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Bottom line: In 2022 alone, transportation labour shortages cost the Canadian economy over $1.3 billion directly, with total economic impacts exceeding $4.3 billion. Trucks move over 70% of all domestic freight in Canada. The industry needs people. Entry-level driving positions start at $20–24/hour, with AZ-licensed drivers earning $55,000–$70,000 annually. Training takes 6–12 weeks.

Hassan Qureshi came to Canada with a background in medicine and a dream to continue his healthcare journey. But like many newcomers before him, limited opportunities plus pressure to support his family back home meant he had to change tack. Hassan joined the TBDC training program for truck drivers, and today he drives for one of the leading logistics companies in Ontario, earns a steady income, and is able to build a life in Canada while supporting his family back home.

Hassan’s story matters because it challenges the many assumptions that beset the trucking industry. Someone with a medical background switching to trucking sounds like a step backward if you don’t understand the economics. It’s worth calling out that this shouldn’t be the norm. But back to it, across the Greater Toronto Area, newcomers and career changers are discovering what Hassan figured out; trucking is an accessible path to financial stability in Canada. Plus the industry needs, no, scratch that, is desperate for talent.

The numbers tell the story, and a rather stark one. 

According to Trucking HR Canada, there were 11,575 job vacancies for transport truck drivers in Q3 2025, with a vacancy rate of 3.7%. The numbers have come down from a record 28,250 in 2022, but the shortage persists. Ontario alone accounts for 38% of all trucking and logistics employment nationally, with an average of 3,511 annual job vacancies for transport truck drivers in 2024.

The workforce is also aging out. In 2021, 33% of transport truck drivers were aged 55 or older. Trucking HR Canada's 2024-2030 labour market outlook estimates the industry could face up to 40,400 vacant positions by 2030 without targeted recruitment.

In the GTA, there’s pressure to fill these vacant roles as soon as possible. According to recent internal TBDC data, an employer partner, GFL, hired 300 truck drivers in 2025 for a new contract for the City of Toronto. E360S also hired over 50 drivers in regions east of Ontario, around Belleville. With more local recycling and waste management projects opening up, there is strong demand for drivers who can work daily shifts.

"All trucking jobs are long-haul." Many newcomers assume trucking means being away from home for weeks at a time. However, there are plenty of local and regional routes where drivers are home daily. Waste management, recycling, and last-mile delivery roles operate day shifts with predictable schedules. Long-haul trucking has never been the default option.

"It's a low-skill, temporary job." Before you become a trucker, you require specialized training, licensing, and safety knowledge. Drivers manage complex logistics, handle regulatory compliance, maintain vehicles, and make real-time decisions that affect public safety. It can also be a long-term, well-paying career with clear advancement into dispatch, fleet management, safety compliance, or business ownership.

"The industry is not welcoming to newcomers and women." Trucking is one of the most diverse industries in Canada, with high newcomer participation. Employers value multilingual skills and cultural diversity. And there are women like Kassandra Farda who are already behind the wheel proving this myth wrong.

For a long-haul truck driver, the day typically begins early with vehicle inspection and route planning. Then they’ll set out on trips that may stretch overnight or across multiple days. Along the way, they’ll load or unload freight, complete delivery paperwork, manage mandatory rest stops under hours-of-service rules, and stay in constant communication with dispatch. The work requires endurance, self-discipline, and being comfortable with solitude.

The local truck driver’s day usually starts at the depot, loading goods for delivery along a daily route with multiple stops around the city. Their work involves frequent unloading, direct interactions with customers, and returning to base the same day. The hours are more routine. You know when you're leaving and when you're coming back.

Both roles require attention to safety, mechanical awareness, and the ability to problem-solve on the fly. Neither involves staring at a screen for eight hours…I couldn’t resist.

There are two main commercial licenses in Ontario:

Training programs run from 6–12 weeks and participants combine classroom learning (theory, safety, road rules) with in-vehicle training. Students also practice manoeuvres, defensive driving, and highway operations before taking a road test with the Ministry of Transportation.

Obtaining an AZ or DZ license can cost as much as $8,000–$10,000. While this can be a challenge for newcomers, financial support exists. 

Once participants secure employment, many employers typically cover additional costs. And new drivers often see a return on their training investment within a few months.

There are four ways to get going: 

You could start as a local or long-haul driver. This way, you're racking up driving hours, learning routes, and getting comfortable with the equipment. Entry-level pay sits around $20–24/hour.

You would then move into specialized driving. At this point, you start trucking hazardous goods, oversized loads, and temperature-controlled freight. Specialization commands higher rates and opens you up to more opportunities.

You can then transition to dispatch, fleet management, or safety compliance. If you ever decide to get off the road, your driving experience gives you credibility that office-only candidates lack. In these roles, the pay is good and you get regular hours.

Finally, you can become an owner-operator or start a fleet. This is where you transition from employee to an employer of truckers. More on this below.

Most companies offer health and dental benefits, retirement savings plans, bonuses for safe driving and fuel efficiency, and sometimes signing bonuses. These benefits vary by employer, but the shortage of drivers means companies tend to offer more competitive packages.

The trucking industry offers strong opportunities for entrepreneurship, particularly through becoming an owner-operator or starting a small fleet. And it’s a pathway you can start thinking about once you’ve worked for a few years and have maintained a clean safety record. 

You start by registering a business, obtaining the necessary insurance and permits, leasing or purchasing your first truck, and then sourcing contracts from logistics companies or direct clients. Many owner-operators start with one truck and grow from there. 

The Peel Region is the epicentre of this. Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon sit minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport, connected by the 401 and 407 highways, and home to the CN Intermodal Terminal. According to a 2024 Truck News report, Peel handles around 80% of Ontario's cargo and 45% of Canada's. Many newcomers have successfully launched their own trucking companies in this corridor, starting small and eventually growing to operate multiple vehicles serving regional and cross-country freight.

If you're thinking long-term, the owner-operator path is worth planning for from day one. Every route you drive, every dispatcher you build a relationship with, every safety record you accumulate becomes equity in your future business.

The following sectors are in daily need of new truckers:

While there is talk of self-driving trucks, autonomous technology is still far from replacing human drivers, especially in complex urban or cross-border routes. Drivers who can operate new technologies and adapt to digital dispatch systems are going to be increasingly valuable. We think that local delivery, waste management, and specialized freight will remain the most secure roles in the near future.

If you’re ready, the best resources to find job openings include Employment Ontario listings, industry associations like the Ontario Trucking Association, local trucking schools, and resources provided by TBDC's Explore Trucking Careers program.

Your resume needs to emphasize your clean driving record, safety training, and soft skills like reliability and problem-solving. 

Make sure to ask potential employers about typical schedules, support for new drivers, and opportunities for advancement. These are questions many candidates skip, and they can help you stand out. 

Not all training programs are equal, and choosing the wrong one can cost you money, time, and safety. In October 2024, CBC Marketplace revealed that Ontario's system for testing truck drivers had been compromised by bribes, forged documents, and rigged testing at some schools. In a separate case, an Ontario Superior Court convicted two operators of fraudulent truck driving schools that charged students for training that didn't meet mandatory entry-level standards, leaving over 90 students ill-prepared and putting other road users at risk. 

Knowing what to look for matters.

If you're serious about exploring trucking, start this week by connecting with your local Employment Ontario provider or attending an event hosted by Explore Trucking Careers.

You can also reach out to Mustafa at TBDC ([email protected]) and join one of the upcoming events. TBDC offers a wide range of resources, and attending one of their Industry Trips is a practical way to see what the work actually involves before committing money or time.

Before fully committing, make sure to take time to test the industry and understand what the work really involves. Explore the physical demands, long hours, time away from family, and the overall lifestyle by attending information sessions and industry field trips. It's better to gain this insight early rather than investing in licenses or training only to realize later that the career isn't the right fit.

Which trucking roles are most in-demand right now? AZ and DZ licensed drivers for local and long-haul routes, delivery drivers, fleet mechanics, and dispatchers/logistics coordinators.

How long before I'm actually earning decent money? Training and licensing take 6–12 weeks to become job-ready. Within 1–2 years, drivers can reach steady earnings of $55,000–$70,000, especially with overtime or specialized routes.

Do I need to speak perfect English? No. The industry is one of the most multilingual in Canada. Many companies provide translated materials and bilingual support. Communication skills matter, but perfection isn't the standard.

Can my foreign driving experience be recognized? Not automatically. You'll need to complete training and testing in Ontario regardless of your driving history. Programs like TBDC's Explore Trucking Careers connect you to schools and funding to earn local credentials.

What are the upfront costs? AZ/DZ license training typically costs $8,000–$10,000. Organizations like Achev offer low-interest loans, and TNO provides grants. TBDC-connected programs can reduce or eliminate costs.

What's the physical demand really like? Long-haul involves extended sitting, managing fatigue, and being away from home. Local driving means frequent loading and unloading, city traffic, and multiple stops daily. Both require alertness and physical readiness.

Is trucking recession-proof? Essential goods (food, fuel, medicine) always need transport. Local delivery and waste management are highly recession-resistant. Long-haul can fluctuate with trade volumes, but the baseline demand stays strong.

Can I start my own trucking business? Yes. Many drivers become owner-operators after a few years of experience. The path involves leasing or purchasing a truck, registering a business, and building contracts. Brampton is the hub for this.

What about work-life balance? It depends on your role. Local and waste management routes offer daily home time and regular schedules. Long-haul requires days or weeks on the road. Choose your path based on what your life needs.

Are women welcome in trucking? Yes. Programs across Ontario actively encourage women to join. Kassandra Farda is among the many women currently driving and advocating for others. The industry is changing, and employers are eager to diversify.

What should I test before fully committing? Attend information sessions and industry field trips. TBDC offers Industry Trips that give you firsthand experience of the work environment, physical demands, and daily rhythm before you invest in training.

How is technology changing trucking? Telematics, GPS tracking, AI-assisted routing, and electric trucks are reshaping the industry. Self-driving trucks remain far from replacing human drivers, especially in urban and cross-border routes. Drivers who adapt to digital dispatch systems and new technologies will be most valuable.

Which roles offer the best work-life balance? Local delivery, waste management, and city driving routes. You leave in the morning and return the same day. Long-haul pays more but costs you time at home.

Should I start in the GTA or a smaller city? The GTA (especially Peel Region) offers the most jobs and the widest variety of employers. Smaller cities like Windsor or Belleville offer lower living costs and growing opportunities, particularly with cross-border or corridor work.