Is it even worth starting a career in trucking right now?

It’s unbelievable no matter how many times you tell these guys our markets are totally different then what they see,
they still don’t get it . They have lots of opportunities to make 100k or more in trucking . Here for the most part a select few are making that kind of money . especially local

 

Ok. Since canada keeps complaining. Is the gentleman that was asking about getting a cdl from united states or canada. I will be absolutely sure not to comment on anymore Canadian post. But I promise here in the united states we have a ton of cry babies complaining about wages. And in the united states, if you are complaining about wages, you are either brand new driver, have violations on your license. If none of these are true (in united states) then general assessment says lazy. But I do apologize for sticking my nose into Canada's business, because I really have no idea what the situation is there. SORRY

 

I've been driving Trucks out of Canada for over 30 years plus. This has been the worst market I've seen in decades. I'm currently working as a O/o (Small Carrier) about to shutdown soon due to the market plus now with the surge of diesel prices profits are unattainable. As a new CDL driver its a gamble to spend $15k on a new license because even though the Canadian Government has cracked down on foreigner corrupted trucking companies. Its they still dominate the entire Canadian Trucking industry. I am not saying never go for you Class 1 CDL license but you have to research your area 1st due to the Canadian Economy issues. I was able to obtain a job that pays minimum of $100k/annually because of my experience. But a driver with less than 5 years driving experience will have a difficult time earning over $20/hr and/or $50k per year. I'm sure you've been purchasing groceries? Prices have increased weekly.

 

Under no circumstances, should anyone "buy a truck to get a job" now. Like I mentioned above, I just got let go from a dump truck company in October 2025. The owner had a shop, and a few million bucks to make a go of it. Even with that kind of backing, to to low rates, high insurance and fuel, insane cost of repairs (even if doing all the work yourself, the parts, fluids and consumables are insane). They called it quits, because they would make more money shutting the company down, and sitting at home drinking, than they would operating.

Meanwhile, the driving schools still run 24/7/365, and they are building even MORE in Calgary. We now have over 30 driving schools, and only 2 are owned by Canadians. That is the current state of affairs, which I have been preaching for a while now. Unfortunately some close to me have not listened, spent the money to get a Class 1A and never drove a single day after.

 

They are like locusts. They decimate an area ( Brampton, GTA, Surrey) then when they have consumed everything, they move to a new area. Alberta is ground zero, Manitoba right behind them.

 

Pretty much, the amount of Ontario and BC license plates in Calgary is staggering, and the pure influx of Brampton types is staggering. The whole city, and surrounding towns, are now in a state of constant gridlock; and its accelerating rapidly.

 

I went to Brampton every day during COVID from Niagara Falls NY. It's absolutely insane what's going on in Canada today. When I moved back 12 years ago talking to some walking floor drivers they said new Canadians were doing rates they had back in the 80s. Hopefully this can get turned around eventually but to many people have paid a dear price for this insanity.

 

It's tough to get your foot in the door these days. I got in sometime in 2017 at 21 years old and it took forever to find a job. These days, even experienced guys have a tough time finding a job. For me, I always wanted to be a truck driver since I was young so it was always in the cards for me.