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Trucking

A career in the PEI trucking sector: great careers for men and women

Trucking on Prince Edward Island Employer Hiring Practices

The PEI Trucking Sector Council is an industry-driven, not-for-profit organization committed to addressing human resources issues and opportunities in the trucking industry on PEI.

The organization provides a vehicle for effective industry participation in identifying and addressing issues related to workforce attraction and retention, career awareness, skills upgrading and training.

“On PEI, about 4,000 employees work in the trucking industry, and about 2,000 are Truck Drivers,” says Brian Oulton, Executive Director, PEI Trucking Sector Council.

“We have a population of Truck Drivers who are reaching the age of retirement, and we have companies that want to expand and grow. There is certainly so much opportunity.

“The most challenging positions to fill are Truck Drivers and Mechanics, although finding skilled people for any role is getting tough these days,” says Brian.

“Trucking is the backbone to the PEI economy. Without it, all other sectors would grind to a halt. Everything we use as consumers comes by truck, from medical supplies to groceries, the paint on the wall to the shoes on our feet.

“It’s all here because of trucks. We employ thousands of people in some of the best paid positions on the Island.”

How to apply

“People can apply directly to industry employers or they can apply with us at the Sector Council,” says Brian. “We forward resumés along regularly to industry employers, and we can help applicants ensure their resumés and accompanying documentation are strong.

“We also work with applicants to help find them opportunities they may not be aware of.”

Career examples

Wages

“New US Long Haul Truck Drivers start at about $50,000 to $60,000 per year.  If they are willing to drive longer distances, they could earn $70,000 to $80,000. Drivers are paid by the mile; the more miles they drive, the more money they make.

“If two people share a truck, which is called team driving, it becomes much more productive – one person sleeps while the other drives.  Team drivers on PEI can earn up to $100,000 or more per year and are home about eight to 10 days a month.

“Drivers who haul specialized loads such as fuel or B-trains (two trailers hooked together) also make more money.  The further you go away from home and the longer you stay away, the more you are paid.”

For more information about careers in trucking, call the PEI Trucking Sector Council at 902-566-5563.

Visit www.peitsc.ca.

Education & training

PEI Trucking news you can use

Women in trucking

“More women are moving into the trucking industry, but numbers are still quite low,” says Brian.  “The number of women in trucking on PEI grew from three percent to 7.5 percent in eight years.”

How to check out if a career in trucking is for you

The Trucking Sector Council offers a full employment assessment to those interested in a career as a truck driver to ensure they are both eligible and capable of working in this profession.

This includes an Essential Skills assessment (TOWES), review of driver’s abstract for insurance purposes, review of the criminal background check, approval of driver’s medical report, and an industry presentation that highlights details about the career.

Training in Atlantic Canada

A new apprenticeship program delivered by Holland College which trains Truck and Transport Mechanics is designed to support industry needs and strengthen the province’s labour force. For more information, click here

Tractor-Trailer Drivers must have a valid Class A license. To drive most straight trucks, a class 3A license is required.

  • JVI Commercial Driving School offers Class 1A and 3A driver training. The school is located at Slemon Park. Visit www.jvidrivertraining.com.
  • Commercial Safety College offers Class 1A and 3A driver training. The school is located in Masstown, Nova Scotia. Visit www.safetycollege.ca.
  • New Brunswick Community College campuses in Moncton and Woodstock offer Truck and Transport Service Technician programs. Visit https://nbcc.ca/programs-courses.
  • Nova Scotia Community College campuses in Sydney and Dartmouth offer Heavy Duty Equipment/Truck and Transport Repair programs. Visit https://www.nscc.ca/learning_programs/programs.

Trucking is a way to see the world

“Many loads leave PEI and go as far as California.  That is approximately a two-week trip.  It’s great for those who want to explore and see the world.  They can use their downtime to explore the area.

“Trucking is a really great industry, and you get to haul some crazy things.  Island drivers have hauled stuff that went to space, sports cars, and some pretty regular stuff too, like paper and potatoes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
About careers in trucking, call the PEI Trucking Sector Council at 902-566-5563
Visit www.peitsc.ca

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