Trucking in Canada: Salary, Top Trucks, and Leading Trucking Companies

In this comprehensive article, we delve into various facets of the Canadian trucking industry. From truck driver salaries and the best truck brands to prominent trucking companies, we've got you covered.

Truck Driver Salaries in Canada

In a continuation of our previous article on becoming a truck driver in Canada, we now explore the salary prospects in this profession. Trucking in Canada not only offers a chance to traverse the vast expanse of the Great White North but also provides an attractive income. Even newcomers to Canada can consider a career in trucking.

How much do truck drivers make in Canada?

With a combination of experience and qualifications, truckers across Canada can earn annual incomes ranging from $48,750 to $82,875 CAD. Several factors influence these earnings, including the driver's skill level, training, years of experience, language proficiency in English and French, and the province of operation.

The average salary for a truck driver in Canada stands at $49,718 CAD per year, equivalent to $25.50 per hour. Entry-level positions typically start at $34,125 CAD per year. Interestingly, reports indicate a growing shortage of truck drivers in Canada, with projections suggesting a shortage of 25,000 truck driving positions by 2023. This increasing demand has led to a lower unemployment rate for truck drivers, which was just 3.3% in 2020, significantly below the national unemployment rate of 5.8% at the same time. Below, we provide an overview of average salaries for truck drivers in various Canadian provinces.

Best Semi Trucks in Canada

Given Canada's diverse geography, from rugged mountainous terrains to flat prairies and dense forests, trucks operating in the region must be dependable and adaptable. This is particularly important for trucks that may cross into the United States. Here are some highly reliable commercial truck brands that cater to the needs of owner-operators and large fleets in Canada:

1. Volvo

Volvo, one of the largest commercial truck brands in Canada, commands a 13.9% market share in the country. Known for innovation, Volvo has been focusing on autonomous trucks and electric vehicles. Their trucks feature advanced connectivity through telematics data, enabling seamless communication between vehicles on the road. The in-cab interiors offer comfort, and remote diagnostics enhance the ease of driving. Fleet owners can diagnose and troubleshoot issues through a dedicated Windows app.

2. International

In 2018, International trucks accounted for almost 36% of Class 7 truck sales in Canada. Renowned for reliability, International has been working to improve fuel efficiency and vehicle uptime. Their 2020 International LT Series aims to enhance vehicle aerodynamics, reducing the tractor-trailer gap and improving roof fairings to achieve an 8.2% fuel economy improvement.

3. Freightliner

With 75 years of experience, Freightliner stands out with its Detroit powertrain, which optimizes engine, transmission, and axle coordination for improved efficiency. The company is actively researching ways to reduce trucking emissions by transitioning some of their semi-trucks from diesel engines to hydrogen fuel cells.

4. Peterbilt

Peterbilt trucks are known for their comfort, making them a preferred choice for long-haul drivers. SmartAir technology helps save fuel, while Smartlinq remote diagnostics ensure driver safety and quick issue resolution. In 2020, Peterbilt began limited sales of electric vehicles, with plans to steadily increase their electric fleet.

5. Mack

Mack has a century-long history of producing commercial trucks sold in 45 countries. It's the largest manufacturer of Class 8 trucks in North America. Mack trucks excel in diverse climate zones, featuring Absorbent Glass Mat batteries designed for temperature fluctuations and maximizing fuel efficiency, often utilizing natural gas instead of diesel.

6. Kenworth

Kenworth is also exploring hydrogen fuel cell technology for its Class 8 commercial trucks. In collaboration with Toyota, they aim to run 10 of their T680 trucks on hydrogen fuel cells with zero emissions. These aerodynamic trucks boast a comfortable sleeper cab and top-notch infotainment and navigation systems.

For more detailed insights into these truck brands, read our article on the "6 Best Semi Truck Brands for Owner Operators."

Finding a Good Used Commercial Truck in Canada

While the aforementioned truck brands are impressive, commercial trucks represent a significant investment for trucking businesses. To reduce upfront costs, consider purchasing a used truck. However, before making such a decision, it's crucial to assess your business requirements, budget, and the following factors:

History, Maintenance, and Accident Checks

Delve into the truck's history and understand why the current owner is selling it. Examine maintenance and repair records diligently, paying particular attention to oil change records, which can impact engine longevity. Check for any past accidents, their nature, extent of damage, and replaced parts.

Quality Checks

Inspect the truck for physical damage, including rust, both on exterior surfaces and within the vehicle. Bumps or imperfections on painted surfaces, especially the roof, may indicate underlying rust issues. Vigilance against physical damage is essential.

Mileage Checks

Mileage is a key indicator of a truck's overall quality when considered alongside other factors. Understanding the engine model can help determine when an engine rebuild may become necessary.

Horsepower and Towing Capacity Checks

Assess the engine's horsepower and towing capacity to ensure they align with your business's specific towing requirements. Different operations may necessitate varying levels of power.

Purchasing a truck is a significant decision, and these checks can help ensure the truck's long-term viability and cost-effectiveness.

Largest Trucking Companies in Canada

In 2018, the Canadian trucking industry generated a substantial revenue of $39.55 billion CAD, driven by nearly 63.7 million shipments. Larger trucking companies typically operate nationwide, offering drivers diverse experiences and better pay, equipment, and benefits. Here are a few of the largest trucking companies in Canada:

1. TFI International Inc.

Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, TFI International operates through four business segments, providing a wide range of transportation and logistics services, including truckload, LTL, dedicated contracts, expedited shipments, intermodal transport, temperature-controlled hauling, bulk shipments, tankers, and warehousing.

TFI International's strategic approach allows its subsidiaries to serve regional markets independently while granting the parent company access to broader markets. It boasts the largest share in Canada's LTL business and is Canada's largest trucking fleet.

2. Mullen Group

Mullen Group, a significant player in the Canadian trucking industry, operates various trucking companies, including S. Krulicki & Sons Ltd. Its services extend throughout Canada and the continental United States, encompassing LTL, logistics, warehousing, and distribution.

3. Day & Ross

Founded in 1950, Day & Ross has grown to become a key player in the Canadian trucking landscape. Acquisitions and growth have expanded its presence across North America, offering a comprehensive range of services, including LTL, temperature-controlled delivery, and more.

4. Bison Transport

Established in 1969 and based in Winnipeg, Bison Transport has evolved into a major trucking company. With key terminal hubs across Canada, Bison Transport specializes in cross-border truckload transportation, servicing 48 U.S. states.