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Truck Drivers  (NOC 7411)
North Shore 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

Truro, Amherst, Antigonish, New Glasgow, Oxford, Parrsboro, Pictou, Springhill, Stellarton, Trenton, Westville

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Truck Drivers in North Shore Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Truck Drivers in North Shore Region as well as in the rest of the Nova Scotia.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
North Shore Region Good 2011-08-25

Currently the chances of qualified Truck Drivers finding employment are considered to be good in the local area. The main reason why the employment potential for this occupation is considered good is the regularly advertised vacancies for long-haul truck drivers (includes local, Maritime, Atlantic and cross border). This is a large occupation locally resulting in openings from retirements and general turnover. There are many potential employers noted for this occupation. This occupation would be considered a "good" opportunity for long-haul drivers but "fair" opportunity for the short haul drivers as their unemployed numbers (supply) are still fairly large and construction related work is mainly seasonal. Employment opportunities are especially good for individuals with Class 1 drivers' licenses willing to do long haul driving across North America, owner/operator and company drivers, where turnover is very high due to the long hours and challenging working conditions. Another factor contributing to the shortage of qualified truck drivers in Nova Scotia and across North America is the tightened border security which increased the level of regulation and documentation required from truckers.

Most employers require 2 years of experience, a clean driving abstract, a clean criminal record and a Class 1 Driver's license. Shiftwork is often required for local and long-haul work. Truck drivers are often required to work long hours and the average cost for training is $8000.00, so, potential workers should give some consideration to these factors before pursuing this career.

In addition to employment opportunities locally, opportunities may exist in other areas of the province or in other regions of the country. People who are able to work elsewhere may want to research opportunities for this occupation in other labour markets within Nova Scotia and across the country. The future employment outlook for Truck Drivers in Nova Scotia is expected to be fair over the next 5 years.

Additional information on Truck Drivers (opportunities in other areas, training, who hires, current job openings, statistics and other information), is available on other parts of this web site.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Nova Scotia and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.