What are the steps for becoming a trucker in Canada?

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by mycojake, Dec 18, 2019.

  1. mycojake

    mycojake Bobtail Member

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    Hello there! So I'm in a situation now where I was thinking to shift my career into something that could get me somewhere good in the future, and trucking is one of my interest and am considering. A little introduction, I am 22 years old drop out of college, married at the age of 21 and already started my own family. I am at the stage of life where I'm thinking of what job could I get to support my family and their future.

    So I am here to ask for an advice from the professionals and had been on the trucking industries for long.
    What are the steps on becoming a trucker? I only have a few knowledge about this industries, like I have to get a schooling and license and all but no Idea from where and which to start.

    Please if you could list some advice on how to start It's gonna be much appreciated.

    Thank you
     
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  3. Weekend Warrior

    Weekend Warrior Light Load Member

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  4. upnorthwpg

    upnorthwpg Road Train Member

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    Seriously. You have a young family. Don’t do this. You will be gone for weeks at a time, and the pay isn’t great. It’s pretty much suicide for a young family. Get into the trades. Please. Don’t get into this right now.
     
  5. Ol'Shusquatch

    Ol'Shusquatch Light Load Member

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    Think you nailed it UNW. If I could go back it would be a trade. Dig in and suffer through the first couple years an apprenticeship. Finish up and learn the business for awhile. When ready start your own outfit and you can hire the apprentices. All this time you don't sleep in a truck and miss kids events, like school Christmas concerts. Too late here
     
  6. TorontoTacos

    TorontoTacos Light Load Member

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    Become a plumber, don't get into trucking...!
     
  7. Garththomas

    Garththomas Light Load Member

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    I wouldnt recommend it for a young person especially with a family to look after.
    If you must though talk it over with your wife because it will cost a lot to get the license in the first place then you will be working long hours and not getting home regularly to start but if you can hang in there for about 3 years and keep your license clean you may be able to find a better shift closer to home. The only way to make money is long hrs and lots of miles and in the meantime your health will suffer and you may become unfit for any other type of work. This is more suited to old people who are on the way out and dont have to support families or raise chidren.
     
  8. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Cross Bridge from Detroit.

    Stop at Customs, answer yes to citizenship and no to any interdiction questions.

    Stop in winsdor Customs and get broker paper on particular load waiting for you there.

    Proceed to first big truck-stop have a meal.

    Proceed to Toronto and deliver.

    These are the steps we take as American truckers in Canada =)
     
  9. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    You can always get a local job, city pick up and delivery. Home every night. That’s what I did to get started, then worked my way up to the highway, long haul.
    Other guys I knew back then just stayed at the same company and did local driving.
    Now a days you have to do the schooling to get your class one or A. But if you just drove a straight truck your current licence will work.
     
  10. magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

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    It’s 2019 not 2000 ... border crossing is precleared or your in trouble.. nowadays you present your e manifest that must be cleared BEFORE you show up at booth.
     
  11. Canadianhauler21

    Canadianhauler21 Heavy Load Member

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    I got into trucking at 18ish, got my first actual job at 21. I'm almost 23 now and I'm out of the industry. There's literally no life here, even as a single guy with no family it was tough. Going to college now for something much more worth it now.

    However if you do decide to start trucking, I'll go by if you live in Ontario. Acquire AZ license for about $5500, in about 1-3 months depending on how serious you wanna go about it. You gotta get your Z endorsement (airbrake) which is gonna run about $250 for the weekend and I believe $160 to write your A written test I believe.

    Assuming all that goes well you are gonna have a tough time finding a job due to your age. Under 25 is pretty hard to find a decent job because of insurance. You will most likely be limited to larger fleets like challenger, erb, Kriska, Canada cartage etc. You can probably find work with some shady easy Indians if that's your cup of tea but one thing at a time.

    Working for big companies I'd say you'll average make $1000 a week after tax and up to $1200 a week during the good months. Atleast that was my experience with challenger.
     
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