Transportation and Warehousing Industry

October 2010

· The industry employed about 102,200 people in 2008

· Average annual employment growth rate in the industry between 2009 and 2013 is expected to be 0.9%

Profile

The industry includes businesses that transport passengers and cargo (including oil and gas), warehouse and store goods, and provide support activities related to modes of transportation.

Occupations include airline pilots, taxi drivers, warehousing professionals, letter carriers and truck drivers.

Performance and outlook

The industry’s share of economic activity in Alberta has increased since 1999. Although its share of employment decreased from 1999 to 2008, the industry remains a major employer. In Alberta, employment growth within the industry dropped in 2008 but showed signs of recovery early in 2009.

Government continues to make significant investments in highway infrastructure and support of municipal infrastructure projects. It also provides funding for provincial highway construction, improvements and upgrades throughout the province. A sustainable, safe, and effective transportation system is essential to Alberta’s economic growth and quality of life in communities across the province.

Risks to growth include an aging workforce, aging infrastructure and a likely resurgence of high fuel and other costs.

Below average demand is expected for managers in construction and transportation, motor vehicle and transit drivers, transportation officers and controllers and train crew operators.

About 4,600 jobs will be created in the industry by 2013, with gains starting in 2010.

For more information see Alberta Career and Industry Outlook or Alberta Industry Profiles.

Occupations in the industry

For a list of occupations and related occupations in this industry, see OCCinfo Search by Industry: Transportation and Warehousing page.