Over the past decade, many people have taken to the open roads to pursue a new career in truck driving. Other than in 2008 and 2009, significant job increases have taken place in this often over-looked sector of the job market.
Canada, and Quebec in particular, has been the epicenter of unprecedented increases in freight transport careers. Although some of the job openings have been due to replacing retirees, a significant portion has been the result of increased employment opportunities. In 2006, 65% of Canadian truck jobs were in the transportation industry, with manufacturing, wholesale, and construction combining to account for the rest. Increases have taken place across the board, but by and large, it has meant more freight transport careers.
The increase in freight transport jobs in Quebec stems from economic growth, organizational changes, and an ideal regulatory environment. Economic growth, especially in international trade with the United States, has increased long distance freight transport in Quebec. Wide load and flatbed trucks also cross the North American border hundreds of times daily. Organizational changes, such as number of deliveries and delivery size, have also resulted in increased job opportunities. Also, regulatory factors including Global Positioning Systems, changes in mandatory driving limits, and other technological changes has meant increased efficiency, higher profits, and more jobs.
A large pool of candidates in Quebec will fill jobs for freight transport in Quebec. Considering truck driving has an average higher pay for jobs requiring similar levels of education, and the limited amount of licensing and experience necessary, experts predict that there will not be a shortage in professional truck drivers. Licensing is routine and shouldn’t deter prospective drivers, especially because little education is required outside of basic training and licensing. Having other skills, like mechanical or electrical experience, can definitely help your chances of getting hired though.
Drivers can expect to transport all sorts of freight out of Quebec. This will include everything from agriculture, wood, paper products, metals and chemicals, to construction equipment and natural resources. The economy is growing and international trade has only been increasing. With Quebec’s rich mining and construction industries, drivers will also carry over-dimensional transports, heavy machinery transports, and will also be given the task of driving wide load trucks and flatbed trucks. This might be only in Canada or could span all of the United States.
Many jobs in North America are paying less or have disappeared over-seas. Even higher education can’t guarantee a good paying jobs or benefits. With a changing global economy some people are looking for less traditional routes of making a living. Plus higher education takes years and not everyone wants more schooling. Trucking obviously isn’t for everyone, but for Canadians who like the idea of making solid pay and having the open road as an office, right now is the time to apply if you are considering a career in freight transport in Quebec.