Professional Truck Driving Jobs in Canada
The truck driving job marketing in Canada is quite diverse, with a large variety of positions professional drivers can explore, and ultimately pursue.
Some of these positions require a specific class of license, like a class 3 or class 1 (with air endorsement) while others only require your class 5 driver's license. The reason for the various class of license is because of the equipment being used on the roadways.
It's also important to note, some provinces in Canada identify a commercial vehicle as any single or combination of vehicles that have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating over 4,500 KG, others define a commercial vehicle or combination of that exceed 11,793 KG Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Let's take a look at the top 10 driving positions you could find in Canada:
Aggregate Hauler
Transport Aggregrate (dirt, rock, material) in a box/dump truck or trailer.
Generally, aggregate haulers will work in a local or regional area to their home terminal and can expect to be home every day.
Professional drivers need to keep in mind these positions typically expect a 12-14 hour day, as there are timelines for aggregate to be transported from a producer to site.
This is an excellent position for professional drivers first starting out, looking to gain experience.
Dry Van Hauler
Commodities that can be loaded into a dry van trailer.
This is a very common position within the transportation industry that professional drivers can pursue, as there is a large number of dry van loads being trucked across the country each day.
Depending on the location you are required to travel to, a certain amount of experience can be required to operate for major carriers hauling dry van loads.
A bonus of hauling dry van trailers, is typically these moves are considered to be pin to pin which is desired for some professional drivers.
Equipment Hauler
Transport equipment on various types of trailers.
Similar to hauling aggregate, equipment haulers can expect to work local or regional to their home as various construction companies own their own equipment and need it transferred from one site location to another.
There is also the option to be a long-haul equipment hauler, as the equipment is a hot commodity that is sold at auctions, through dealerships, and privately.
Flat Deck Trailer
Commodities that can be loaded onto an open deck trailer.
Professional drivers that operate a truck or tractor and flat deck trailer can typically expect a wide range of commodities to haul.
This could range from lumber, equipment, vehicles, construction materials, and any other commodity you can think of that could be moved on a trailer.
It is extremely important that professional drivers are trained in proper cargo securement methods, understand what tools are required to securely tie down cargo, and have the ability to utilize tarps as required.
Local Operators
Operating in and around the city limits, or staying in close proximity of.
Local operators can expect to be transporting a variety of commercial vehicles, such as cube vans, flat deck trucks, or pick-up trucks and trailers.
Common positions would be delivering items such as mail, retail e-commerce, appliances, or other commodities that require quick services.
There is a growing demand for local operators as we continue to see the rise in e-commerce and warehouse distribution centers being established in major cities across the country.
Long Haul Operators
Operating wherever dispatched to as long as the power unit and trailer are plated appropriately.
Professional drivers that operate long haul, tend to be on the road for upwards to a few weeks at a time.
They could start their trip in Ontario, head West to Calgary, then head south to California.
After delivering their load at the final destination, it is likely that you as the professional driver would then reset (take the required off-duty time) and then proceed back north or to a different destination south until dispatched back to your home terminal at a specific time frame.
Less Than Truckload (LTL)
Transport multiple owners' freight on or in a trailer.
LTL or Less Than Truckload is a very common hauling practice when business
A only has a handful of pallets to move from Calgary to say, Regina, but the carrier requires a full trailer load in order to make enough profits for the trip to be worthwhile.
The carrier would typically reach out to customers B, C, D, and so on until the trailer is completely full and enough potential profit can be made to make the delivery worthwhile. Similarly, on the return, the carrier could be looking to reach out to a number of other customers to fill the trailer back to Calgary.
Regional Hauler
Operating without a specific distance to the city limits or within close proximity of.
Regional haulers can expect to be home pretty much every night of their workday, as they travel within a distance typically to 250-300 KM of their home terminal each day.
This is common practice for agriculture haulers that need to bring hay from a farming community to a major city to be transported via rail to a further destination.
Equipment haulers can also fit in this bucket, as they too could be transporting an excavator from one site to another, and then bringing a C-can back to their home shop at the end of their day.
Tanker Hauler
Transporting liquids - dangerous goods, and non-dangerous goods.
Tanker haulers require a special level of training, as there are a number of things to keep in mind.
First, if you are hauling dangerous goods, you're required to take dangerous good training.
You need to understand what you're hauling, how to deal with an emergency if one takes place, and also operate your commercial vehicle in such a way to eliminate any type of collision.
Other forms of tanker hauling could include water, waste, liquid food such as milk.
Temperature Controlled
Transporting perishable goods that require temperature control.
This is a major component in the success of our supply chain, and professional drivers that operate temperature-controlled trailers such as a reefer or heater need to pay particular attention to their equipment.
At no point in the journey can the temperature difference from the required temperature be communicated on the bill of lading.
Additionally, proper cargo securement is essential to ensure the product does not fall over and get spoiled during the delivery.
As you can see, there are a number of opportunities for professional drivers to be successful in the transportation industry. Of the 10 opportunities above, the most important attribute you can provide is operating as a professional. Your safety and public safety are the most important commodities to protect.
If you have questions about obtaining your professional driver's license or are looking for a professional driving job, then I encourage you to reach out to us at Pivotal Transportation Industry Solutions via email at pvtlindustry@gmail.com to discuss further.
As always, let's create a pivotal impact!
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