What is causing a truck driver shortage in Canada?

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, working conditions, such as long work hours, unconventional work schedules and being away from home, are some of the primary causes of the high turnover in this field.

Safety concerns, high upfront training costs, work-life balance and environmental concerns are also important factors. Retirements also contribute to the employee shortage, with one-third of truck drivers aged 55 and older as of 2022.

Related: Truck Driver Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

How does a truck driver shortage affect businesses?

Truck drivers play an important role in the Canadian economy as they transport goods across North America. With the increase in online purchases, the need for truck drivers has grown significantly since 2020, yet the number of new employees has yet to catch up.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reports that the transportation sector lost close to $1.8 billion in business opportunities due to a shortage of truck drivers in 2022. The report also explains that 34% of transportation companies surveyed were forced to turn away businesses because of labour shortages, while 16% postponed contracts. Many businesses have reported that labour shortages are hindering business growth.

The main factors affecting the truck driver shortage

Supporting the transportation of goods and services across the country is necessary to maintain the economy’s foundation. The following factors affecting the shortage of truck drivers in Canada require attention and a solutions-based approach:

Workforce demographics

In recent years, the industry has struggled to attract new workers, with certain diverse groups remaining underrepresented. In 2016, women accounted for only 3.5% of Canadian truck drivers. By 2022, that number increased to only 4.3%. Younger workers (under 24) account for only 3% of drivers due to their high insurance costs and lack of experience. 

According to the Canadian Trucking Alliance, more than half of truck drivers in major Canadian cities are now immigrants, predominantly from South Asia, helping to fill the void.

Driver age

The minimum age to obtain a commercial driver’s licence (CDL) in Canada is 18. In some provinces, such as Ontario and Quebec, the minimum age is 21. For many young workers wishing to pursue truck driving after high school, the extra three-year wait creates a deterrent so they may pursue another career before reaching the minimum requirement. In addition, high insurance costs to employers for drivers under 25 have discouraged many from hiring young workers. 

In 2022, 32% of truck drivers were 55 and older, an increase from 22.6% in 2012. Approximately 6% of truck drivers are 65 and older. Employer surveys conducted over three years (2019-2021) showed the retirement rate of workers is rising, contributing to the labour shortage in Canada. 

The lifestyle of truck drivers

Canadian truck drivers experience stunning landscapes nationwide while enjoying the freedom to set their own pace. Unlike an office job, truck driving allows workers to travel and see cities and countryside they may not otherwise visit. This job is ideal for someone who prefers a more flexible schedule and does not wish to work in an office. 

They also spend long hours behind the wheel and must become accustomed to irregular schedules and unpredictable hours. Long hours of sitting can lead to health issues like back pain and obesity. Choosing healthy food and finding time to exercise while on the road can prove challenging, as can extended hours.

Related: Long Haul Truck Driver Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

How to solve the truck driver shortage

There are several issues that can be addressed to help solve the shortage of truck drivers in Canada. Addressing these concerns now could prevent a more drastic truck driver shortage in the future:

Increase wages

The Government of Canada Job Bank and Statistics Canada showed that the average wage of long-haul truck drivers in Canada is between $25.00 and $27.80 per hour, which is considered low given the rising cost of living. To help with recruitment strategies, Canadian companies can consider yearly pay increases and other incentives such as weekend driving pay increases, performance bonuses, rewards programs and benefits packages.

Improve driver training

A study published in 2024 by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) identified that drivers with less training and under three years of experience were more likely to be involved in collisions. They also noted that insurance claims for commercial trucking accidents have increased rapidly in recent years.

The report recommended improving truck driving school training across Canada, adopting a graduated licencing system, and increasing telematics, such as electronic logging devices, which collect valuable data on drivers’ behaviour and performance.

The IBC also encouraged all provinces to adopt the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT). It has been implemented in some provinces, but not all of Canada.

Improve working conditions

Adjusting the number of hours spent on the road can help improve many truckers’ health concerns by encouraging more time spent at home. Currently, Canada follows these specific service rules for maximum driving time and off-duty time:

• Maximum driving time: A driver can drive for a maximum of 13 hours in a day.
• Daily off-duty time: A driver must have at least 10 consecutive hours off duty every day.
• Accumulated hours: A driver must stop driving after accumulating 70 hours of on-duty time within a seven-day period.
• Weekly Off-duty Time: A driver must take at least 24 consecutive hours off-duty every week, which can be extended to 36 consecutive hours off-duty every second week.
• Rest Break Rule: After driving for five hours, a driver must take a rest break of at least 30 minutes.

Related: How to Hire a Truck Driver

Increase hiring for underrepresented populations

Trucking HR Canada reported record attendance at their Women with Drive Leadership Summit on June 2, 2022, in Toronto, a new program designed to support and encourage women to join the industry. They are re-launching their Women with Drive Hits the Road events in partnership with Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE).

The Government of Canada is actively recruiting long-haul (HGV) drivers with their Express Entry Occupation guidelines to speed up the process for immigrant workers. Express Entry is a federal immigration program aimed at skilled workers. They are also funding Canada’s Youth Employment Skills Strategy (YESS), where at-risk youth are provided an opportunity to transition to a career in the trucking industry. The program offers a financial incentive to employers to assist with the onboarding and on-the-job training needed to prepare young drivers for a career in trucking.

Some trucking associations are launching public relations efforts to promote the industry to young people across Canada. Social media campaigns are aimed primarily at younger generations as they enter the workforce and choose their career paths.

Related: Mind the gap: how to hire and retain drivers in today’s job market