Do you enjoy driving, and have the ability to remain alert and maintain a high level of concentration? Do you show good judgement and have the ability to react quickly in emergency situations? Can you work in all kinds of weather and conditions? Then, you could become a Truck Driver!
What do I do?
Truck Drivers operate gasoline or diesel-powered trucks, tractor-trailers and similar vehicles to transport goods and materials at construction sites.
Some Truck Drivers specialize in operating special types of vehicles such as heavy trucks for overweight loads, gravel trucks, or industrial trucks.
Duties and responsibilities for Truck Drivers vary from one position to another but, in general, they drive trucks and sometimes maneuver them in tight spaces. As well they perform administrative tasks like keeping records of loads delivered and picked up, arrival and departure times, and maintain vehicle log books of fuel consumption and mileage. Truck Drivers may also assist in the overall maintenance of their vehicles.
Truck Drivers' work loads and schedules vary, depending on the goods being transported and the distances traveled. Some local Truck Drivers start out in the morning with a loaded truck and make deliveries all day, returning with an empty truck to the warehouse or plant at the end of the day. With other products, such as lumber, asphalt or gravel, Truck Drivers may return to the yard or plant to reload after each delivery.
Depending on the products being transported, Truck Drivers may or may not be responsible for loading and unloading the truck. If the Truck Driver is expected to unload, there may be a helper to assist with the job. Loading and unloading may require heavy lifting (over 25 kilograms).
How do I advance?
Some Truck Drivers start work in entry-level jobs such as Yard Worker, Dock Handler, Checker or Clerk and advance to driving positions after they acquire the required operator's license and a driving position becomes available.
Once they have gained some truck driving experience, Truck Drivers may be assigned to long haul or highway driving. As long as their driving records remain acceptable and they maintain in good health, they can continue driving as long as they wish.
Many Truck Drivers are owner-operators who own their vehicles and lease their services and trucks to other companies.
The employment outlook for Truck Drivers is above average.
How much do I make?
Wages in the trucking industry vary, depending on the type of vehicle and license required. The wages for Truck Drivers varies from Light-Truck Drivers who generally earn from $6 an hour to Heavy-Truck Drivers who are paid up to $26.56 an hour (figures taken from 1999/2000 wage survey by Merit Contractors and Construction Labour Relations- Alberta). Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range up to 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.
Where do I go from here?
They may also move into related areas such as operations (freight handling, dock supervision, dispatching) or communications (tracking the movement of shipments and trucks). Truck Drivers who have business knowledge and skills may choose to purchase their own trucks or fleet of trucks.
How do I learn?
There are no formal education requirements for Truck Drivers. However, a minimum of Grade 9-level English reading and writing skills, and first aid and CPR certification are generally preferred. Some employers require Truck Drivers to have WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training, TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) training and/or H2S Alive training.
Employers generally prefer to hire Truck Drivers who are insurable at a reasonable cost (25 years of age or older).
In Alberta, a system of Classified Driver Licensing sets strict requirements for handling specific types of trucks and combination vehicles. There are also rigid medical standards. Trucking companies can hire only Truck Drivers who have qualified under this system.
Many people get started in the trucking industry by taking training courses offered by public colleges or private truck driving schools. Program length, content, costs and admission requirements vary.
Truck driving schools generally require students to be at least 18 years of age and have a valid Alberta class 5 driver's license. A clear driving record or minimum number of demerits and/or a medical examination may also be required.
Check out more info:
For further information on career planning, occupations and educational programs, contact the nearest Career Development Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre (see the "Government of Alberta" listings in the telephone directory).
Or, Alberta residents can contact the Career Information Hotline by telephone at
1-800-661-3753 (in Edmonton call 422-4266). Hearing impaired individuals can reach the Hotline by calling 1-800-232-7215 for message relay (in Edmonton call 422-5283).
