Apply now for Canada Truck Driving Jobs Paying $60,000+ for Foreign Workers. Canada’s transport and logistics industry offers employment opportunities for experienced truck drivers. Many companies move food, fuel, construction materials and other goods across the country.
Some Canadian employers also recruit foreign drivers when they cannot find suitable local workers. These employers may support eligible applicants through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and an employer-specific work permit.
Truck driving jobs can pay CAD $60,000 or more annually. However, salaries depend on the type of truck, driving experience, location, employer and working hours.
For foreign applicants, getting a job offer is only one part of the process. You must also meet provincial commercial driving licence requirements before operating a truck professionally.
This guide explains Canadian truck driving opportunities, salary expectations, employers, licensing requirements and work permit options for 2027.
Yes. Canadian employers can hire qualified foreign truck drivers when they meet the immigration and employment requirements.
Transport truck drivers fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 73300. The occupation includes drivers who transport goods over short and long distances.
Foreign applicants may qualify for an employer-specific work permit when they receive a genuine job offer and meet the applicable immigration requirements.
Many truck driving positions require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The employer must normally obtain a positive LMIA before the worker applies for an employer-specific work permit.
Some employers may qualify for an LMIA exemption under a specific immigration programme. The employer must confirm the correct route.
You should never assume that every trucking company offers visa sponsorship. Always confirm the immigration arrangements before accepting an offer.
Canada Truck Driving Jobs Paying CAD $60,000 or More
The following truck driving positions may offer annual earnings of CAD $60,000 or more. Actual pay depends on the employer, driving schedule, route, experience and payment structure.
1. Long-Haul Truck Drivers
Estimated annual salary: CAD $65,000–$90,000+
Long-haul truck drivers transport goods between Canadian cities and provinces. Some routes also involve cross-border deliveries to the United States.
Their responsibilities include checking vehicles, securing cargo, following delivery schedules and keeping accurate driving records.
Typical requirements include:
Previous commercial truck driving experience.
A valid commercial driving licence.
A safe driving record.
Knowledge of road safety regulations.
Ability to travel for extended periods.
Basic communication and record-keeping skills.
Some employers prefer drivers with several years of long-distance driving experience.
Long-haul positions may pay through hourly wages, mileage rates or other approved compensation arrangements. Applicants should understand the payment structure before signing an employment contract.
Flatbed Truck Drivers
Estimated annual salary: CAD $60,000–$85,000+
Flatbed drivers transport materials that cannot easily fit inside enclosed trailers.
Their cargo may include steel, timber, construction materials, industrial equipment and machinery.
This role requires more than ordinary driving experience. Drivers must understand cargo securement and safe loading procedures.
Typical requirements include:
Commercial truck driving experience.
Appropriate provincial commercial licence.
Knowledge of cargo securement rules.
Experience handling flatbed trailers.
Good safety awareness.
Ability to inspect loads before travelling.
Employers may prefer applicants with experience transporting heavy construction materials.
Tanker Truck Drivers
Estimated annual salary: CAD $65,000–$95,000+
Tanker drivers transport liquids and gases using specialised tanker vehicles.
Their cargo may include fuel, chemicals, food-grade liquids and other industrial products.
This job requires careful handling because spills and accidents can create serious safety risks.
Typical requirements include:
Commercial driving experience.
Appropriate commercial driving licence.
Tanker endorsement where required.
Dangerous goods training or certification where applicable.
Strong knowledge of vehicle inspection procedures.
Safe driving history.
Some employers require previous tanker experience before considering international applicants.
Drivers transporting dangerous goods must meet the applicable training and certification requirements.
Heavy Haul Truck Drivers
Estimated annual salary: CAD $75,000–$110,000+
Heavy haul drivers transport oversized or exceptionally heavy equipment.
Their cargo may include mining machinery, construction equipment, industrial components and large infrastructure materials.
The work often involves specialised trailers and careful route planning.
Typical requirements include:
Extensive commercial driving experience.
Experience with heavy equipment transportation.
Knowledge of load securement.
Relevant commercial licence and endorsements.
Understanding of transport permits and road restrictions.
Strong safety and communication skills.
Some positions require experience with specialised trailers and escort arrangements.
Heavy haul jobs can offer higher earnings because of the specialist skills and responsibilities involved.
Refrigerated Truck Drivers
Estimated annual salary: CAD $60,000–$80,000+
Refrigerated truck drivers transport goods that must remain within controlled temperatures.
Their cargo may include meat, dairy products, vegetables, frozen foods and pharmaceutical supplies.
Drivers must monitor refrigeration equipment and protect goods during transportation.
Typical requirements include:
Commercial truck driving experience.
Appropriate provincial licence.
Knowledge of refrigerated trailers.
Ability to inspect temperature-control equipment.
Good delivery and documentation skills.
Understanding of food safety procedures where relevant.
Experience transporting temperature-sensitive products can help applicants compete for these positions.
How Much Do Truck Drivers Earn in Different Canadian Provinces?
Truck driver salaries vary across Canada. Some regions offer higher hourly wages because of industry demand, route conditions and operating costs.
According to Canada’s Job Bank wage data, the national median hourly wage for transport truck drivers is CAD $26.42. The published figures were updated on November 19, 2025, using 2023–2024 labour data.
The table below shows selected provincial median wages.
Province
Median hourly wage
Approximate annual pay
Alberta
CAD $30.00
CAD $62,400
British Columbia
CAD $30.77
CAD $64,002
Ontario
CAD $26.00
CAD $54,080
Quebec
CAD $25.20
CAD $52,416
Manitoba
CAD $24.00
CAD $49,920
Saskatchewan
Check local wage data
Varies by region
Annual figures use 2,080 paid hours as a simple comparison. They are not guaranteed salaries or estimates of take-home pay.
Alberta and British Columbia have higher published median hourly wages than some other provinces. Certain remote and specialised routes may pay more.
For current regional figures, check the official Job Bank wage report:
Several established Canadian companies operate in freight, logistics, transportation and specialised trucking.
The companies below are useful starting points for job research. Their inclusion does not mean they currently have vacancies or offer work permit sponsorship to every foreign applicant.
1. Bison Transport
Bison Transport is a Canadian transportation and logistics company. It operates freight services across North America.
Foreign drivers can research its career opportunities and check the requirements for available driving positions.
Requirements for Foreign Truck Drivers Applying From Nigeria
Nigerian applicants should prepare their driving and employment documents before applying.
Canadian employers usually want evidence that applicants can safely operate commercial vehicles.
Common requirements include:
A valid international passport.
A valid Nigerian driver’s licence.
Previous commercial driving experience.
Employment reference letters.
Driving history or safety records.
Relevant training certificates.
A professional CV.
A genuine Canadian job offer.
LMIA documents where required.
Evidence of qualifications and experience.
Your Nigerian driving licence can support your application by showing previous driving experience. However, it does not automatically allow you to operate a commercial truck in Canada.
You must meet the licensing rules of the province where you will work.
Some employers may also require a medical examination, criminal record check and drug or alcohol screening.
Canadian Commercial Driving Licence Requirements
Canada does not use one single commercial driving licence for every province.
Each province and territory has its own licensing system. Applicants must meet the requirements of the location where they intend to work.
For many long-haul truck driving positions, a Class 1 or equivalent commercial licence is required.
Job Bank identifies these common requirements for transport truck drivers:
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
On-the-job training may be provided.
An accredited truck-driving course may be required.
A Class 1 or Class A licence is required for long combination vehicles.
An air brake endorsement is required for vehicles equipped with air brakes.
Dangerous goods certification is required for drivers carrying regulated dangerous goods.
The exact licence name and process depend on the province.
For example, Alberta and British Columbia have their own commercial driver licensing requirements. Ontario also has a separate Class A licensing system.
Applicants should contact the provincial licensing authority before making relocation plans.
Canada has a Recognized Employer Pilot for eligible employers that meet government requirements.
The programme includes certain occupations under NOC 73300, transport truck drivers.
However, not every trucking company qualifies as a recognised employer. The employer must meet the pilot’s eligibility conditions and hold the required status.
The pilot does not give every foreign truck driver automatic work permit approval.
Some Canadian provinces operate immigration programmes for workers who meet specific labour market needs.
A provincial nominee programme may provide a permanent residence route for eligible workers.
However, eligibility varies by province, occupation, employer and immigration stream. A truck driving job does not automatically qualify someone for provincial nomination.
Applicants should check the current requirements before relying on this route.
Can Nigerians apply for truck driving jobs in Canada?
Yes. Nigerians can apply for Canadian truck driving vacancies that accept international candidates. They must meet the employer’s requirements and qualify for the appropriate work permit.
How much can a truck driver earn in Canada?
Truck driver earnings vary by province, employer and experience. Some positions pay above CAD $60,000 annually, while others pay less. Specialised tanker, heavy haul and long-haul positions may offer higher earnings.
Can I use my Nigerian driver’s licence in Canada?
Your Nigerian licence can help demonstrate your previous driving experience. However, it does not automatically authorise you to operate a commercial truck in Canada. You must meet the provincial licensing requirements.
Do Canadian trucking companies offer LMIA support?
Some employers recruit foreign drivers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. However, not every company offers LMIA support. Confirm the employer’s current recruitment arrangements before applying.
Do I need IELTS to work as a truck driver in Canada?
Language requirements depend on the immigration route and the employer’s requirements. A work permit application does not have one universal IELTS rule for every truck driver. However, communication skills are important for safety and workplace instructions.
Can I get permanent residence after working as a truck driver?
Some foreign workers may later qualify for a provincial or federal permanent residence programme. Eligibility depends on the programme’s current rules, work experience, language ability and other factors.
A Canadian work permit does not automatically lead to permanent residence.
Can a truck driving employer pay for my relocation?
Some employers may offer relocation assistance, but this is not guaranteed. Ask whether the offer includes travel costs, temporary accommodation, training or other support.
Conclusion:
Canada can offer rewarding opportunities for experienced truck drivers. Long-haul, tanker, flatbed, refrigerated and heavy haul positions are worth researching.
Some employers recruit foreign drivers and may support eligible work permit applications. However, applicants must meet immigration rules and provincial commercial driving licence requirements.
Start by preparing your driving records and professional CV. Search Canada’s official Job Bank for vacancies open to international candidates.
Check the employer’s LMIA arrangements before accepting an offer. Also confirm the salary, working hours and employment conditions.
With genuine driving experience, the correct documents and a suitable employer, you can take practical steps towards building a trucking career in Canada.
