Transport Truck Drivers
(NOC 7511)
in All Trades and TransportationTransport truck drivers operate heavy trucks to transport goods and materials over urban, interurban, provincial, and international routes. They work for transportation, manufacturing, distribution and moving companies, and trucking employment service agencies, or they may be self-employed. This group also includes drivers of special purpose trucks and shunters who move trailers to and from loading docks within trucking yards or lots.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Demand for transport truck drivers is strong and is expected to increase further as a large share of drivers reach retirement age during the next several years. The need for drivers is particularly acute in long-haul trucking due to the more challenging lifestyle associated with it. To increase the supply of workers, the trucking industry is drawing on underrepresented demographic groups and newcomers. Despite the severe need for drivers, candidates who have little-to-no experience, or are under the age of 21, may struggle to find work due to insurance requirements and/or costs. Candidates must also be 21 years of age to cross the international border with the U.S. Jobseekers may benefit from employer programs aimed to attract workers, such as subsidized tuition and productivity-based bonuses. The mobile nature of this occupation often allows transport drivers to live in the community of their choice. Given the strong need for workers in this occupation, applicants should have little trouble finding work.
Hourly Pay
$14.50
Minimum$20.50
Median$28.85
MaximumAnnual Pay
$11,476
Minimum$42,140
Median$72,070
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Transport truck drivers operate heavy trucks to transport goods and materials over urban, interurban, provincial, and international routes. They work for transportation, manufacturing, distribution and moving companies, and trucking employment service agencies, or they may be self-employed. This group also includes drivers of special purpose trucks and shunters who move trailers to and from loading docks within trucking yards or lots.
Job duties
Long-haul transport truck drivers:
- Use and drive primarily tractor-trailer, long-combination vehicle and straight-body trucks weighing over 4500 kg to transport goods and materials over long distances.
- Plan trip logistics and get required documentation to transport goods.
- Inspect vehicle systems, equipment, and accessories likes tires, lights and turning signals, brakes, and cold storage before, during, and after trips.
- Make sure cargo is secured properly according to safety requirements and follow safety procedures for carrying dangerous goods.
- Get special permits and other documents required to move cargo on international routes.
- Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled and fuel consumption.
- Administer bills of lading and manually or electronically maintain logbooks.
- Communicate with dispatcher, other drivers and customers using communication devices and on-board computers.
- May carry out emergency roadside repairs.
- May drive as part of a two-person team or convoy.
- May transport hazardous products or dangerous goods.
Short-haul and local transport truck drivers:
- Use and drive primarily straight trucks to transport goods and materials mainly on local routes and short inter-urban routes.
- Inspect vehicle before, during, and after trips and oversee all aspects of vehicle like condition of equipment and loading and unloading of cargo.
- May drive special purpose trucks like tow trucks, dump trucks, hydrovac trucks, or cement mixing trucks.
Sample job titles
- fuel oil truck driver
- long haul truck driver
- moving van driver
- oil transport driver
- short haul truck driver
- tow truck driver
- tractor-trailer truck driver
- transport driver
- truck driver
- truck owner operator
Skills
- You should enjoy driving and be able to function under minimal supervision. You must be alert, responsible, and self-motivated. An awareness of safety is important. You must also get along well with people, as drivers often deal directly with customers. For some jobs, you should be willing to drive over extended periods of time and long distances. Long-haul drivers, especially, must have good map-reading skills and remain calm when driving in unfamiliar territory and navigating congested city traffic.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- On-the-job-training is provided.
- An accredited driver training course of up to three months duration, through a vocational school or community college, may be required.
- A Class 3 or D licence is required to drive straight-body trucks.
- A Class 1 or A licence is required to drive long combination vehicles.
- Air brake endorsement (Z) is required for drivers who operate vehicles equipped with air brakes.
- Transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) certification is required for drivers who transport hazardous products or dangerous goods.
- Additional licensing endorsement or certification may be required to drive articulated trucks.
Other considerations
- Movement to supervisory positions or to non-driving jobs like driver trainer, safety officer, or truck dispatcher is possible with additional training or experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$44,371 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$43,945 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$43,743 median annual incomeSouthern
$35,563 median annual incomeCape Breton
$36,551 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and warehousing
Construction
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
65+
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$42,415 median annual incomeHigh school
$42,067 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$43,559 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$41,101 median annual incomeBachelor
$29,747 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Ground Transportation - Other
College or Trades ProgramThis includes any program not listed elsewhere that relates to Ground Transportation.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operation
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to drive trucks and buses, delivery vehicles, for-hire vehicles and other commercial vehicles. They include courses in operating gas, diesel, or electrically-powered vehicles, loading and unloading cargo or passengers, reporting delays or accidents on the road, verifying load against shipping papers, arranging transportation for personnel, and keeping records of receipts and fares.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
Dartmouth, NS
Truro, NS
Falmouth, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile