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Truck Drivers  (NOC 7411)
Lower Mainland - Southwest 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.

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

Abbotsford, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, Chilliwack, Langley, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, White Rock, Gibsons, Mission, Aldergrove, Brunswick Beach, Crescent, Crescent Beach, Cultus Lake, Elgin, Fort Langley, Grandview, Lions Bay, McMillan Island, Ocean Park, South Surrey, Sunnyside, Willoughby

View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Education & Job Requirements for Truck Drivers in Lower Mainland - Southwest 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

Although truck drivers require no formal education, some employers prefer those who have a Grade 12 education.

[Report Publication Date: 2011-06-20 |  Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Local Skills Requirements

TECHNICAL SKILLS

- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Certificate
- Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) Certificate
- Basic computer skills

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

- Driver's licence - Class 1, 3, or 5 with air brakes
- Good health and vision
- Interpersonal skills
- Good judgment and reflexes
- The ability to remain alert
- Basic command of the English language
- Mechanical ability to make minor repairs
- Medical exam
- Eligibility for bonding
- Drug and alcohol test
- Eye-sight and hearing test
- Criminal record check
- First aid
- Driver's abstract

[Report Publication Date: 2011-06-20 |  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.

List of Associations

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[ Source: CanLearn - HRSDC ]
Information for Newcomers

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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.

Please consult the British Columbia and Canada tabs for more useful information related to education and job requirements.