Over the last couple years, we’ve written several blogs on Canada’s trucking shortage and how it impacts the economy. While mass efforts have been made across the country, the industry still has 9,600 immediate job openings for truck drivers. This report was published by the Canadian Trucking Alliance, which also revealed that we need 55,000 drivers by 2024 to meet the driver shortage.
Trucking HR, a nonprofit industry organisation, has identified 23,532 driver vacancies. To combat this shortage, Canada implemented pro-immigration policies that facilitate work permits and permanent residency for experienced truck drivers from other countries. These drivers can apply through Canada’s Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Provincial Nominee Program. Applicants must have a minimum of five months of continuous work experience in truck driving, either in Canada or abroad.
In February last year, the federal government announced an investment of up to $46.3 million in partnership with Trucking HR Canada for the “Driving Economic Recovery” project. This initiative aims to subsidise the recruitment and training of up to 1,400 new drivers and 1,200 other in-demand professionals in the trucking sector, with emphasis on women and equity-deserving groups.
Is the demand still there even though consumers are spending less and less?
Despite these efforts, some industry leaders, like Mike Millian, president of the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada, believe that there is currently an excess of trucks in the market. He believes this is because of reduced consumer demand and a downsized economy, predicting severe shortages once the economy recovers.
While demand for local truck drivers may have stabilised, long haul drivers are still in demand. Due to the long work times and not being able to see their family for up to 4 weeks at a time, many are choosing to give up their long-haul trucking career. In the first year of trucking, most truckers get an average of $16 to $17, which is only slightly higher than minimum wage, which has been a deterrent.
The trucking industry in Canada, known for its ageing workforce, is increasingly reliant on immigrants, particularly from South Asian backgrounds. For example, in Vancouver, 55.9% of truck drivers are South Asian immigrants. According to Statistics Canada, the country employed 316,700 truck drivers in 2023, a slight increase from the previous year. If you are considering a career in long-haul trucking, now is the time to act on it. For more trucking industry-related news, follow Caledon Truck Driving School.
