This article has the latest statistics on the Canadian trucking industry, including revenue, employment, shipments, and growth rates.
Sourced from reliable resources like Transport Canada, government reports, and industry surveys. Also, check US Trucking Statistics.
How Big is Trucking Industry in Canada?
The Canadian trucking industry is massive. It generates over $65 billion in annual revenue, contributes 3.76% to Canada’s GDP and employs 5.2% of its workforce. It supports over 39,429 businesses and employs more than 324,000 drivers directly. Another 180,000 people work in related sectors. Four provinces dominate trucking: British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec.
Sources: Library of Parliament, Transport Canada Annual Report, Statista
Revenue Growth
In 2024, the Canadian trucking industry generated over $65 billion in revenue annually. As per Statista, the industry generated $39.55 billion from almost 63.7 million shipments in 2021 and had steady growth from 2009 to 2022, with a CAGR of 4.4% except for 2020 due to the pandemic.
| Year | Revenue (in billion CAD) |
|---|---|
| 2023 (Projected) | 41.28 |
| 2022 | 39.55 |
| 2018 | 39.95 |
| 2017 | 38.70 |
| 2016 | 37.87 |
| 2015 | 37.28 |
| 2014 | 38.65 |
| 2013 | 35.77 |
| 2012 | 34.66 |
| 2011 | 30.71 |
| 2010 | 29.24 |
| 2009 | 25.97 |
Is Trucking in High Demand in Canada?
Yes, trucking demand in Canada is high. In 2021, the industry employed 324,000 drivers and supported over 39,429 Canadian businesses. E-commerce growth, more manufacturing, and new infrastructure drive this demand. But driver shortages, tough rules, and competition from other transport modes create problems. Still, experts see more growth ahead due to population growth, city expansion, and more online shopping.
Number of Truck Drivers
As of 2021, there were 324,200 truck drivers in Canada (highest-ever). But, industry is facing a driver shortage. In Nov 2023, PwC reported that there were over 20,000 vacant driver positions. The average driver’s age is 49 years old, and the industry is aging which will make the shortage worse. Over 34,300 truck drivers were expected to leave the industry in 2023.
Some reasons for the shortage include: Difficulty attracting young people, Poor image of the profession, Competition from other logistics jobs, Difficulty attracting women, and High training costs.
Number of truck drivers has steadily increased:
- 2000: 257,000 drivers.
- 2018: 312,000 drivers (an increase of 55,000 from 2000).
- 2021: 324,200 (highest number on record)
Despite more drivers, large number of positions went unfilled:
- Q1 2016: About 7,500 vacancies
- Q2 2019: Over 22,000 vacancies
- 2021: More than 18,000 vacancies
- 2023: Over 20,000 vacancies
Sources: PwC Report, HC Mag, Trucking HR Report
How Much Do Truck Drivers Make in Canada?
In 2024, Canadian truck drivers earn an average of $78,000 per year. New long-haul drivers start at about $48,310 yearly. Top earners can make over $70,000 a year. Pay varies heavily based on experience, location, company and skill. Larger companies pay 35% more than smaller ones. Drivers may get bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing. The highest paying cities are Grande Prairie, AB, Bolton, ON, Hamilton, ON, Edmonton, AB, and Abbotsford, BC.
Entry-Level Drivers
- Earn $21,317 to $61,373 yearly
- New long-haul drivers start around $48,310
Experienced Drivers (5+ years)
- Earn $36,097 to $88,910 yearly
- Top earners can make over $70,000
Highest Paying Cities (hourly rate)
- Grande Prairie, AB: $32.08
- Bolton, ON: $28.84
- Hamilton, ON: $28.76
- Edmonton, AB: $28.69
- Abbotsford, BC: $28.00
Other Factors
- Larger companies pay 35% more than smaller ones
- Drivers may get bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing
Pay Gaps
- From 2000 to 2018, male drivers’ pay rose 11.5% to $45,681 yearly
- In 2016, female drivers earned nearly $10,000 less than males yearly
- 97% of Canadian truck drivers are male
The Biggest Trucking Companies in Canada
TFI International maintains its position as Canada’s biggest fleet with 34,000 trucks, followed by Day & Ross, and Mullen Group.
Canada vs US Trucking Industry Comparison
Key Facts
- Canada and US share the world’s longest land border
- Both are among the three largest countries by land mass
- Canada’s population: ~10% of US population
- Canada’s GDP: 8% of US GDP
Market Size and Economic Impact
| Metric | Canada | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Trucking companies | 88,000+ | 929,000+ |
| Truckload market GDP contribution | $17 billion | $185 billion |
| Market size (relative to US) | 9.7% (GDP), 9.4% (carriers) | 100% |
| GDP per carrier | $193,182 | $188,375 |
| Rail contribution to transport GDP | 11% | 6.4% |
Industry Structure
- 99.5% of Canadian trucking companies have less than 100 employees
- Largest Canadian carrier ranks 11th in North America
- 9 of top 100 North American carriers are Canadian
Cross-Border Transportation
- Canada-US freight: 68% by truck, 32% by rail and pipeline
- Mexico-US freight: 83% by truck
Weight Restrictions (in pounds)
| Type | Canada | US |
|---|---|---|
| Federal highways | - | 80,000 |
| B-train, open deck | 92,000 | - |
| Standard two-axle | 52,000 | 45,500 |
| Tri-axle (intra-Canada) | 62,000 | - |
Canadian Truck Production
| Year | Total Trucks | Heavy Trucks |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1.4 million+ | 23,310 |
| 2020 | - | 14,720 |
| 2021 | - | 12,500 |
- Truck sales value increased by 52% from 2014 to 2019, reaching $69 billion CAD
- In 2019, truck production was more than triple car production
Conclusion
The Canadian Trucking Industry is massive and continues to grow. But its growth potential is marred by lack of interest shown by the youth. Given the right training and incentives, it can become a even more lucrative source of employment for Canadians and contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
For an inspiring example of how trucking can be a rewarding career, check out this story.