Are you a professional driver dreaming of starting a career in Canada? Great news — truck driver jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship are in high demand across the country! With a growing shortage of skilled drivers, Canadian employers are actively recruiting internationally and offering visa sponsorship to fill vital roles in the transportation industry.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about truck driver jobs in Canada, visa sponsorship options, salary expectations, and how to apply successfully.
Why Truck Drivers Are in High Demand in Canada
The trucking industry is the backbone of Canada’s economy, moving goods across vast distances between provinces and international borders. Due to an aging workforce and increased shipping needs, Canada is experiencing a major shortage of qualified truck drivers.
According to Trucking HR Canada, the country will need over 55,000 new truck drivers by 2025. This demand is creating excellent opportunities for foreign workers who are ready to relocate with visa sponsorship.
Benefits of Becoming a Truck Driver in Canada
- High Salaries: Competitive wages and overtime pay.
- Visa Sponsorship Opportunities: Many employers are ready to support immigration paperwork.
- Permanent Residency Pathways: Truck drivers are eligible under several immigration programs.
- Job Security: Consistent and reliable demand for experienced drivers.
- Opportunity to Explore Canada: Travel across beautiful Canadian landscapes while getting paid!
Types of Truck Driver Jobs Available
If you’re interested in truck driver jobs in Canada, here are common roles:
- Long Haul Truck Driver: Transport goods over long distances across provinces or internationally to the U.S.
- Short Haul Truck Driver: Deliver goods locally or regionally.
- Owner-Operator Driver: Operate your own truck as an independent contractor.
- Heavy Haul Driver: Specialize in transporting oversized loads.
- Delivery Truck Driver: Work for companies like FedEx, UPS, or Amazon delivering goods within cities.
Visa Sponsorship for Truck Drivers in Canada
Many trucking companies are authorized to hire foreign workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). They obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proving they need foreign drivers because they cannot find Canadians to fill the jobs.
Visa options include:
- Temporary Work Permit via LMIA: Sponsored by your employer.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Many provinces nominate truck drivers for permanent residency.
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): For jobs in Atlantic provinces like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland.
Truck Driver Salary in Canada
Truck drivers in Canada enjoy good pay and benefits:
- Long Haul Drivers: CAD 50,000–80,000 per year
- Local/Short Haul Drivers: CAD 40,000–65,000 per year
- Owner-Operators: Can earn over CAD 100,000 annually
- Hourly Wages: Around CAD 20–32/hour depending on experience and location
Some employers also offer:
- Overtime pay
- Paid accommodations (for long hauls)
- Benefits (health, dental, insurance)
- Bonuses for safe driving and mileage
Requirements to Work as a Truck Driver in Canada
- Valid truck driver’s license (equivalent to Canada’s Class 1/AZ license)
- Clean driving record
- Language proficiency (English or French)
- Minimum work experience (usually 1–2 years)
- Physical fitness to handle long hauls and heavy loads
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays
