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Apprenticeship

Oil and Gas Transportation Services Occupations

Oil and gas transportation services occupations include bed truck operators, multi-wheel truck operators, bulk haul truck operators, winch tractor operators and supervisors. They transport the equipment and supplies used in the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources.

Also Known As

Bed Truck Operator, Bulk Haul Truck Operator, Driver, Multi-Wheel Truck Operator, Winch Tractor Operator

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 7411.1: Long-Haul Truck Drivers

2006 NOC-S

  • H711: Truck Drivers

2011 NOC

  • 7511: Transport truck drivers

2016 NOC

  • 7511: Transport truck drivers

2021 NOC

  • 73300: Transport truck drivers

2023 OaSIS

  • 73300.01: Long-haul transport truck drivers
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Oilfield transportation operations use specialized vehicles that are fitted with auxiliary equipment designed for:

  • The highway transport of all types of construction and plant equipment, pipe and camps
  • The off highway transport of equipment and supplies
  • Moving overweight and over dimensional loads
  • The dismantling, transport and assembly of drilling and service rigs

In Alberta, oil and gas transportation services is a designated occupation that includes:

  • Supervisor - supervises and co-ordinates job operations, truck operators and other workers.
  • Bed Truck Operator - operates a bed truck, which is a truck with a flat deck, winch and optional gin poles, used without a trailer to move rig buildings, derricks, matting and other miscellaneous oilfield equipment.
  • Multi-wheel Truck Operator - operates a multi-wheel truck which is a truck and trailer that includes jeeps, trailers and boosters. These are used often for over dimensional and overweight loads or loads requiring permits.
  • Bulk Haul Truck Operator - operates a bulk haul truck which is a truck with a vessel or tank used for the transportation of liquid and gas products and other substances used in the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources.
  • Winch Tractor Operator - operates a winch tractor which is a heavy-duty truck outfitted with a winch. Winches load and off load items from trailers without the use of cranes. Winch tractors are used to transport legal loads and loads requiring permits.

For information about the duties of truck drivers in general, see the Truck Driver occupational profile.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

Oilfield transportation operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in all weather conditions.

Operators typically work long hours and often travel at night. They may be exposed to the dirt, dust, noise and fumes that exist around drilling and service rigs, and may be away from home for extended periods.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Long-Haul Truck Drivers

2006 NOC: 7411.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in copying to record cargo information, distance travelled, fuel consumption and other information in log books or on on-board computers, and to obtain special permits and other documents required to transport cargo on international routes; and in performing pre-trip inspections of vehicle systems and equipment such as tires, lights, brakes, and cold storage

OBJECTIVE

Interest in driving straight and articulated trucks to transport goods and materials; may drive as part of a two-person team or convoy, and may transport hazardous products and dangerous goods

directive

Interest in speaking to communicate with dispatchers and other drivers using citizens' band (CB) radios, cellular telephones and on-board computers; and in overseeing all aspects and functions of vehicle such as condition of equipment, loading and unloading, and safety and security of cargo

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

People in oil and gas transportation services occupations need:

  • Good health and vision
  • Mechanical aptitude required to make minor repairs
  • Teamwork skills and good attitude
  • Judgement and the ability to react quickly in emergency situations
  • Comfort using on-board computer devices and other specialized equipment
  • The ability to remain alert and maintain a high level of concentration

They should enjoy taking a methodical approach to recording information and obtaining required documentation, driving and talking to others involved in loading and receiving shipments.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Transport truck drivers

2016 NOC: 7511

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 776 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Sep 10, 2024 and Oct 09, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled and fuel consumption
Tasks: Perform pre-trip, en route and post-trip inspection and oversee all aspects of vehicle
Tasks: Oversee condition of vehicle and inspect tires, lights, brakes, cold storage and other equipment
Tasks: Load and unload goods
Tasks: Tarping and ensuring safety and security of cargo
Tasks: Operate and drive straight or articulated trucks to transport goods and materials
Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Driver's License (Class 1 or A)
Tasks: Receive and relay information to central dispatch
Tasks: Perform emergency roadside repairs
Tasks: Perform preventive maintenance
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Designated Occupation

Knowledge and skills related to oilfield transportation operations can be learned on the job. However, most employers prefer to hire high school graduates or people who already have related training or experience.

Oil and gas transportation services is a designated trade in Alberta. Certification is not required to work in the trade, but trainees can apply to Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training for a journeyperson certificate. Certification requires completion of a petroleum competency program managed by Energy Safety Canada.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Truck operators must hold appropriate operators licenses as required under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act [pdf].

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Oil and Gas Transportation Swampers and Operators

Oil and gas transportation swampers and operators transport the equipment and supplies used in the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.

Legislation

In Alberta, government-legislated certification is available for oil and gas transportation swampers and operators.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Oil and Gas Transportation Swampers and Operators.

Additional Information

Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

People in oil and gas transportation services occupations are employed by contractors in the oil and gas industry. Some self-employed operators work for drilling companies or other operators who own their own equipment.

New hires generally start as swampers (helpers) and, after they earn the appropriate driver’s licenses, advance to operator positions. Depending on the size and nature of the company, experienced operators may move into supervisory positions.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Transport truck drivers
2016 NOC: 7511

75.1% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Transport truck drivers
2021 NOC: 73300
Medium
Demand
44,300
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Transport truck drivers
2016 NOC: 7511
4.1%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
1737
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Transport truck drivers

2016 NOC: 7511
Average Wage
$28.79
Per Hour
Average Salary
$64,892.00
Per Year
Average Hours
45.2
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.5
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 7511 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $17.00 $33.73 $25.28 $25.00
Overall $19.00 $39.00 $28.79 $29.00
Top $21.00 $45.00 $32.74 $32.75

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Agriculture
Forestry, Logging, Fishing and Hunting
Oil & Gas Extraction
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Business, Building and Other Support Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
56%
56%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
53%
53%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
12%
12%
Vacancy Rate
5%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Driver Training
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training offices website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors website: caodc.ca

Energy Safety Canada website: www.energysafetycanada.com

PetroLMI, Career in Oil and Gas (COG) website: careersinoilandgas.com

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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