Any UK truckers here that moved to Canada?

you don't want to live/drive here.

 

Why not? There's lots of money to be made trucking here. I just got my first pay for my new job. $4900 net for 7.5 days work.

 

There seems to be a lot of negativity and positivity answers!!

 

uh huh

 

Yes that’s good but also want to experience the way of life over there!

 

Not sure if this will still be relevant as I know its a few years old now. Im an expat from Cornwall living the dream, one nightmare at a time in Alberta Canada . I moved in Oct 2012 and came over with Westcan aka s***can. After gaining PR, residency, I switched companies. The pay with s***can has got better, I have friends still there, they earn over $100k but taxes are high so you'll end up with around $2500 bi weekly, fortnight. Be prepared when you first come over you are a nobody, no history no credit nothing itll take time to get built up. I had to give my bank $2000 they gave me a $1000 credit card. When I came class 1, uk c+e, was around $2500 now its over $10,000!! Thanks to a new Canadian killing over a dozen people in the Humboldt crash. As for life in Canada it largely depends where you live im in southern Alberta now I originally came to Saskatchewan. Im glad I started in Sk as I didn't finish high school, all sk wanted for residency was proof I attended other provinces needed high school diploma, be aware driver nvq not accepted, some friends that started in other provinces had to go back to high school. I know most people do have education but something to be aware of. As for life here it can be pretty chilled out especially after coming from the uk, at times it's so dam slow its annoying property again dempend on location is cheaper and bigger, my current house is huge 1600 sq ft each level!! Around £220k. Winter is a nightmare and can last 7 long gruelling months but hey we just deal with it. To summarize I'm glad I made the choice especially with how bad the economy is in the UK, but we DON'T ask my wife her opinion she hates it here but realizes financially better off. One piece of advice come open minded, if you get the chance come don't ever say what if I.... You can always return another bit of advice keep paying voluntary NI contributions, Canadian pension isn't worth a W**** Also maintain a British bank account get a family member to use it keeps your credit going if you ever decide to return. Good luck you can always reach out to me.
Kindest regards Nigel

 

Where?? Im on my way that's a months work for me in AB lol

 

I'm in AB too, I assume that's a joke about your pay? That's really low I'd never drive a truck for that.

 

Sorry if this thread has closed or people have lost interest but going to stick my neck out anyway.

I’ve been wanting to emigrate to Canada for a year or two and would love to be a long distance trucker. No dependants to support and I genuinely love driving, just hate the depressing “industrial estates” and tower blocks that the narrow, unsuitable uk roads offer as scenery and given that I’d have to sit the MELTS in Canada regardless, I’m reluctant to sit my class 1 in the uk only to waste the money that could be used for the MELTS.

Just for the avoidance of doubt I’m not for one second imagining that trucking in Canada and the us is “easy” nor am I naive enough to think it’s as it’s shown by YouTube bloggers. I respect the profession and the people who do it every day just want that to be clear from the outset.

I’ve read posters views on politics and how the country is perhaps not in its best shape fiscally or culturally, but then neither is the uk. There’s a lot that draws me to the idea of Canada but near the top of that list is the people, I used to think the “Canadian friendliness” was just some tourism propaganda rubbish but from reading on here about guys willing to go and look at a yard that an overseas driver was potentially applying to and the numerous other examples I’ve seen of this online on other forums I think it’s got some truth to it. Don’t get me wrong I understand respect has to be earned especially as a newcomer but I’m a grafter and have a strong work ethic, would never want something for nothing.

from what I’ve read on here all on this thread have done class 1 driving in the uk before going over so I understand I may be on my own in that respect and that people may scorn me because im not one of them but Im just asking for input, advice on all things Canadian and trucking at this stage.

looked into visa and work permit options and the balls rolling on that but just wanted to speak to guys who do the job and perhaps anyone who’s came from the uk.

thanks in advance and drive safely

 

Hi
Im from the UK originally my advice is simple if you get a chance come dont leave it and regret it later in life. It'll be hard and days you'll think what the heck am I doing. It'll be harder for you not having experience I say that only as just like the UK most companies want min 2 years experience. In my opinion if you can get a job offer prior that would certainly help gaining visa, I believe they call it LMIA formally known as LMO. You can always reach out to me