Trucking is one of the most reliable jobs in Canada.
The country’s economy depends on efficient, safe, and consistent freight transportation. In fact, 90 percent of consumer goods and food items move by truck. This means you can expect steady work and strong benefits as a truck driver.
However, this job comes with a lot of effort and work, such as initial training, skills development. One of them being obtaining an AZ-DZ licence in Brampton, that you can apply for only after attending 5-week mandatory training. Once you are a truck driver and have a few years of experience, you can become a truck owner-operator. In simple terms – you work for yourself, just like a self-employed person does.
Who is an Owner-Operator Trucker in Ontario?
An owner-operator is an independent truck driver who owns and operates a carrier vehicle for freight transportation. Instead of working for a company, you become an independent contractor. From small-scale businesses to multinational bigwigs, everyone prefers to hire contractors to avoid the overhead cost of truck maintenance while reaping the benefits of high-quality and reliable trucking services.
Being an independent trucking contractor means you are your own boss. The flexibility, freedom, and earning opportunities are endless, and so are the responsibilities. To begin with, you will be accountable for pickup and movement of shipments. You are responsible to decide the routes, the load, and other aspects of your contract at your discretion.
Likewise, you are responsible for unloading the vehicle at the destination and seeing to the delivery process as per the client’s requirements. In addition, you also have to maintain your truck and pay for the insurance costs.
However, truth be told, the fact that you can decide your schedule and create a career trajectory that genuinely speaks to and for you is precious. So, how do you become one?
Steps to Become an Owner-Operator Trucker in Canada
- Licence Training – To get a trucker licence in Canada, you need preemptive training and coursework. Therefore, you must enrol in the top truck driving school in Brampton. Comprehensive and rigorous coursework under the guidance of experienced faculty can help catapult your career to novel heights.
- Obtain the licences – Firstly, to begin your trucking career, you must have an AZ-DZ licence in Brampton. An AZ licence allows you to drive any truck/tractor-trailer combination over 4600 kg. On the other hand, a DZ licence permits the driving of heavy vehicles up to 4600 kg, but not exceeding it. With an AZ licence, you can become a long-haul trucker, whereas, with a DZ licence, you can drive fire trucks, street snowplows, cement mixers, and likewise. To obtain an AZ-DZ licence, you should already have a standard Ontario G-licence. If you have B, C, or D licences, they can be easily upgraded through the Ministry of Transportation.
- Begin Your Independent Journey – After completing the coursework, obtaining the necessary licence, and clearing the driver’s test, you must start bracing yourself for an independent journey. Firstly, you will own or rent a truck to drive, then reach out to companies that need transport. In the first few months, you’ll likely work on smaller contracts or distances, but as you build confidence, you can look for long-haul contracts.
Become a truck owner-driver in Ontario with Caledon Truck Driving School. Get in touch with us today!
