US Trucker looking for job in Canada or US but wanting to live in Canada

In Alberta, air brakes are an integral part of the Class 1 license - you cannot have a Class 1 without it. For all other classes it is an additional endorsement (Q).

Sometimes that presents a problem if stopped in other jurisdictions as it shows a Class 1 on the front of the license, but no "Q" as is shown on the back of the license for an air brake endorsement.

 

Hey lostnfound,

Do they need drivers there in AB. I heard Fort McMurry is going "hucklety buck".

 

Yes, things are still going all out up here. Unfortunately, the cost of living is keeping up just as torrid a pace. Fort McMurray is a very expensive place to live. The average price for a single family home is hovering around $700,000, and 2-bedroom apartments are going for just over $2,000/month ... and Ft. Mc. ain't no La Jolla.

From a recent report (Labour Market News Dec/07), Class 1 drivers are earning between $25-$35 per hour. Total remuneration would be even higher though as that doesn't include any accomodation or per diem. In some cases there would be camp jobs and in others there would be a housing allowance. If a person is so inclined, it isn't hard to make $100k+ up there. Heck, even fast food places are starting many between $10-15 per hour depending on the location.

Having said that, there's lots of other (nicer ) places than Fort McMurray in Alberta, and they are in the same bind.

The biggest challenge for OTR right now is how bad our exports (oil & gas excluded) have taken a beating with the recent fall of the U.S. dollar. Having the CDN $ at, or near, par isn't helping any in that regard. Most southbound freight barely pays its own bills.

 

Hey lostnfound,

Them hamburger jobs sound good, if ya put in 80 hrs a week it might be alright. Of course a $2,000.00 a mo apartment could put the screw's to ya. How's one to get a 100k if so inclined?

Were r those nicer places? And can an American just drive up and get a job.

Thanks

 

To my knowledge, American CDL licences are NOT...repeat NOT recognized up here. After checking around a bit I understand that you would have to attend a recognized school, in Alberta, get an Air Brake Endorsement, do a written & road test.

There are alot of driving jobs up here, BUT depending upon where you want to work you will require extra endorsements, such as TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods), or LCV (Long Combination Vehicle), which by our rules are provided by the company you would work for & have to be retaken each & everytime you change companies. LCV certification also requires a minimum of 2 years experience & a valid PDIC (Professional Driver Improvement Course).

 

Ok, great thanks alot. CC was saying there's alot of other jobs that would pay good if some one was inclined. Maybe I'll be looking into something a little easier to get into.

Thank you

 

There are piles of jobs, no matter what you want to do...with trucking there are just a few hoops you have to jump through. Am not trying to discourage you, just make you aware. If I were you I would check with some of the regional carriers up here before making any firm decision.

The carriers you might check with are:

Grimshaw Trucking, Byers Transport, Rainbow Transport to name a few. They all have websites with contact info & would be able to point you in the right direction. There are several carriers that do hire right out of driving school & may be willing to help you get started on the right path. These carriers are all based out of Edmonton & most run Western Canada & the Northern Territories, so it would give you a broad base for which to start. Both Byers & Grimshaw are unionized so the wages are alot higher than non-union but a bit tougher to get into, but I do know both are desperate for drivers. Not sure about Rainbow, but even non-union wages are very competative these days. I do know that most companies are starting around 40 cpm & go up from there depending on experience.

Hope this helps you some!

 

Yes this does help. Very much so. Thank you.

 

I'd like to go to Alberta. This Canadian forum and the news have mentioned there are many jobs. Edmonton was one of the places discussed. Does Alberta have a truck'n co. that train's driver's, like Schneider does. I'm open to other jobs as well? It sounds like there are good paying jobs in in the oil shall fields. Does Alberta have a government empolyment office that I can check on for jobs, if so what do they call it?

Thanks

 

You all are talking like you just drive to a sovergin nation and go to work. What do you think Canadian immigration is going to say when you tell them you are heading to Canada to find work? It can be done but requires government paperwork to be completed BEFORE you go. What's the difference between your attitude and a Mexican planning on entering the U.S. illegally to find work?

Be prepared for a lot of anti-American sentiment in Canada.