How to become a transport truck driver
Official title: Transport truck drivers
Also called: Truck driver, Truck operator, Line-haul driver, Log truck driver, Long haul driver, Tow truck driver, Transport driver, Commercial driver, Dump truck driver, Moving van driver, Tank truck driver, Heavy truck driver
Transport truck drivers drive straight trucks or tractor-trailers to transport freight. Long-haul truck drivers operate heavy trucks over urban, interurban, provincial and international routes, while short-haul and local transport truck drivers operate over urban and short interurban routes. They are employed by transportation, manufacturing, distribution and moving companies, and trucking employment service agencies, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Long-haul transport truck drivers
- Operate 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 obtain required documentation to transport goods
- Perform pre-trip, en route and post-trip inspection of vehicle systems, equipment and accessories such as tires, lights and turning signals, brakes and cold storage
- Ensure cargo is secured properly in accordance with safety requirements and follow safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods
- Obtain special permits and other documents required to transport cargo on international routes
- Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled and fuel consumption
- Administer bills of lading and manually or electronically maintain log books
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. On-the-job-training is provided. Completion of 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.
Ways in
- Licence or registration: 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. Additional licensing endorsement or certification may be required to drive articulated trucks.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $51,519 a year The middle half earn $44,577 to $62,400.
- About 319,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 361,700 are projected by 2033. (+13.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a transport truck driver?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. On-the-job-training is provided. Completion of 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.
How much does a transport truck driver earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $51,519 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $44,577 to $62,400.
Is a transport truck driver a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 13% by 2033, from about 319,400 to about 361,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a transport truck driver?
Usually not. Only 8% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03