Where can I take an open CDL course - get a higher income
In Canada, the trucking industry is the lifeblood of the economy, and truck drivers with CDLs are the backbone of this industry. Faced with the current shortage of truck drivers in Canada, more and more people are beginning to consider joining this industry. So, how can you quickly and efficiently obtain a CDL and start a high-paying career?
This article will give you a detailed introduction to the ways to take open CDL courses in Canada, future employment prospects, salary levels, application processes, etc., to help you successfully transform and achieve your career goals.
Which platforms offer open CDL courses?
In Canada, if you want to get a CDL, you must pass a professional training course. Here are some platforms that offer CDL training courses:
1. Private driving school
This is the most common choice. Many private driving schools offer dedicated CDL training courses that cover theoretical knowledge and practical driving skills. You can find a reputable driving school by searching the Internet or consulting a local employment agency.
Advantages: Flexible course settings, you can choose different course types and durations according to your personal needs.
2. Community colleges/vocational colleges
Some community colleges or vocational colleges also offer CDL-related courses. These courses are usually credit courses and may take longer to complete, but the certificates obtained are also more valuable.
Advantages: The course content is more comprehensive, the learning is more systematic, and the certificate is highly recognized.
Disadvantages: The learning time is longer and the course schedule may not be flexible enough.
3. Training programs provided by trucking companies
Some large trucking companies offer their own CDL training programs to solve the driver shortage problem. Usually, trainees need to work for the company for a period of time after completing the training.
Advantages: The training fee may be low, and they can directly find employment after graduation and have a stable source of income.
Disadvantages: You may need to work in a designated company and have less freedom.
Future employment prospects?
The Canadian trucking industry has been facing a shortage of drivers. According to VanPeople News, there are 20,000 vacancies for truck drivers in Canada in 2021, and they will rise to 25,000 in 2023. This means that truck drivers with a CDL have broad employment prospects in Canada. With the booming e-commerce, the demand for freight is growing, and the employment stability of truck drivers is also guaranteed.
Truck Driver Salaries
Truck driver salary levels vary depending on factors such as region, experience, driving type (long-distance or short-distance), and the type of goods transported (general cargo or hazardous goods).
Average salary: According to multiple data sources, the average annual salary of Canadian truck drivers is approximately between 57,000 Canadian dollars and 70,000 Canadian dollars.
Provincial differences: Truck drivers in Alberta have higher hourly wages, with an average wage of 28 Canadian dollars per hour. Experienced drivers in British Columbia (BC) can earn up to 38 Canadian dollars per hour.
Other income: In addition to basic wages, truck drivers can also enjoy a variety of benefits and allowances, such as travel expenses, transportation expenses, vehicle expenses, professional dues, office expenses, etc. In addition, long-distance truck drivers are also rewarded for mileage.
Reasonable tax planning: Truck drivers can maximize their after-tax income by making reasonable use of tax deductions and allowances. Therefore, it is very important to keep good records and consult professional tax advisors.
How to apply to become a Canadian truck driver
1. Meet basic requirements
Age is usually required to be over 18 years old.
Good health, need to pass a physical examination, including vision, hearing and other aspects of the examination.
No criminal record, need to provide a certificate of no criminal record.
Although there is no hard and fast rule, good English or French skills can help better understand the rules of the road and communicate with other drivers.
2. Get a driver's license
Get a truck driver's license from landing with a travel visa, start taking a car driver's license, until you get an Ontario ClassAZ driver's license; then transfer to or directly obtain a NS/NB/PEI Class 1 driver's license or a Saskatchewan Class 1A driver's license depending on the conditions.
Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and PEI all clearly stipulate that tourists holding tourist visas are not eligible to apply for a driver's license. They must live in the province for more than half a year to be eligible to apply for a Class 5 driver's license.
3. Find job opportunities
After holding a CDL, you can start looking for job opportunities as a truck driver. Many logistics companies and transportation companies will post recruitment information. You can submit applications directly to these companies, or look for job opportunities through employment service agencies such as employment agencies.
Prepare your resume, highlighting your driving skills, work experience, and any relevant safe driving records or professional certifications.
Application process (taking Saskatchewan provincial nomination as an example):
Apply for a Canadian tourist visa (optional): If you need to inspect the local environment in advance, you can apply for a tourist visa to enter the country first.
Obtain a CLB4 English score: If you do not have an English score, you need to study English and obtain a CLB4 score at the same time.
Obtain a Canadian driver's license: Start with a Class 5 driver's license until you obtain a Class 1A driver's license.
Get an employer offer and LMIA: LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment) is a labor market impact assessment report issued by the Canadian Employment and Social Development Department (ESDC).
Apply for a work permit: After obtaining an LMIA, you can apply for a work permit.
Accumulate work experience: Land in Canada with a work permit and accumulate a certain amount of work experience at an employer.
Apply for provincial nomination: After meeting the provincial nomination requirements, you can submit a provincial nomination application.
Obtain a provincial nomination certificate: After passing the provincial nomination review, you will obtain a provincial nomination certificate.
Apply for and obtain a Maple Card: After obtaining a provincial nomination, you can apply for permanent residence (Maple Card) from the Canadian Federal Immigration Bureau.
Conclusion
In Canada, becoming a truck driver can not only get a stable job and considerable income, but also contribute to Canada's economic development. Faced with broad employment prospects and relatively relaxed immigration policies, if you are interested in the trucking industry, you may consider taking a CDL training course to start your high-paying career!