Truck drivers delivering goods is a year-round, 24/7 necessity—one that the whole country relies on. Trucking is our number one form of freight transportation,accounting for more than 755 million tonnes of shipments in 2016 alone,according to Statistics Canada. With the rise in online shopping, and e-commerce companies like Amazon’s market domination, that number will continue to grow. For the trucking industry, that means we’ll be seeing an increase in demand for trucks, and more importantly, a growing need for more qualified drivers to deliver the goods.
Pretty much everything—groceries, clothes, electronics, and so much more. The coffee you’re drinking while reading this article? Check. The gas for your car? Check. Everything that’s in every store you shop in? Check. Without truck drivers working around the clock to ensure the timely arrival of everything we want or need, there would be a lot of empty shelves in stores, and a whole lot of bleary eyed,caffeine-deprived Canadians wandering around wondering where everything is.
Just a few years ago,the job vacancy rate for drivers in the trucking industry was 6.6%, more than double the Canadian average at 3.2%. In 2018, the unemployment rate dropped to 3.8% for drivers. With such a high demand for workers, there’s never been a better time to start driving. This skilled trade offers guaranteed work opportunities. And since the labour gap is so big, carriers are getting creative to attract drivers by offering increasingly competitive rates (especially for experienced drivers), benefits, and other incentives.
With demand at an all-time high, there’s never been a better time to start driving. Not sure if driving is right for you? Just think of all the perks: travel, good pay,independence, positively contributing to the economy, and if you’ve never driven before, relatively quick training to get started. Many drivers love not being tied to a 9-5 job, and if you’re a night owl, you might prefer working overnight shifts, when the roads are clear. Truckers also feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when they make successful deliveries. Other truck driving benefits include:
When you hit the open road, you get to enjoy all the sights the province (or country you’re doing long-haul trips) hasto offer, and see parts you wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to experience.
With the surging demand for drivers,there’s never been a better time to find the best rates. The more you drive,the more you earn, and the more experience you gain will only help boost your earning potential.
Not meant to sit in an office all day?Truck driving offers variety and independence. New routes take you to different parts of cities, and different loads will lead you to new people and places.Plus, you get to play DJ and listen to the music that keeps you going.
With different licences required for different trucks and weight restrictions, with a G licence you can start driving small truck-trailer combinations (e.g. recreational, horse or utility trailer), a car or light truck, and move on to bigger rigs from there with a DZ or AZ licence.
Keep the economy running smoothly and deliver much-needed goods and supplies to any and every business sector. When you’re driving a truck, you’re not just doing a job, you’redelivering the essentials that make up the fabric of our society. It’s time to hit the road! Sign up with Truckker and start driving today.
