If you’ve been scanning international job boards or immigration forums lately, chances are you’ve come across the phrase “Long haul truck driver needed in Canada” more than once, and for good reason.

Canada’s booming freight and logistics sector is grappling with a severe driver shortage, opening the door to thousands of high-paying opportunities for both local and foreign job seekers.

From coast to coast, transportation companies are urgently recruiting reliable drivers to keep goods moving across the country and beyond. For immigrants looking to secure a stable job with strong visa support, long-haul trucking in Canada offers one of the clearest and most rewarding pathways.

What is a Long-Haul Truck Driver?

A long-haul truck driver is a professional driver responsible for transporting goods over long distances, often across provinces or internationally to the United States. These drivers operate heavy-duty trucks or tractor-trailers and spend extended periods on the road, sometimes several days at a time.

Responsibilities Include:

• Transporting freight across cities, provinces, or international borders

• Pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections

• Loading and unloading cargo

• Logging driving hours using ELD (electronic logging devices)

• Maintaining vehicle condition and following highway safety rules

Why Long-Haul Truck Drivers Are Needed in Canada

The need for long-haul truck drivers in Canada has reached critical levels. According to the Canadian Trucking Alliance, over 55,000 new drivers are needed to meet supply chain demands.

Key Reasons Behind the Shortage:

• Aging workforce: Many current drivers are approaching retirement age

• Boom in e-commerce: Increases demand for goods transportation

• Decline in new drivers: Fewer Canadians are entering the trade

• Cross-border trade: Requires certified, experienced drivers

As a result, employers across provinces are frequently posting job listings like “Long-haul truck driver needed in Canada – apply now!”

Who Can Apply for Long-Haul Truck Driver Jobs in Canada?

This occupation is open to:

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents
• Temporary foreign workers
• International applicants (through LMIA or PNP)
• Students completing truck driver training
• Immigrants looking for jobs with visa sponsorship

Note: You must have a valid Canadian Class 1 (or equivalent) commercial driver’s license (CDL) and meet health and legal driving standards.

Average Salary for Truck Drivers in Canada

Salaries for long-haul truck drivers are highly competitive and vary depending on experience, location, and the type of goods transported.

Some companies also offer:

• Performance bonuses
• Sign-on incentives
• Per diem payments
• Overtime and night shift premiums

Visa Pathways for Foreign Drivers

If you’re seeing “Long haul truck driver needed in Canada” and wondering whether international applicants are eligible, the answer is yes. Canada actively recruits foreign drivers through structured immigration programs.

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

Employers can hire foreign truck drivers through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proving that no Canadians are available for the job.

• LMIA required
• Job offer required
• Employer-sponsored work permit
• Typically valid for 2 years

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Several provinces prioritize truck drivers in their PNP streams, allowing for permanent residency.

• British Columbia PNP – Entry Level & Semi-Skilled

• Saskatchewan PNP – Long-Haul Truck Driver Sub-Category

• Alberta Opportunity Stream

• Manitoba PNP – Employer Direct Stream

• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

> No LMIA needed in some cases

> Can apply for PR while working

> Open to in-Canada and outside-Canada applicants

3. Express Entry (Federal Skilled Trades)

Truck drivers (NOC 73300) may be eligible under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, especially with Canadian work experience.

Requirements for Long-Haul Truck Driver Jobs in Canada

To qualify for a long-haul driving job, you typically need:

> Valid Class 1 driver’s license (or Class A in Ontario)
> Clean driving record (abstract)
> Completion of Entry-Level Training (MELT)
> Ability to drive a manual or automatic transmission
> Understanding of logbook and ELD usage
> English language proficiency (CLB 4+ for immigration)
> Criminal background check
> Medical exam (vision, hearing, fitness)

Entry-Level Truck Driver Training in Canada

If you’re new to the profession, you’ll need to complete Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) in your province. These government-approved programs typically cover:

• Vehicle inspection procedures
• Defensive driving
• Air brake systems
• Load securement
• Hours of service regulations
• Border crossing protocols

Training Duration:

• 103 to 121 hours (varies by province)

Training Cost:

• CAD 5,000 – $10,000 (may be funded by employers or government grants)

Popular training schools:

• North American Transport Driving Academy (Ontario)
• Valley Driving School (British Columbia)
• Alberta Truck Training (Calgary, Edmonton)

Top Companies Hiring Long-Haul Truck Drivers in Canada

If you’re actively looking for a role that reads Long-haul truck driver needed in Canada, check out these leading employers:

• Bison Transport
• Challenger Motor Freight
• Manitoulin Transport
• Day & Ross
• TST-CF Express
• TransX Group
• Trimac Transportation
• Canada Cartage

Most of these companies have foreign worker programs and sponsor drivers through the TFWP or PNP.

Where to Apply for Long-Haul Truck Driver Jobs

Top Job Boards:

• Job Bank Canada
• Indeed.ca
• Monster.ca
• Workopolis
• Glassdoor Canada

Immigration-Friendly Recruiters:

• Canada Drives
• Hire Standard Staffing
• Truckers 4 Canada
• Global Hire Immigration & Placement Services

Search Tip:

Use keywords like:

• “Long-haul truck driver needed in Canada with visa sponsorship.”
• “Cross-border truck driver job in Canada”
• “Truck driver LMIA jobs Canada”

Challenges of Long-Haul Truck Driving

While long-haul trucking is a high-demand job, it’s not without challenges:

Long Hours Away From Home

Drivers can be on the road for 5–14 days at a stretch.

Solution: Choose regional routes or companies offering flexible scheduling.

Harsh Weather & Road Conditions

Canada’s weather is unpredictable, especially in winter.

Solution: Get winter driving training and work with companies that provide proper safety gear.

Health Concerns (Sitting, Fast Food)

Extended sitting and a poor diet can affect health.

Solution: Plan healthy meals, stretch during breaks, and stay hydrated.

Benefits of Being a Long-Haul Truck Driver in Canada

> High income potential
> Immigration pathway to PR
> Job security and high demand
> Bonuses and allowances
> Scenic travel experience
> Opportunity to become an owner-operator

Real Story: How One Immigrant Found Success as a Truck Driver

I moved from India in 2022 with a temporary work permit. I applied to a Saskatchewan trucking company through their LMIA program. After completing my training and one year of work, I was nominated through SINP. Today, I’m a permanent resident and plan to buy my own truck soon.” — Gurpreet Singh, Saskatoon

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a real demand for long-haul truck drivers in Canada?

Yes, thousands of vacancies exist across provinces, with urgent need in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Ontario.

2. Can I apply for truck driver jobs from outside Canada?

Yes. Many employers recruit foreign workers through the LMIA or PNP streams.

3. What’s the best province to work as a truck driver?

Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia offer competitive wages, good road infrastructure, and PNP pathways.

4. Do long-haul drivers get permanent residency?

Yes, through PNP or Express Entry after gaining Canadian work experience.

Conclusion

If you’ve been seeing the words Long haul truck driver needed in Canada, it’s more than just a job listing; it’s an open invitation into a secure, well-paying, and respected career.

Whether you’re a foreign worker hoping for immigration or a Canadian resident seeking a steady income, truck driving offers unmatched opportunities and beyond.

With high salaries, government support, and the chance to travel across beautiful landscapes, becoming a long-haul truck driver in Canada could be the smartest move you make this year.