Quick facts
- Cross border drivers are able to see large areas of North America.
- The ability to legally work as a cross border driver is a significant asset to many trucking and busing employers.
- Cross border drivers may earn a premium over their Canadian-only counterparts.
- The USA’s regulations are complicated; interested individuals need to take personal responsibility to inform themselves of these requirements.
Seasonality
The seasonality of work depends on the specific employer.
Method of pay
Methods of payment will vary based on the employer. However, since cross border drivers generally do long haul driving, distance-based pay is common (i.e., being paid by the mile).
Equipment and tasks
The equipment and tasks that are commonly seen by cross border drivers vary widely. The work of the specific employer will dictate what vehicles and job duties are required of a driver.
Equipment
Tasks
Lifestyle in the industry
The lifestyle of a cross border driver will be based upon their specific driving career choice. However, since cross border drivers generally drive over long distances, it’s common for them to be away from home for extended periods of time and work long shifts. In addition, they’ll have to deal with the international border and all applicable paperwork on a regular basis. Issues with border paperwork can result in delays to a driver’s route that are outside of their control.
Work shifts
Physical demands
Work/life balance
Predictability
On call
Unionization
Getting Started
A cross border driver has to comply with the applicable regulations in both Canada and the USA. Interested persons need to further research what’s required of them to do this type of work based on their citizenship status and past.
Mandatory requirements
Besides the correct licence class and other requirements of their employer, cross border drivers will have to be at least 21 years old to drive commercially in the USA, be compliant with the USA’s drug and alcohol testing requirements, and be legally able to enter the USA and Canada (including compliance with any public health requirements from either country). Criminal record checks and the necessary documentation to enter the USA are also required.
Preferred skills & previous experience
Employers of cross border drivers often prefer candidates with previous experience crossing the border, and they often appreciate individuals with enhanced border security documentation, like NEXUS or a FAST card. Good customer service and interpersonal skills are important, as cross border drivers will have to interact with border security agents which can pose stress for some individuals.
Red flags
Individuals interested in cross border driver jobs should research the red flags of their specific sector that’s engaged in cross border work. Red employment flags related to cross border driving include:
- Equipment and vehicles that are in poor condition.
- Being pressured to become an owner-operator early into one’s career or any other signs of employee misclassification.
- A lack of training on the requirements to legally enter and drive in the USA.
- Not checking with the driver to make sure they have the necessary documents to enter the USA.
- Not complying with drug and alcohol testing requirements and not registering the individual in the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
- A lack of training on USDOT safety regulations.
