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Truck Drivers  (NOC 7411)
Red Deer Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Truck drivers operate heavy trucks to transport goods and materials over urban, interurban, provincial and international routes. They are employed by transportation companies, manufacturing and distribution companies, moving companies and employment service agencies, or they may be self-employed. This unit group also includes shunters who move trailers to and from loading docks within trucking yards or lots.

bulk goods truck driver, dump truck driver, flatbed truck driver, logging truck driver, long haul truck driver, moving van driver, shunt truck driver, tow truck driver, truck driver, truck driver, heavy truck, truck driver, tractor-trailer.

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Long-haul truck drivers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Operate and drive straight or articulated trucks, weighing over 4600 kg with three or more axles, to transport goods and material to destinations
  • Oversee all aspects of vehicles, such as condition of equipment, loading and unloading, and safety and security of cargo
  • Perform pre-trip inspection of vehicle systems and equipment such as tires, lights, brakes and cold storage
  • Perform emergency roadside repairs
  • Obtain special permits and other documents required to transport cargo on international routes
  • Record cargo information, distance travelled, fuel consumption and other information in log book or on on-board computer
  • Communicate with dispatcher and other drivers using two-way radio, cellular telephone and on-board computer
  • May drive as part of a two-person team or convoy
  • May transport hazardous products or dangerous goods.
Line-haul and local truck drivers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Operate and drive straight trucks to transport goods and materials over urban and short inter-urban routes
  • May drive lighter, special purpose trucks such as tow trucks, dump trucks, hydrovac trucks or cement mixing trucks
  • Perform pre-trip inspection and oversee all aspects of vehicles such as condition of equipment, and loading and unloading of cargo.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Red Deer, Blackfalds, Innisfail, Lacombe, Penhold, Ponoka, Rimbey, Sylvan Lake

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Education & Job Requirements for Truck Drivers in Red Deer Region

Education and job requirements can vary by region. Workers in regulated occupations require a licence to work legally. Workers in non-regulated occupations do not require a licence, but employers may have other certification requirements.

Local Employment Requirements

- To work as a truck driver in Alberta, individuals must have a valid Class One licence, under Alberta's system of Classified Driver Licensing.
- Truck drivers must have air brakes certification and generally complete training through colleges or truck driving schools.
- Individuals must be 18 years of age, have no criminal record and no more then six demerits.
- If driving to the United States, individuals must be 21 years of age and pass U.S. drug testing requirements.


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This occupational profile is one of many tools available to Canadians. When making decisions, the use of multiple data sources is always recommended.
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[Report Publication Date: 2010-08-25 |  Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Local Skills Requirements

- Experience is an important asset to finding employment in Alberta. Most employers look for individuals with one to two years experience.
- Drivers must know the condition of their vehicle by monitoring their vehicle's performance and mechanical fitness and inspect tires, lights, brakes, cold storage and other equipment. Drivers must also operate technical equipment such as on-board computers and trip recorders, citizen's band (CB) radio and satellite tracking (GPS) equipment.
- Individuals should be familiar with different documentation such as inspection reports, driver log books and bills of lading.
- Strong customer relation skills are important for truck drivers. As well, individuals must have strong time, fatigue and stress management skills.


*****
This occupational profile is one of many tools available to Canadians. When making decisions, the use of multiple data sources is always recommended.
*****

[Report Publication Date: 2010-08-25 |  Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Skills Requirements

There are often specific abilities, aptitudes and knowledge that are prerequisites to obtain employment in an occupation.

Most employers who advertise are looking for workers who have the following experience and skills:

Experience:
1-2 years

Specific Skills:
Operate and drive straight or articulated trucks to transport goods and materials. Receive and relay information to central dispatcher. Loading and unloading of goods.

Additional Skills:
Professionalism in customer service.

[Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

List of Associations

AssociationsLink opens in a new window are organizations that may provide news to its members about networking events, professional development and other common issues for people working in the same industry.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

CanLearn Searches

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  • CEGEPs, Colleges and Universities

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  • Scholarships

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[ Source: CanLearn - HRSDC ]

Local Training

Please consult EdInfo http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca/edinfo to find training opportunities in Alberta related to this occupation.

For private training institutions, please see listings in your local telephone directory.

[ Report Publication Date: 2010-08-25 | Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Information for Newcomers

Getting your language skills assessed

If you do not know what your English or French language level is, visit one of the Language Assessment Centres across Canada. They will assess your language level and direct you to the appropriate language training program.

[ Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada ]
Please consult the Alberta and Canada tabs for more useful information related to education and job requirements.