View Video
Careers

Truck Driver

Truck drivers operate trucks, tractor-trailers and similar vehicles to transport goods and materials.

Who Am I?

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 start?

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 class 5 driver's license. A clear driving record or minimum number of demerits and/or a medical examination may also be required.

Length of Program

Various program lengths. Training courses offered by public colleges or private truck driving schools.

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?

Wage Rate: $18.00 (Construction minimum wage, not including benefits)

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits.

Truck Drivers work average of 50-60 hour week in the heavy construction sector.

Where do I go from here?

Truck Drivers 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.