If you are looking for a rewarding career that offers adventure, travel, and a steady income, you might want to consider becoming a long haul truck driver in Canada. Long haul truck drivers transport goods and materials across long distances, often crossing provincial or national borders. They operate trucks that can weigh more than 4,500 kg and have a capacity of more than 11,000 litres. This article teaches you all you need to know about landing a Long Haul Truck Driver Jobs in Canada for Foreigners.
Overview of Being a Long Haul Truck Driver in Canada
Canada is a vast country with diverse landscapes, climates, and cultures. As a long haul truck driver, you will get to see and experience different parts of the country, from the rugged mountains of British Columbia to the rolling prairies of Alberta, from the cosmopolitan cities of Ontario to the historic towns of Quebec. You will also have the opportunity to visit other countries, such as the United States and Mexico, depending on your routes and destinations.
Long haul truck driving is also a lucrative career, especially for foreigners who want to immigrate to Canada. According to Indeed.com, the average salary for a long haul truck driver in Canada is $60,000 per year. Some employers may also offer benefits, such as health insurance, dental coverage, pension plans, and bonuses. Moreover, there is a high demand for qualified truck drivers in Canada, as the industry faces a shortage of skilled workers. According to Immigration.ca, Canada will need 61,000 truck drivers by 2023 to meet its transportation needs.
How to Get Long Haul Truck Driver Jobs in Canada As a Foreigners
So how can you become a long haul truck driver in Canada as a foreigner? Here are some steps you need to follow:
1. Get your credentials recognized.
Even if you have experience and qualifications as a truck driver in your home country, you will need to have them assessed and verified by a provincial or territorial authority in Canada before you can start working. This may involve taking tests, courses, or training programs to meet the Canadian standards and regulations. You will also need to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a recognized service provider to prove that your education is equivalent to Canadian high school levels.
2. Get your license.
To drive a truck in Canada, you will need to have a valid driver’s license from the province or territory where you plan to work. Each province or territory has its own licensing requirements and classifications for different types of trucks. For example, in Ontario, you will need a Class A license to drive any tractor-trailer combination; in Alberta, you will need a Class 1 license to drive any motor vehicle except motorcycles. You will also need to pass written and practical tests to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
3. Get your work permit.
To work as a truck driver in Canada as a foreigner, you will need to have a valid work permit from the federal government. There are different types of work permits available depending on your situation and eligibility. For example, you may be able to apply for an open work permit if you are already in Canada as a student, spouse, or refugee; or you may be able to apply for an employer-specific work permit if you have a job offer from a qualified employer in Canada. You will also need to have a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA exemption to show that there is no Canadian citizen or permanent resident who can fill the position.
4. Get your permanent residency.
If you want to stay and work in Canada permanently as a truck driver, you will need to apply for permanent residency through one of the immigration programs available. One of the best ways to do so is through a provincial nominee program (PNP), which allows provinces and territories to nominate foreign workers who have the skills and experience they need. For example, in British Columbia, you can apply through the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category for work as a long haul truck driver; in Alberta, you can apply through the Opportunity Stream for foreign workers already living and working in Alberta. You will need to meet certain criteria, such as having a full-time job offer, having work experience, meeting language and education requirements, and being able to support yourself and your family.
How to Search For Long Haul Truck Driver Jobs in Canada
If you are looking for a career change or a new challenge, you might be interested in becoming a long haul truck driver in Canada. Long haul truck drivers transport goods and materials across long distances, often crossing provincial or national borders. They operate heavy trucks and trailers, plan their routes, comply with safety regulations, and maintain records of their cargo and activities.
But how and where can you search for long haul truck driver jobs in Canada? In this section of the post, we will give you some tips and resources to help you find your dream job on the road. You need to make sure you meet the basic requirements to become a long haul truck driver in Canada. For emphasis sake, these are the requirements again.
- – Having a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle you want to drive (Class 1 or AZ)
- – Having a clean driving record and passing a medical exam
- – Completing a driver training program from an accredited school or company
- – Having at least one year of driving experience or completing an apprenticeship program
- – Being able to communicate in English or French- Being able to work long hours, sometimes in harsh weather conditions
- – Being flexible and adaptable to changing situations.
How and Where to Start Your Search for Long Haul Truck Driver Jobs in Canada for Foreigners
Once you meet these requirements, you can start searching for long haul truck driver jobs in Canada. There are several ways to do this, such as:
- Browsing online job boards and websites that specialize in trucking jobs, such as Indeed, TruckersReport, TruckingJobs.ca, etc.
- Networking with other truck drivers and industry professionals, such as through social media groups, forums, associations, etc.
- Contacting trucking companies directly and sending them your resume and cover letter
- Attending job fairs and events related to the trucking industry
- Working with a recruiter or an employment agency that can match you with suitable employers
When searching for long haul truck driver jobs in Canada, you should also consider the following factors:
- The type of cargo you want to transport, such as dry goods, refrigerated goods, hazardous materials, etc.
- The type of route you want to drive, such as regional, cross-border, international, etc.
- The type of company you want to work for, such as a large corporation, a small business, an owner-operator, etc.
- The salary and benefits you expect to receive, such as hourly pay, mileage pay, bonuses, insurance, pension, etc.
- The work environment and culture you prefer, such as team-oriented, independent, supportive, etc.
By following these tips and resources, you can increase your chances of finding long haul truck driver jobs in Canada that suit your skills, preferences, and goals. Remember to always update your resume and cover letter, prepare for interviews and tests, and follow up with potential employers. Good luck and happy driving!
Conclusion: Long Haul Truck Driver Jobs in Canada for Foreigners
As you can see, getting a Long Haul Truck Driver Jobs in Canada for Foreigners is not an easy process, but it is definitely possible and rewarding. If you are interested in pursuing this career path, you should start preparing your documents, researching your options, and applying for your credentials, license, work permit, and permanent residency as soon as possible. You should also consult with an immigration expert or lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you avoid any pitfalls or delays.
We hope this article has given you some useful information on how to explore a rewarding career as a long haul truck driver in Canada for foreigners. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you and help you achieve your goals. Thank you for reading and good luck!