Short-haul and local transport truck drivers

Prince Edward Island

The employment outlook will be Good for transport truck drivers (NOC 73300) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.This occupation falls under the provincial Occupations in Demand immigration stream, which is a program designed to help employers fill vacant positions that they are unable to fill locally. Furthermore, Employers rely on the Temporary Foreign Worker program to fill temporary jobs/vacancies in this occupation when qualified Canadian labour is not available.The demand for workers in this field often fluctuates with economic conditions, especially those in the manufacturing, wholesale trade and construction sectors. Since truck drivers carry goods to various markets within Canada and the United States, the occupation is quite sensitive to regional and global economic turns. Recent developments, including tariff negotiations and the “Buy Canadian” model, have disrupted traditional routes and raised costs, forcing companies to adapt operations. Furthermore, hiring challenges persist due to insurance barriers for younger drivers, limited training pathways, and high turnover in long-haul positions, while seasonal fluctuations in construction, agriculture, and forestry add variability. Technology is reshaping the trade, with trucks becoming more efficient but mechanically complex, requiring drivers to develop skills in computer diagnostics, electronic systems, and safety compliance. Working conditions, such as long work hours, unconventional work schedules and being away from home are listed as some of the main causes for the high employee turnover in this occupation. In particular, there tends to be a high turnover rate for long-haul drivers increasing the number of openings in this specific area.Here are some key facts about transport truck drivers in Prince Edward Island: Approximately 1,550 people work in this occupation. Transport truck drivers mainly work in the following sectors: Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 46%Construction (NAICS 23): 19%Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 6% 52% of transport truck drivers work all year, while 48% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.12% of transport truck drivers are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 26% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 42% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 20% compared to 11% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 9% compared to 25% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

Saskatchewan

The employment outlook will be Good for transport truck drivers (NOC 73300) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.Several positions will become available due to retirements.Job prospects may be softened by tariff-related disruption to U.S.-bound trade shipments, as growth prospects may be tempered for export-related sectors that hire this occupation.Growth in interprovincial trade between Saskatchewan and the rest of Canada following Saskatchewan's MOU with Ontario to facilitate greater trade, and the removal of 53 federal exceptions in the Canadian Free Trade Agreement by the federal government should sustain and improve employment prospects for this occupation.Transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) certification is required for drivers who transport hazardous products or dangerous goods.Driverless vehicles are not expected to affect the industry in the short term but could pose a challenge in the long term.  Here are some key facts about transport truck drivers in Saskatchewan: Approximately 11,650 people work in this occupation. Transport truck drivers mainly work in the following sectors: Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 53%Construction (NAICS 23): 8%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 7% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 92% compared to 81% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations56% of transport truck drivers work all year, while 43% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.21% of transport truck drivers are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 28% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 43% compared to 33% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 15% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 8% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 18% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

Nova Scotia

The employment outlook will be Good for transport truck drivers (NOC 73300) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.Demand for transport truck drivers is strong and is expected to increase further as a large share of drivers reach retirement age during the next several years. The need for drivers is particularly acute in long-haul trucking due to the more challenging lifestyle associated with it. To increase the supply of workers, the trucking industry is drawing on underrepresented demographic groups and newcomers. Despite the severe need for drivers, candidates who have little-to-no experience, or are under the age of 21, may struggle to find work due to insurance requirements and/or costs. Candidates must also be 21 years of age to cross the international border with the U.S. Jobseekers may benefit from employer programs aimed to attract workers, such as subsidized tuition and productivity-based bonuses. The mobile nature of this occupation often allows transport drivers to live in the community of their choice. Given the strong need for workers in this occupation, applicants should have little trouble finding work.Here are some key facts about transport truck drivers in Nova Scotia: Approximately 6,900 people work in this occupation. Transport truck drivers mainly work in the following sectors: Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 44%Construction (NAICS 23): 15%Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 8%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 6% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 94% compared to 82% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 6% compared to 18% for all occupations60% of transport truck drivers work all year, while 40% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.11% of transport truck drivers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 28% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 31% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 24% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations