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Truck Drivers  (NOC 7411)
Fredericton--Oromocto
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

Fredericton, Nackawic, Oromocto

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Truck Drivers in Fredericton--Oromocto

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 Fredericton--Oromocto as well as in the rest of the New Brunswick.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Fredericton--Oromocto Good 2012-05-14

Currently the chances of qualified Truck Drivers finding employment are considered to be good in the local area.

Employment opportunities for Truck Drivers may vary in different communities across the province. You may want to check for specific opportunities in your community. Also, people who are able to work elsewhere may want to research the opportunities for this occupation in other areas of New Brunswick or in other provinces across the country.

According to the most recent (2006) Census, this is a large occupational group with a labour force of 1,430, and an unemployment rate (15%) that is above the average (8%) for all occupations in the area. Also, the average age of truck drivers is 44, which is above the average age (40) of all occupations.

According to the most recent Canadian Occupational Projections System (COPS) Forecast, the average annual employment growth rate for this occupation is below the average for all occupations in New Brunswick. Many of the jobs in this occupation can be found in the Transportation and Warehousing industry.

This occupation is classified as "significant" because there is a large percentage of Truck Drivers working within the area and/or it is a strategically important occupation to the local labour market.

While high fuel prices and recent economic turmoil in the United States have lowered profit margins for the trucking industry, there is still high demand for longhaul truck drivers in the area. The average age of the industry is growing, and older workers are leaving the workforce faster than they are being replaced.

Attracting new truck drivers and retaining them is currently a major challenge for the long-haul trucking industry. Lifestyle considerations, such as long hours and extended periods of time away from family on a regular basis, can weigh heavily against current compensation packages. To address this challenge, some employers are starting to offer incentives such as guaranteed home time and flexible positions.

According to a recent study by the Canadian Trucking and Human Resources Council (CTHRC) called "Canada's Driving Force", of those unemployed drivers in Canada looking for commercial driving positions, two-thirds (65%) preferred a local driving job. Short-haul and medium-haul positions were the second most frequently mentioned (37%). Favourable working conditions for short-haul positions, including few overnight trips, result in low turnover rates. Competition for these jobs is very high and the employment potential may be limited in some industry sectors.

For more information on Truck Drivers (opportunities in other areas, training, who hires, current job openings and additional statistics), please click on one of the links below or select another option from the left sidebar.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Local Labour Market News

Week of May 13 – May 17, 2013

  • Fredericton MP Keith Ashfield announced, on behalf of Defence Minister Peter MacKay, that the Military Family Resource Centre at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown will undergo a $1.89M renovation and expansion. Simpson Building Contractors Ltd. of Fredericton was awarded the contract.
  • The re-construction of the Garrison District Ale House in downtown Fredericton is expected to begin in a few weeks with a reopening planned for August. Fire destroyed part of the structure in January resulting in 35 employees loosing their jobs. The owner expects to employ a similar number of workers once it reopens.

Week of Apr 22 – Apr 26, 2013

  • A job fair will be held in Fredericton on April 30th at the Delta Hotel for job seekers interested in working in Western Canada. Seven companies will be represented at the fair.

Week of Apr 15 – Apr 19, 2013

  • According to a building activity report released by the City of Fredericton development committee, overall construction activity in the first quarter of this year increased to $17.6M compared to $16.9M during the same period last year. It was also reported to be the highest first quarter construction value since 2008.
  • Shannex Inc. has received final approval to proceed with the construction of an 80-unit luxury retirement complex at 35 Patience Lane in Fredericton

Week of Jun 18 – Jun 22, 2012

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