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Driver, Multi-Axle Truck Operator
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
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another. But, in general, truck drivers operate trucks and navigate them in tight spaces. They:
Some truck drivers specialize in operating vehicles such as:
Truck drivers often work long hours, primarily behind the wheel. They drive in all kinds of weather, traffic, and road conditions. Sitting for long periods of time can be hard on the back.
Truck drivers’ workloads and schedules vary depending on the goods being transported and the distances travelled.
Local truck drivers may start with a loaded truck in the morning and make deliveries all day, returning with an empty truck to the warehouse or plant at the end of the day. Or they may return to reload after each delivery.
Long-distance truck drivers move goods between cities and across the continent. They often work long hours and travel at night. On relatively short runs, drivers may transport loaded trailers to nearby cities, pick up different loads for the return trip, and return to their starting points the same day. On longer runs, drivers may be away for a week or longer. Truck drivers are subject to regulations limiting hours of service and must record their hours in a prescribed logbook. Logbooks must be kept up to date and be made available for inspection when required by transportation department personnel.
Depending on the products being transported, truck drivers may or may not be responsible for loading and unloading trucks. When drivers are expected to unload, they may have helpers. Putting on tire chains or loading and unloading may require lifting over 20 kilograms.
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.
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
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
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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.
Truck drivers need:
They should enjoy:
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.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 861 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 14, 2024 and Apr 24, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled and fuel consumption | 758 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Perform pre-trip, en route and post-trip inspection and oversee all aspects of vehicle | 746 |
| Tasks: Oversee condition of vehicle and inspect tires, lights, brakes, cold storage and other equipment | 736 |
| Tasks: Load and unload goods | 682 |
| Tasks: Tarping and ensuring safety and security of cargo | 646 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Driver's License (Class 1 or A) | 644 |
| Tasks: Operate and drive straight or articulated trucks to transport goods and materials | 640 |
| Tasks: Receive and relay information to central dispatch | 619 |
| Tasks: Perform emergency roadside repairs | 592 |
| Tasks: Perform preventive maintenance | 527 |
Alberta has a system of classified driver licensing that sets licensing requirements. This includes medical standards, such as drug screening, for handling specific types of trucks and combination vehicles. Trucking companies may hire only drivers who qualify under this system.
Air brake endorsements are required for Class 1, 2, and 3 licences. Applicants for Class 1 licences must:
Employers may prefer applicants with at least Grade 10 English, as well as reading and writing skills. They may require drivers to have training in:
Drivers who haul to the United States must be at least 21 years of age and able to pass U.S. drug testing requirements. Employers most often prefer to hire drivers who do not have a criminal record and have no more than 6 demerits. They also prefer drivers who are insurable at a reasonable cost, which usually means they are 25 years of age or older.
Truck drivers must be able to navigate trucks through narrow streets and alleys, into tight parking spaces, and up to loading docks. They need a good understanding of traffic laws and trucking regulations in different jurisdictions. They also need to know how to conduct pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip load checks and inspections.
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 may require students to have a clear driving record, few or no demerits, or a medical examination.
Before enrolling in a program, prospective students should visit several schools and compare the classroom facilities, the vehicles used for instruction, and the qualifications of the instructors. They could also talk to former students and ask local trucking companies whether they hire graduates from that school.
For a list of driving schools in Alberta, please go to the Open Government-Publications website.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Truck drivers may work as employees or as self-employed contractors for:
Some truck drivers start in entry-level jobs such as yard worker, dock handler, checker, or clerk. Once they acquire the required operator’s licence and a driving position becomes available, they advance to driving positions.
Many local drivers and a few long-distance drivers have regular assigned runs. Smaller companies are more likely to assign regular runs to drivers early in their employment. Large companies often expect drivers to start on the “extra board,” where they bid for runs on the basis of seniority.
Once they have gained some experience, drivers may be assigned to long-haul or highway driving. As long as their driving records remain acceptable and they maintain good health, they may continue driving as long as they wish. Or they may move into related areas such as operations (freight handling, dock supervision, dispatching) or communications (tracking the movement of shipments and trucks).
Drivers who have business knowledge and skills may choose to purchase their own trucks or fleet of trucks. Many truck drivers become owner-operators. This means they own their vehicles and lease their services to other companies.
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.
In the 7511: Transport truck drivers occupational group, 75.1% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7511: Transport truck drivers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 585 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wages in the trucking industry vary depending on the type of work, load, and vehicle. Much of this is related to seniority within a company or years in the industry.
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.
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.
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.
| 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
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $64,892 |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | $52,402 |
| Forestry, Logging, Fishing and Hunting | $70,442 |
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $78,514 |
| Construction | $62,534 |
| Manufacturing | $67,040 |
| Wholesale Trade | $53,292 |
| Retail Trade | $54,793 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $69,089 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $36,657 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $55,050 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $40,665 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $46,065 |
| Public Administration | $60,102 |
Alberta Transportation website, commercial driver training: www.alberta.ca/commercial-driver-training.aspx
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 27, 2023. 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.
