once you receive a job offer.
Note that truck driving positions typically do not require advanced degrees, but candidates should possess a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) from their home country.
Temporary Foreign Workers
Temporary Foreign Worker Permit 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.
Employers can hire foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) if they are unable to find Canadians for the job. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is often required.
To extend the temporary job offer of truck drivers, an employer should send a copy of LMIA and job offer letter to them. The job offer letter should include job profile, Salary details, Requirement of the temporary position, Proper details of the employer and other important information.
Canada has a very good reputation in the global market, making it a highly attractive destination for international truck drivers. The government has made it easier for foreign workers to obtain employment and work visas.
Employers can hire foreign workers under the TFWP if they are unable to find Canadians for the job. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is often required.
Here are some Canadian logistics companies known to hire foreign drivers:
- Bison Transport
- Challenger Motor Freight
- Manitoulin Transport
- USA Staffing
- TransX Group of Companies
- Tandet Group
- Day & Ross
- Trimac Transportation
- H&R Transport
Immigration
The Canadian trucking industry is in need of skilled drivers, with low unemployment rates making it challenging to find qualified candidates. Around 200,000 skilled workers come to work in Canada every year.
Canadian trucking companies are now hiring workers from foreign countries to fill these positions, offering full-time employment opportunities.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP) are two programs that enable Canadian employers to sponsor foreign workers, facilitating temporary work authorization for truck drivers.
Work in Canada
Working in Canada as a foreign truck driver can be a great opportunity, but you'll need to get the right permits and visas first. Canada has a good reputation globally, making it a popular destination for foreign truck drivers.
To work as a truck driver in any Canadian province, you'll need a work permit. This permit is required after getting a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for foreign workers.
You can apply for a work permit at the Canadian border if you're entering without a visa. It's a relatively simple process.
If you want both a work permit and a visa, you can apply online or send an application to the relevant authorities.
Job Roles and Benefits
As a truck driver in Canada, you can expect a high level of job stability due to the high demand for drivers.
You can earn attractive salaries, especially for long-haul routes, with wages ranging from $55,000 to $70,000 per year.
Working as a truck driver also offers a pathway to permanent residency through programs like PNP and Express Entry, supporting your PR applications.
Long-haul truck drivers are preferred by Canadian employers, and they get good salaries and other benefits from their employers.
The flexible work schedule of truck drivers allows them to discuss working days and hours as well as number of off days per week with their employers.
As a truck driver, you'll have opportunities to interact with people and social groups from diverse backgrounds, and you can even travel to various Canadian towns and cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
After gaining experience, you can become a team driver or team leader, managing a team of truck drivers and taking on more responsibilities.
Job Roles
If you're considering a career as a truck driver in Canada, there are several job roles to explore. The most common roles for foreign truck drivers in Canada include Long-Haul Truck Driver, Delivery Truck Driver, Transport Truck Driver, Tanker Truck Operator, Dump Truck Driver, and Flatbed Truck Driver.
These roles involve transporting goods over long distances across provinces and international borders. This requires a strong sense of navigation and adaptability.
Some of the key responsibilities for truck drivers in Canada include inspecting vehicle systems, equipment, and cargo. They also need to log miles, fuel usage, and delivery schedules accurately.
Here are some of the key job roles for truck drivers in Canada:
- Long-Haul Truck Driver
- Delivery Truck Driver
- Transport Truck Driver
- Tanker Truck Operator
- Dump Truck Driver
- Flatbed Truck Driver
In addition to these roles, truck drivers in Canada must also adhere to Canadian transportation laws and road safety standards. Securing cargo and maintaining delivery schedules are also crucial responsibilities.
Job Benefits
As a truck driver in Canada, you can expect a decent salary, ranging from $55,000 to $70,000 per year, with long-haul drivers receiving even better pay.
Job stability is high in the trucking industry, with a high demand for drivers, ensuring long-term employment. This is especially true for long-haul drivers, who are preferred by Canadian employers.
You'll have the opportunity to see the country and experience diverse work environments, interacting with people from various regions and backgrounds. Long-haul truck drivers can even discuss their working days and hours, as well as number of off days per week, with their employers.
Here are some average salary ranges for truck drivers in Canada:
Some companies also offer bonuses for safe driving, fuel efficiency, and on-time deliveries, in addition to providing accommodation support, health insurance, and retirement benefits.
Provincial Information
Alberta is a top destination for international truck drivers, with a booming oil and gas industry that requires tanker and heavy haul drivers. Employers frequently sponsor work visas through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
British Columbia has a high demand for truck drivers, particularly in coastal cities like Vancouver, where there are opportunities for both long-haul and regional deliveries. The B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) supports foreign worker applications.
Employers and Hiring

Canadian logistics companies are actively hiring foreign truck drivers to fill the gap in the industry. Companies like Bison Transport, Challenger Motor Freight, and Manitoulin Transport are known to hire international drivers.
These companies often go the extra mile to assist in visa processing and provide training for international hires. This makes it easier for foreign drivers to get settled in Canada.
Some of the top employers hiring foreign truck drivers include USA Staffing, TransX Group of Companies, Tandet Group, Day & Ross, Trimac Transportation, and H&R Transport. These companies are actively seeking international talent to fill the shortage of truck drivers in Canada.
The government has made it easier for foreign workers to obtain employment and work visas, making Canada a highly attractive destination for international truck drivers.
Here are some of the top employers hiring foreign truck drivers in Canada:
- Bison Transport
- Challenger Motor Freight
- Manitoulin Transport
- USA Staffing
- TransX Group of Companies
- Tandet Group
- Day & Ross
- Trimac Transportation
- H&R Transport
Requirements and Documents
To become a truck driver in Canada, you'll need a valid Work Permit, which can be obtained through an LMIA-approved employer or a Provincial Nominee Program. This permit is a crucial step in the process.
You'll also need a Canadian Driver's License, specifically a Class 1/AZ or equivalent license. This license is required to operate a commercial vehicle in Canada. Don't worry if you're from a different country, you can still get this license.
To get a Canadian Driver's License, you'll need to provide proof of driving experience from your home country. This is usually done through a driving record or a document issued by your home country's transportation authority.
A clean driving record is also essential for becoming a truck driver in Canada. This means you'll need to have a good driving history with no major infractions or accidents.
You'll also need a Medical Fitness Certificate, which is a medical exam report that ensures you're fit to drive a commercial vehicle. This is a standard requirement for all truck drivers in Canada.
Here's a list of the required documents for a Work Permit application:
- Work permit application form (IMM 5645)
- Passport size photographs
- Processing fee
- Medical exam report
- Police verification report
- Valid passport
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Employment letter
- Proof of qualification for job vacancy
- Work experience letters
- Language proficiency (IELTS) score
- Evidence of financial stability
Additionally, if you're applying for a truck driver position in Canada, you'll need to meet the eligibility criteria, which includes having two years of work experience as a truck driver in a Gulf country. You'll also need to have a truck driver visa and a Gulf country license, as well as a senior secondary education and proficiency in English.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do delivery drivers with visa sponsorship make in Canada?
Delivery drivers with visa sponsorship in Canada can earn between $18.99 and $31.73 per hour, with the average falling around the 50th percentile. Discover the full salary range and benefits of this in-demand job.
Can a US citizen drive truck in Canada?
Yes, a US citizen can drive a truck in Canada, but they'll need to obtain a Canadian license that meets the province's specific requirements, such as a class D, restricted class A, or full class A license.
Are truck drivers on demand in Canada?
Yes, truck drivers are in high demand in Canada due to a persistent shortage across the country. This shortage is expected to continue, making it a promising career opportunity for those interested in the field.
Sources
- https://axisoverseascareers.com/truck-driver-in-canada/
- https://www.drivemti.com/mti-way-international/
- https://corptocorp.org/truck-driving-jobs-in-canada-for-foreigners/
- https://abroad.legal/employer-database/lmia/driving
- https://www.keyglobalimmigration.com/canada-work-permit/truck-drivers-jobs-canada/
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