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Truck Drivers  (NOC 7411)
Ottawa 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

Ottawa, Gloucester, Nepean, Brockville, Cornwall, Vanier, Carleton Place, Clarence-Rockland, Gananoque, Hawkesbury, Mississippi Mills, Perth, Prescott, Smiths Falls, Bourget, Buckham's Bay, Clarence, Constance Bay, Embrun, Hazeldean, Kars, Old Stittsville, Richmond, Rockland, Rockland East, Russell, South March, South March Station, Stittsville, St-Onge

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Education & Job Requirements for Truck Drivers in Ottawa 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

The Ministry of Transportation administers road tests for the various classes of licence including the Ontario class A, D and AZ licence. In Ontario, a G license is required to upgrade to a commercial drivers license. For more information on commercial licence requirements, visit the Ministry of Transportation website at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca.

Drivers must have appropriate documentation and clearance to cross provincial and/or international borders. Increasingly employers look for drivers with Free and Secure Trade (FAST) approval. FAST is a commercial clearance program which allows registered drivers employed by approved carriers to transport goods between Canada and the United States. More information is available at the Canada Border Services agency website: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/menu-eng.html

[Report Publication Date: 2012-11-19 |  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

  • Programs

    Detailed profiles, requirements and application and admissions information.

  • CEGEPs, Colleges and Universities

    Find the school that best suits your needs.

  • Scholarships

    Information on scholarships, bursaries, grants, and other forms of financial assistance.

[ Source: CanLearn - HRSDC ]

Local Training

Some secondary school education is usually required. Training is offered through registered, private driver training schools throughout the province. More information on registered private trainers can be found on the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Web site at http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/ when searched under `Ontario Private Career College Search Service'.

Earning Your Wheels (EYW) is the Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council (CTHRC) entry level truck driver training program. According to the Council, 'Earning Your Wheels' (EYW) is the only truck driver training course in Canada that is nationally recognized, and which certifies graduates to the national standard. Consult the Council's website at http://www.cthrc.com for a list of schools accredited to deliver this program.

In addition, the American Professional Truck Driver Institute Inc (PTDI) provides certification of truck driver training programs which meet optimum North American standards. There are a few training schools in Canada which carry this designation. Consult their web site at http://www.ptdi.org for a list.

The Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario also provides a list of schools which meet the standards of their organization. Consult their web site at http://www.ttsao.com for a list of schools.

An apprenticeship program for the trade of tractor-trailer commercial driver is another career path option. To be eligible for training, apprentices need a valid Ontario AZ license or equivalent. The new voluntary trade is regulated under the Apprenticeship and Certification Act. Information on apprenticeship programs in Ontario is available on the Ministry of Education / Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities website at:
www.tcu.gov.on.ca

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) provides secondary school students an opportunity to gain training in an apprenticeship occupation while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). For more information, please visit the OYAP Web site at http://www.oyap.ca/.

[ Report Publication Date: 2012-11-19 | 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 Ontario and Canada tabs for more useful information related to education and job requirements.