Answer these questions to learn which sectors you’d be best suited to work in.
In general, how do you prefer to be paid?
Would you prefer a more or less physically demanding role?
In general, how long of a workday are you okay with?
In terms of work/life balance, what’s your preference?
Are you looking for roles that likely require previous trucking/busing experience, or are you looking for a role that’s more likely to be able to take on inexperienced/new drivers?
Do you prefer a position that’s seasonal or non-seasonal?
What kind of work routine do you prefer?
What’s your preference for being on call, whether from home or from a work location?
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Agriculture, Crops
Crop growers and producers bring us our plant-based food and support livestock operations throughout the year. Drivers may work with a certain commodity (such as grain farm jobs that involve hauling bulk grains), or they may have a more diverse role that includes manual labour and the operation of farm equipment.
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Agriculture, Livestock Transportation
Livestock transportation includes animals being transported by truck, including chickens, pigs, and even insects. Drivers often operate specialized trucks and trailers meant for livestock and work closely with animals to ensure their welfare. -
Busing, School
An essential service for Alberta’s education system, drivers support both urban and rural areas, transporting students safely to and from school every day. Operating for a bus company or through a school board, services may also include transporting students and other individuals to events on an as-needed basis. -
Busing, Transit
Transit bus operators form the backbone of the urban transit systems in cities across the province. Drivers in this sector navigate the urban streets on specific schedules to get commuters where they need to go, working to reduce traffic congestion and improve a city’s carbon footprint. -
Car Hauling
Car haulers load, unload, and haul vehicles from various locations (such as dealerships), so they are available for purchase. They work throughout Alberta and beyond, using specialized equipment. A car hauling job may be local or include long-haul driving. -
Concrete and Ready-Mix
Drivers in this sector operate the equipment needed to both mix and transport concrete, delivering time-sensitive concrete loads to local construction sites. Here, drivers acquire detailed knowledge about the different types of concrete mix that are used in various projects. -
Construction
Construction relies heavily on professional truck drivers to get materials where they need to go. Drivers in this sector may work primarily as a tradesperson or labourer, where driving is part of their many duties. Or, they may work primarily as a driver, hauling materials, equipment, and tools to job sites. -
Courier and Parcel, Pickup and Delivery
Commonly referred to as “first and last mile drivers”, courier, parcel, pickup, and delivery drivers take products to their final destination. Drivers in this sector generally work locally by filling their trucks or vans with packages at warehouses and then delivering these packages around their city or to rural areas. -
Crane and Boom Truck
Cranes and boom trucks are designed to lift and maneuver objects. Drivers in this sector drive the vehicles, load and unload boom trucks, help set up cranes, and may even operate equipment for lifting tasks. -
Cross Border
Cross border driving refers to any commercial truck driving position that involves entering the USA from Canada at a land crossing. The equipment that cross border drivers operate, specific tasks, and workload will vary widely based on the employer. These drivers must be at least 21 years old, compliant with the USA’s drug and alcohol testing requirements, and be able to legally enter the USA and Canada. -
Dangerous Goods
Dangerous goods drivers provide a vital service to a number of industries. Drivers in this sector operate a range of equipment, trucks, and trailers, which will vary depending on the type of product being hauled. These drivers generally enjoy steady work and good pay. Industry experience is typically required before drivers are able to haul dangerous goods. -
Food and Beverage Delivery
Food and beverage delivery drivers haul the things we eat and drink, taking these items directly to restaurants, bars, and other organizations where the food and beverages will be served. These drivers drive a delivery route, operate temperature-controlled equipment, and are physically involved in loading and unloading their trucks or trailers. -
Forestry
From managing harvesting, logging activities, operating mills, producing products, and managing access to logging areas, the forestry industry offers a variety of career opportunities for drivers and other labourers. Drivers in this sector have the option to drive a variety of truck and trailer configurations, both on the highway and off-road. -
Heavy Haul and Oversize
“Heavy haul” is the hauling of unusually heavy loads, while “oversize” is the hauling of loads that are beyond regular vehicle dimensions. From moving heavy equipment, bringing specialized cargo to the oil and gas industry, and moving extremely long wind turbine blades, heavy haul and oversize load carriers ensure items of different sizes get where they need to go with minimal impact on our roads. -
Heavy Vehicle Repair
Heavy vehicle repair technicians perform the maintenance and repairs needed to keep commercial vehicles operating safely on the road. Essential to the commercial transportation industry, heavy-duty technicians may have to operate the types of vehicles they’re required to repair or maintain. Thus, having a Class 1 licence is a major asset. -
Instructing
Instructors use their knowledge, experience, and good habits to train and mentor less-experienced drivers. They play a pivotal role in ensuring professional drivers have the skills needed to safely operate on our highways. They may work at a driving school, as a full-time instructor for a specific carrier, or as a driver who occasionally instructs. -
Intermodal
Intermodal truck drivers haul shipping containers (known as intermodal containers). They’re responsible for picking up freight and delivering it to its final destination or its next mode of transportation. Drivers in this sector work in sea or rail ports and pull a trailer called a container chassis, which can be quickly loaded and unloaded by a crane or an intermodal loader. -
Local Delivery
Local delivery drivers operate many different vehicles to get products to their final destinations. Any type of freight, whether bulk liquids in tankers or individually packaged food items, can be transported through local driving jobs. Drivers in this sector generally report to a terminal or warehouse where they pick up a loaded trailer (or load their vehicle), and then drive throughout town to deliver the load or transfer cargo. -
Long Haul
Long haul trucking is often what comes to mind when individuals think of careers in the trucking industry. As drivers who travel long distances, long haul driving is just one component of a driver’s job. A long haul driver may transport dangerous goods, general freight in a temperature-controlled trailer, refrigerated freight, or oversize loads on flatbed trailers. Drivers in this sector can expect to spend large amounts of time away from home, earn a good wage, and build industry experience. -
Manufacturing and Secondary Carriers
Many manufacturers—organizations that make a certain product—have their own fleets, so they can ship their products to customers themselves. “Secondary carriers” is a term used to describe organizations that have a fleet of commercial vehicle(s) but may not be manufacturers. Drivers in this sector operate equipment and perform tasks that are related to the specific needs of the manufacturer or secondary carrier. -
Mining and Mining Support
Mining refers to the extraction of minerals and specific substances from the environment. Professional drivers in this sector may work directly in mine sites or for employers who provide mining support services, like road building and hauling mining equipment and fuel. Drivers who work in mine sites themselves may operate a variety of heavy equipment on private sites. -
Moving
The moving sector is responsible for transporting furniture and other items from one building to another, whether for residential or commercial customers. Drivers in this sector not only drive the trucks that transport furniture, but may also assist with loading and unloading cargo. These drivers plan out their loads to maximize space without damaging items. -
Oil and Gas
The oil and gas industry is a major employer in the province, and work cannot take place without support from transportation operations. Whether directly involved in moving drilling equipment, hauling materials, or moving work crews, trucking and busing careers within oil and gas are a great option for people looking for career growth and diverse skills. -
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Professional refrigerated truck drivers safely and efficiently ship products produced by the agricultural sector. They also import products from other parts of the continent and haul cargo that has specific temperature requirements. Working on tight timelines, refrigerated truck drivers operate straight trucks and tractor trailers both locally and over long-haul distances. -
Road Building and Highway Maintenance
Road building and highway maintenance is an industry that builds, repairs, and maintains Alberta’s roads. This also includes winter safety services, such as plowing roads, spreading salt and other chemicals to remove ice, and removing obstacles from the roads. Drivers in this sector operate a variety of different trucks and heavy off-road equipment. They may also be required to perform vehicle maintenance and labour. -
Towing and Vehicle Recovery
Towing and recovery drivers are responsible for moving broken-down vehicles, recovering vehicles from ditches, and hauling vehicles away after collisions. Drivers in this sector operate specialized vehicles—tow trucks and heavy wreckers—anywhere they’re needed to keep highways open and ditches clear.