Sector profiles

Sector Profiles

Whether you’re just starting to explore career opportunities in Alberta’s commercial transportation industry or you’re an employer looking to survey your competition, AMTA’s sector profiles are here to provide you with snapshots of what to expect. Learn how you might be paid, if work is seasonal, what equipment might be needed, the potential physical demands, how to get started, and so much more.

  • Agriculture and Crops

    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.

  • Livestock Transportation

    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 for school

    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

    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 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

    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.
  • Truck hauling construction materials

    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 delivery

    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.
  • Boom truck

    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 trucking

    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

    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 delivery truck

    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.