According to Statistics Canada, there are more than 181,000 truck drivers in Canada. Of those, 58,985 are immigrants. While only seven percent of truck drivers were immigrants twenty years ago, this number increased to nearly one in five in 2016. Today, immigrants make up more than a third of Canada’s truck driver pool. The largest source of immigrants is India. In Toronto and Vancouver, almost four in 10 drivers come from this country.
While truckers can make good money, there are serious concerns about the future of the industry. There is a major labor shortage affecting the industry. According to the Canadian Trucking Alliance, almost twenty thousand truck drivers are currently missing from the country. Fewer than one-fifth of those drivers are women. Furthermore, less than four percent of truck drivers are millennials. The association has asked the federal government to focus on matching newcomers to truck driver jobs.
Despite the shortage of truck drivers, the demand for truckers in Canada is extremely high. According to Trucking HR Canada, there will be a need for more than 17,000 new truck drivers annually up until 2025. If you’re considering becoming a trucker, there’s no better time than now. Saskatchewan, BC, and Nova Scotia are the three provinces with the highest demand for truckers.
How Many Semi Trucks Operate in Canada?
The trucking industry in Canada is a $37 billion industry, and more than 650 thousand trucks are registered in Canada. Of those, about half are heavy-duty class 8 vehicles, meaning their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeds 15 000 kg. These trucks are used to transport freight across Canada and to export markets in the United States and Mexico.
The trucking industry is a key part of the economy in Canada, supporting virtually every other industry. The industry employs nearly thirty thousand people and contributes about 5% of the nation’s GDP. Employment in the trucking industry is expected to continue to grow over the next few years. The industry needs an additional seventeen thousand drivers every year. In addition, the low Canadian dollar encourages increased exports, and truck drivers help support this economy.
The number of semi trucks operating on Canadian roads is continually increasing. The Canadian market alone accounts for approximately one-quarter of all trucks in the world. In 2018, International trucks represented 36% of Class 7 truck sales in Canada. International is a global leader in commercial truck manufacturing. Its 2020 LT Series will feature aerodynamic enhancements, a zero-gap tractor-trailer design, and enhanced roof fairings.
Is There a Trucker Shortage in Canada?
According to the Teamsters Canada, which represents many trucking companies, there are at least 900 open truck driving positions in Canada. This number could rise. However, the shortage of drivers in the trucking industry is not yet at crisis level. Employers are turning to retired drivers to fill those positions. Many are unable to find younger people to take on the rigors of the job.
Many factors are contributing to this labour shortage. Canada’s aging workforce is one of the main factors. One in three transport drivers is over 55, while one in five workers is over 65. Another factor is the fact that some provinces rely heavily on the transport industry to provide jobs and support the economy. For instance, the trucking industry in Alberta contributes more than half of the province’s GDP. This means that a truck driver shortage in the province would have an impact on all sectors of the economy.
The Canadian Trucking Alliance recently commissioned a study to examine the potential impact of the shortage. The study found that by 2023, the country could face a trucker shortage of up to 55,000 drivers. As a result, the shortage could affect the economy and the well-being of consumers.
How Many Truck Drivers are There in Ontario?
According to the Canadian Trucking Association, there are currently over 23,000 job vacancies for truck drivers. This number is expected to increase to over 55,000 by 2024. The trucking industry generates a higher economic multiplier effect than other sectors. Approximately one in every three trucks on the road is driven by a woman.
In Canada, trucking is a huge industry worth $65 billion, employing about 260,000 people. Yet women make up only 3% of this workforce, and seventy-one percent of millennial women say they are unsuitable for truck driving. Therefore, Ontario needs more women in this sector. The province is taking steps to increase the number of women truck drivers.
There are a lot of challenges that truck drivers face in Ontario. The province’s roads are congested and diesel fuel is expensive. Truck drivers are faced with the challenge of overnight safe parking, which is scarce in major urban areas.
Who is the Biggest Trucking Company in Canada?
The largest trucking company in Canada is TFI International. This company has a fleet of over 2,000 heavy trucks operating across the country. Its largest acquisition was TransX, which was acquired by CN in March 2019. The company is also Canada’s largest long-haul carrier, with the capacity to move any load over any distance. Its fleet has nearly 1400 trucks and 4000 trailers and its staff is highly trained and equipped.
The TFI International group is based in Montreal and has multiple yards across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. The company has been in business for over 60 years and pays its drivers well. The company also offers attractive bonus programs and treats owner operators right. Another big trucking company in Canada is the Erb Group, which specializes in temperature controlled shipments and has 10 terminals across Ontario, Manitoba, and Pennsylvania.
If you want to use the services of a major trucking company, you should compare the rates and services offered by different companies. Also, you should look for distribution centers in the area and the flexibility of their services. The list of the biggest trucking companies in Canada will depend on the total number of trucks they own, revenue they make per year, and number of employees.
How Much Does a Trucker Make in Canada?
In Canada, truckers earn a wide range of salaries. The salaries vary by region and specialty. However, the average annual salary for a truck driver is C $ 58,300. The profession is challenging, demanding, and requires a strong mind. Truckers need to navigate narrow streets, and their driving skills need to be up to the task. They must also be incredibly dedicated, and they must race the clock to complete their routes on time.
The average pay for truckers varies widely, but the salary of an owner-operator ranges from $39,000 to $198,000 per year, depending on location. Many companies also offer bonuses for safe driving. Some even pay drivers for time spent loading and unloading trucks. Those with HAZMAT certifications have even more opportunities to earn more.
Truck driving is not a traditional career choice, but it is an excellent way to travel. Drivers spend an average of 14 days on the road and only get three days off between trips. It also offers a unique lifestyle with diverse travel opportunities and interaction with people from all walks of life. Some trucking companies even offer opportunities to manage a team of drivers. Despite the challenges, there is a high demand for truck drivers in Canada. There are currently more than 2600 vacancies.
Why are Truck Drivers Quitting?
One of the primary reasons truck drivers quit is the low pay and poor working conditions. They are often behind the wheel for days and nights without any opportunity to see their families. They also don’t get proper exercise or nutrition. The extended absences from home can have negative effects on the physical health. Despite these negatives, many truckers still make a decent living.
While the demand for trucks continues to grow, trucking companies are struggling to retain drivers. This is creating havoc in the supply chain. According to Joe Kattermann, who trains truck drivers for a mega carrier, high turnover is due in part to low pay. However, even experienced truck drivers are leaving the industry.
Many trucking companies have tried to increase the pay and package they offer their drivers. Some offer higher mileage rates or bonus packages to attract drivers. Others are trying to recruit foreign drivers.
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