The Canadian trucking industry is facing a shortage of long haul drivers to the tune of 48,000 by 2024 and more favourable immigration policies are being drawn to attract foreign drivers.
With an average age of 47 and rising, the sector has one of the oldest workforces, with a third of drivers over 55, according to the Canadian Trucking Alliance.
The long hours, time spent away from family and erratic schedule make it unappealing to a younger generation who seemingly do not want to spend days at a time on the roads of North America.
Typically, a long-haul trucker might spend up to 14 days at a time on the road, working 12 hour shifts, with three days off in between.
Average salary ranges from $55,000 to $65,000, although drivers are often paid bonuses by the mile, enabling drivers to earn significantly more.
Truck driving in numbers
47: average age of a truck driver
A third of drivers are over 55
Long-haul drivers could work 14 days in a row
Average salary: $55,000 to $65,000
Shortfall of 48,000 by 2024
With a growing workforce of truckers nearing retirement, provincial governments are exploring ways of addressing this impending shortfall.
Quebec recently launched a training program aimed at entry level candidates to attract more drivers on the road.
As well, considerations are being explored by federal authorities to reclassify the position to a semi-skilled or a skilled worker, in order to make the position more attractive and allow the trucking industry to recruit immigrants under Canada’s Express Entry Immigration System.
Currently, the primary avenue for trucking companies to hire workers from overseas is through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Qualified applicants would eventually transition into provincial nomination immigration programs (PNP’s) to become Canadian permanent residents.
Under the temporary worker route, an employer must first seek a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), to prove there is a shortage of suitable drivers in Canada.
Once this stage concludes favourably, a work permit may be issued.
Read more about the TFWP hiring process here.
What this means for employers
Employers are encouraged to consider securing an LMIA or nomination under provincial nomination programs (PNP’s) to ensure long term retention of employees.
We provide Canadian employers with unparalleled immigration legal services and recruitment of foreign nationals through our in-house enterprise SkilledWorker (www.skilledworker.com). We work with employers under a fixed fee basis for both recruitment and immigration services. We provide know how to employers and we bring approved candidates to Canada in the shortest time possible. Employers can directly benefit from our unique position as one of Canada’s leading online immigration firms in the industry to meet both their recruitment and immigration requirements.
Interested employers wishing to seek our assistance are invited to contact us here for further information.
What this means for candidates
If you are an immigrant looking to come to Canada on a temporary work permit, you can follow a step by step guide here.
Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with an evaluation within 1-2 business days.
Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.
Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.
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