Truck driving can be a fantastic choice for you if you want a secure job with a decent income and perks. In this article, we will take a look at the truck driving jobs in the US and Canada, discussing the many kinds of employment available, the wage range, and the qualifications needed to get into the field.
From raw materials for building projects to completed commodities, the trucking industry moves it all across North America. Qualified truck drivers are in high demand in North America due to an aging workforce and a booming economy.
Chapter Outline
Could truck drivers from Canada work in the United States?
List of the Best Truck Driving Jobs in the US and Canada
Can a truck driver from Canada travel to the United States without a visa?
Business Visitor B-1 Visa:
H-2B visa (temporary non-agricultural workers)?
Can truck drivers enter Canada without a passport?
Is it possible to enroll in a truck driving school in Canada while on a visitor’s visa?
Canadian Truck Driving Positions
Could truck drivers from Canada work in the United States?
Truck drivers from Canada can work in the United States, but they must adhere to specific regulations and processes. So, here’s how it works:
Respect for the law:
Delivery Services Abroad: A Canadian driver does not need a specific work visa to deliver products to or from the United States if it is their only business.
Work in the United States: Canadian truck drivers require a work visa to reside and work in the United States. The H-2B visa is the most popular since it allows non-agricultural temporary workers to fill positions that aren’t being filled by Americans.
What is needed:
Possession of a current commercial driver’s license (CDL) from Canada is required for the majority of driving-related activities in the United States.
Drivers may be required to have US-issued endorsements on their CDL in order to transport certain types of cargo, such as hazardous items.
The H-2B visa is by far the most popular choice for those seeking a work visa. You need a US employer to sponsor you and complete certain requirements in order to get this visa.
Other things to think about:
The Department of Transportation (DOT) may require a medical examination before allowing someone to operate a commercial vehicle in the United States.
Income taxes: The money that Canadian drivers make while working in the US gets taxed in the US.
Social Security: Depending on the particular visa and employment arrangement, drivers may be able to contribute to Medicare and US Social Security.
Materials available:
The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website provides information about land carriers: https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/carriers/how
Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA): https://ctacanada.com/Highest Paid Truck Driving Positions in the United States and Canada (USCIS): https://www.uscis.gov/
When it comes to transporting commodities across long distances, the North American economy relies on the trucking industry. Truck driving is an attractive profession with good job prospects, high pay, and an increasing need for qualified drivers.
The ten highest paying positions for truck drivers in the US and Canada, as well as their average yearly wages, are as follows:
1. Long-Haul Truck Driver–($71,000 in Canada, $64,000 in the US): They spend weeks on the road and frequently traverse international boundaries while delivering long-distance shipments. They reliably make deliveries regardless of the weather or terrain.
2. A short-haul truck driver (paying $63,000 in Canada and $58,000 in the US): Delivering items to stores, businesses, and construction sites, these drivers are responsible for shorter travels within a city or region. They have to deal with metropolitan traffic and frequently adhere to tight timelines.
3. Operator-Owner (Canadian: $83,000, American: $75,000): When truck drivers own their own businesses, they have more freedom to do what they want, when they want. They are in charge of their schedules, locating contracts, and managing logistics and maintenance.
4. Driver of tanker trucks (paying $78,000 in Canada and $70,000 in the US): There are specific safety procedures and training needs for transporting liquids or gases that are considered hazardous. These drivers are very careful with fragile cargo and follow all rules to the letter.
5. Transportation Professional (Refrigerated) (Canadian: $75,000, American: $67,000): Food and medications are examples of perishable items; therefore, it is critical that they be kept at the correct temperature. Throughout the journey, these drivers maintain ideal conditions by operating refrigerated vehicles.
6. Flatbed Truck Driver: $68,000 in Canada and $60,000 in the US: This position demands precision and expertise to transport freight that is either too big or has an unusual shape. Drivers of flatbed trucks use chains and straps to secure cargo while they steadily negotiate narrow streets and intersections.
7. Driver for local deliveries (for $65,000 in Canada and $57,000 in the US): Local delivery drivers know the ins and outs of the area and deal directly with consumers. They need to be very organized because they often manage a number of deliveries every day.
8. Dump truck driver (pay rate $67,000 in Canada, $59,000 in the US): These drivers run dump trucks equipped with sophisticated hydraulics to transport materials used in construction, such as sand or gravel. They make sure deliveries are done quickly and safely by navigating construction sites and difficult terrain.
9. Predictability and timeliness are essential for the job of a concrete mixer truck driver, which pays $70,000 in Canada and $62,000 in the United States. To keep the concrete workable until it gets where it’s going, these drivers operate mixer trucks.
10. Having the right training and equipment is essential for specialized hauling drivers, who can transport unique cargo such as boats, heavy machinery, or enormous equipment. This position pays $73,000 in Canada and $65,000 in the USA. Skillfully transporting fragile goods, these drivers operate flatbed trailers or trailers equipped with ramps and winches.
Can a truck driver from Canada travel to the United States without a visa?
Whether a truck driver from Canada needs a special visa to work in the United States is conditional on the type of employment and the duration of their stay. The two primary choices are as follows:
1. B-1 Visa (Visitor for Business): Apt for: International business including short-term pickups or deliveries.
Period: Up to six months (extendable).
Passport and driver’s license in good standing are necessary.
Verified driving record.
Evidence that there are enough funds to cover the cost of the stay.
Proof of deep roots in Canada (by family, property, etc.).
Verification of the objective of the company (such as contracts or shipping papers).
Restrictions: You are not allowed to work for or receive wages from any US-based company.
2. H-2B Visa (Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers): Apt for Extended stays in the United States of America in pursuit of gainful employment.
In most circumstances, the duration can be prolonged up to one year.
Having a US-based employer as a sponsor is a must.
Position is short-term and cannot be filled by citizens of the United States.
Please ensure that you have a valid passport and driver’s license from Canada.
Verified driving record.
Complete all requirements listed for the truck driving job.
Among the benefits is the ability to work for a US firm and collect wages.
Other things to think about:
Cargo type: Your driver’s license may need an endorsement or supplemental permit to transport some hazardous materials.
A medical checkup may be required of drivers by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT).
Income taxes: The money that Canadian drivers make while working in the US gets taxed in the US.
Social Security: Depending on the particular visa and employment arrangement, drivers may be able to contribute to Medicare and US Social Security.
For more information about land carriers, visit https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/carriers/how
Is a passport required for truck drivers to enter Canada?
For truck drivers, the need for a passport to enter Canada is conditional on their citizenship, the nature of their travel, and the duration of their stay, among other things. So, here’s how it works:
- American residents:
For journeys to Canada that are shorter than six months, such as delivery or cargo pickup, US residents are exempt from the passport requirement. But they need to provide a photo ID from the government, like a passport or driver’s license.
U.S. truck drivers who intend to remain in Canada for six months or more will be required to present both a valid passport and, in some cases, a work visa. The employer and the sort of their work will determine the precise type of visa that is required.
2. Foreign nationals:
A valid passport is required for entry into Canada by all non-US citizens, irrespective of the duration of their stay. Their visit’s purpose and length of stay will determine if they need a work visa or some other form of authorization.
Other things to think about:
Additional paperwork or licenses may be necessary for some truck types to enter Canada, including those transporting hazardous commodities.
Drivers must meet Canadian health regulations, which may include undergoing a medical examination.
Taxes: The income of truck drivers employed in Canada can be subject to Canadian income tax.
Is it possible to enroll in a truck driving school in Canada while on a visitor’s visa?
It is usually not possible to enroll in a truck driving school in Canada while on a visitor’s visa. Temporary visits for tourism or recreation, rather than for study or job, are the intended purpose of visitor visas. If you are a tourist in the country, taking part in a truck driving school could get you in trouble with the immigration office or possibly send you away.
If you are in the country on a tourist visa, you probably won’t be able to enroll in a truck driving school.
In violation of the requirements of your tourist visa, you are enrolling in a truck driving school with the implication that you want to work in the trucking sector.
The maximum amount of time a visitor visa can be valid for is usually less than the amount of time needed to finish a truck driving school.
Canada has stringent immigration rules, and it is probable that a student visa or work permit will be necessary to enroll in a professional program such as a truck driving school.
Canadian Truck Driving Positions
Diverse and interesting career opportunities abound for qualified drivers in Canada’s thriving trucking business.
The many roles played by truck drivers in Canada include the following:
Job Categories:
Long-Haul: Carry goods across many provinces, passing through many environments. The annual salary is $71,000 CAD.
Short-Haul: Work inside a specific city or area, delivering goods to companies while managing strict deadlines. The annual salary is $63,000 CAD.
Be your own boss as an owner-operator and take charge of your vehicle, your schedule, and your contracts. (Annual revenue: $83,000 CAD)
Hauling Specialized Goods: Move unusual items that necessitate certain knowledge and tools, such as boats or heavy machinery. The annual salary is $73,000 CAD.
Local Delivery: Communicate with clients and find your way around a predetermined area while you deliver goods. The annual salary is $65,000 CAD.
In summary
Working as a truck driver can provide you with a secure income, the opportunity to travel the nation (or perhaps the world!), and a fulfilling career path.
There is a truck driving position available for anyone who loves the freedom of the open road, thrives on the variety of routes they must navigate, or finds meaning in the delivery of necessities. Therefore, put your present plans on hold and try your hand at driving a truck if you want a job that’s both interesting and in demand.
