The trucking industry provides a robust and secure career path for just about anyone who can put themselves through the training to obtain a Class 1 license. In the grand scheme of professional careers, the training is relatively short-lived with approximately 244 hours of schooling and an investment of between $9,000 and $12,000. You become a truck driver and, even as an entry-level driver, begin earning $55,000 to $65,000 a year. There are ample jobs available, trucking companies scrambling to find qualified drivers to join their fleets, and yet, there is still a driver shortage.
The trucking industry has a lot of positive qualities that often get ignored. Ease of entry is just the tip of the iceberg. Job security is another big bonus, this industry isn’t going anywhere. Think about it, almost everything you own was delivered by truck. As the current workforces ages and retires, new drivers are needed to replace them. It is a demanding job, but there are many rewards too.
Manitoba Trucking Industry Facts
Winnipeg is the central hub of the Canadian Trucking Industry. This is a big deal:
- Five of Canada’s top 50 carriers are based in Manitoba
- There are approximately 475 for-hire trucking companies headquartered in Manitoba
- The trucking industry, directly and indirectly, employs approximately 4.6% of the Manitoba labour force
- The Manitoba trucking industry operates more than 15,000 power units and 20,000 trailers
Manitoba is 3 % of the Canadian population while the Manitoba trucking industry represents 5.1% of the Canadian industry
Our own natural trade and transportation of goods are very dependent on the trucking industry:
- 95% of goods moved within Manitoba depend on trucks
- Approximately 400,000 commercial trucks cross the Manitoba‑US border each year
- $8.87 billion of Manitoba’s exports are to the United States
- $12.46 billion of Manitoba’s imports are from the United States
- 80% of Manitoba’s merchandise trade with the United States is shipped by truck
Do a Little Research
Here are some articles to help you learn a little more about what it takes and what it means to be a truck driver.
