Any UK truckers here that moved to Canada?

Team driving means, one driver is in the bunk, taking his time off while the other is driving. When the shift is over, they change position.
That's an absolute no go during training. How should the trainee receive any instructions when the "instructor" is asleep.
And guess who's taking the night shift?

To your question above, my experience was good. There were horror stories from immigrants that started somewhere else.
In my 16th year now, I'm still with the company that I first started with.
Are they perfect? No, but manageable.

 

that’s a very good point actually, had thought team driving would be ok, especially in the beginning for tips and advice etc but you’ve made a good point there.

I’d obviously strive to be one of the success stories. Any tips for a new driver other than what you’ve stated?

 

Not everything that's posted on the internet about a company has to be true or applies to everybody.
Not everything that appears to be shiny on the first glance will stand a thorough inspection.

 

No recruiter will tell you the full story.

 

Your plan could work if you have an iec, but you will almost certainly run into problems getting a job due to the insurance requirements, they want 2 years in most places and it's a sort of catch 22. Of course, if you do find something it's not likely to be as nice as you've pictured it for a year or two.

If I were you, I'd be looking for a private Fleet somewhere and I wouldn't be too choosy about where in the country it is. Canadian companies are different to European ones in their communications, you'll rarely get a response to a general email enquiry and phone is almost always better. But face to face is how most work best here.

It will take a bit of effort and luck but as things stand at the moment here you could make it happen if you are determined enough, although right now freight is down and it's more of an employers market where they can be chooser in picking potential recruits as opposed to a healthy market where they'll hire anyone with a pulse.

 

I’m looking at companies that take new drivers and I know I’ll need to have luck on my side but hopefully the fact I’ve came over and paid the training out of my own pocket shows them I’m determined and not just going to quit after the first bad day.

i wouldn’t mind where in the country it was and from what I’ve read even Canadian citizens first year or two of trucking can be challenging in terms of what kind of job they can get, never mind an immigrant. but, I’m certainly determined and I’ve worked some real ####ty jobs in my time so hopefully anything I was lucky enough to get regardless of how bad it may seem to be other truckers would be tolerable.

thanks for the response

 

Good morning (afternoon for you) at least you have the right attitude to knuckle down with what ever you get. As many will say you will have a hard time but with your determination I think you'll be fine. I always tell people it's better to try and fail than fail to try & live the dream!! I say the same thing regarding my religious beliefs better to follow and fail than fail to follow. Ok I know we aren't discussing beliefs sorry, but it's just an example follow your heart and dreams and enjoy the ride. Its not a bed of roses as you already seem to be aware. Im a dual citizen now and am happy. Couple piece of advice though, if you have a family member that can maintain a British bank account, we still have one, get someone to use it every so often. By doing this itll give you that safety blanket if things don't work out second bit of advice is to continue making NI contributions for British state pension the Canadian pension isn't worth a s*'*t. Good luck keep me posted Nigel

 

good morning! As you say it’s afternoon for me but I’m on backshift tonight so all the same.

yeah I certainly have determination, not one for throwing in the towel unless I’ve got no other option. Especially with this being something I want so badly I’d be more determined than most.

definitely better to try man. Don’t fancy being born and living all my life here, want to go and see if the grass is greener. Ah religious beliefs are always good to have man whatever they are!

Nice work on the dual citizenship man! That’s the dream one day. I’ve got family who could keep that kind of thing going so I’ll be sure to! All in good time obviously I’ll hope my work permit gets approved and that I can learn how to back into corners and tight spots first though!

I certainly will! Take care and safe travels

 

You're welcome and thanks. I gained my citizenship in 2018, i arrived in Canada Oct 6th 2012. I got it for a few reasons firstly I wanted to fully integrate into the Canadian life, my boss at the time, I only changed jobs since due to me moving to another province, actually paid the $600 + to gain my citizenship he said he was proud and honoured to call me a fellow citizen. That put a lump in my throat lol plus gaining my citizenship helps me cross the border easier to the US. I do flat bed work mostly oversized Im currently waiting at the port of Tacoma WA just an hr or so south of Seattle waiting to load a combine 12 ft wide 14 ft high not too big so far the biggest load I've hauled is 18 ft x 18 ft needed power lines lifted lol. Since I've been here the experience I've gained is tremendous pulling super bs, two trailers together gross weight of 63,500kg and now I do oversized which is interesting as well. Good luck

 

that’s brilliant man. That’s the kind of friendliness you just don’t get back here.

flatbed is what appeals to me but appreciate that’s a good bit away and a pipe dream for now.

lucky you being in Tacoma! Right now I’m in Glasgow about to deliver to somebody up three flights of stairs with no lift. Zero contest man! Hope it’s a good shift, stay safe.