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Truck Driver — Class 1 / AZ Jobs in Canada

Sector: Logistics, Warehouse & Transport · Typical gross pay: 24–37 CAD/hour · Common locations: British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador

Licensing: Class 1 (BC) / AZ (ON) Equipment: tractor-trailer (dry van / reefer / flatbed varies) Routes: local, regional, linehaul, long-haul Safety: pre-trip, hours-of-service, defect reporting
CV REQUIRED: candidates without a CV are not considered. Upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
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Role overview

This page describes a typical Class 1 / AZ truck driving role in Canada, focusing on what employers commonly expect and what helps candidates get shortlisted.

Pay and requirements vary by province, route type (local vs long-haul), union/non-union workplaces, endorsements, and verifiable experience. This page uses neutral, employer-agnostic wording to stay accurate across projects.

Important: this is a recruitment landing page. Submitting a CV is the first step; shortlisted candidates are contacted when matching roles are available.

Pay snapshot (gross) and what changes it

Practical guidance before you apply

Most Class 1 / AZ roles in Canada land in a broad hourly band depending on province, route type, and the complexity of the work.

Typical gross hourly range

24–37 CAD/hour (gross) is a realistic baseline for many projects; specialized work and strong experience can push higher.

  • Experience: verified years, accident-free record, winter driving
  • Route type: local vs regional vs long-haul / linehaul
  • Work rules: shift premiums, nights, weekends, holiday schedules
  • Overtime: thresholds and policies depend on province and employer

Province notes (quick, indicative)

Province Indicative gross range Common hubs
British Columbia 26–38 CAD/h Vancouver / Lower Mainland
Ontario 25–36 CAD/h Toronto / GTA
Nova Scotia 24–33 CAD/h Halifax
Newfoundland & Labrador 24–34 CAD/h St. John’s
These figures are informational (gross) and intentionally conservative. Exact offers depend on employer policy, dispatch model, and local market conditions.

What you do day-to-day (duties)

Baseline expectations for Class 1 / AZ roles

  • Perform pre-trip / en-route / post-trip inspections and document defects.
  • Operate tractor-trailer combinations safely in urban corridors and highway conditions.
  • Manage load security (straps, bars, seals) depending on trailer and freight type.
  • Communicate with dispatch using standard onboard tools (device/app/radio varies by employer).
  • Complete delivery paperwork and basic electronic logs as required.
  • Follow yard rules, dock procedures, and safe coupling/uncoupling practices.
Some employers focus on local store delivery (more stops, tighter timelines); others focus on linehaul (longer highway blocks, fewer stops). Your CV should state which environment you’ve done most recently.

Requirements and licensing

What employers commonly check first

Core requirements

  • Valid license: Class 1 (BC) or AZ (ON) — equivalent heavy truck licensing by province.
  • Air brake endorsement where applicable (common requirement for tractor-trailer roles).
  • Experience: typically 1+ year verifiable; more for specialized freight.
  • Basic English communication for safety, dispatch, and paperwork.
  • Safety mindset: defensive driving, incident reporting, compliance with site rules.
Nice-to-have: reefer, flatbed, mountain/winter routes

Documents employers may request

  • Driver abstract (clean/acceptable record as per employer policy)
  • Commercial safety history or equivalent (where applicable)
  • Identity documents for onboarding
  • Background checks (role- and site-dependent)
  • Medical/fitness clearance if required by the employer’s compliance process
Do not promise: “no documents needed”

Working conditions (schedule, overtime, equipment)

What to expect on most projects

Schedule and overtime

  • Shift patterns vary: days, evenings, nights, rotating schedules.
  • Overtime depends on province and employer policy (thresholds differ).
  • Weather impacts are real: winter delays, chain-up policies, slower highway speeds.
  • Some assignments include weekend work or holiday peaks (seasonal).
If you have a strong preference (local-only, no nights, etc.), state it in your CV to reduce mismatches.

Equipment and standards

  • Typical equipment: tractor-trailer, dry van / reefer / flatbed (varies by employer).
  • Safety: PPE rules depend on terminal/customer site (boots/vest/hard hat may be required).
  • Tools: generally employer-provided (load bars, straps), but you may bring personal gloves/essentials.
  • Compliance: log keeping and inspection routines are non-negotiable.

Candidate portrait

A fast self-check before you apply

You are a good fit if you…

  • keep inspections consistent and catch small issues before they become delays
  • can back confidently and follow dock/yard safety rules without shortcuts
  • communicate calmly with dispatch when schedules change
  • have recent experience on tractor-trailer combinations (not only straight trucks)
  • stay reliable during winter conditions and plan for weather variability
  • treat paperwork/logs as part of the job, not an afterthought

This role is not for you if you…

  • avoid documentation, inspections, or compliance routines
  • cannot work shift schedules when required (nights/weekends on some projects)
  • expect fixed routes and fixed timelines every day
  • prefer not to operate in winter weather or changing road conditions
Shortlisting signal: clear route type + equipment in your CV

Hiring story (what gets you shortlisted)

How employers typically filter candidates

When freight volumes spike, terminals need drivers who can start safely and predictably: clean routines, clean communication, and a record that stands up to verification. A strong CV for Canada highlights route type (local/linehaul/long-haul), trailer experience, and your inspection discipline.

What to put on your CV for this role

  • License details: Class 1 / AZ, endorsements (air brakes), expiry dates
  • Equipment: tractor type, transmission, trailer types (van/reefer/flatbed)
  • Routes: local/regional/long-haul; typical shift length
  • Safety: incident-free periods, training, inspection habits
  • Availability: start date, preferred province/region

Documents for legal work in Canada (high-level)

General principles (no promises, no shortcuts)

To work legally in Canada, candidates typically need an appropriate authorization (commonly described as a work permit). The type can be employer-specific or open, depending on the candidate’s status and pathway.

  • Identity documents for onboarding and right-to-work verification.
  • Employer compliance steps may include checks aligned with the role, customer sites, or insurance requirements.
  • Licensing alignment must match the province where you will drive (Class 1 vs AZ naming differs).
  • Language and communication are evaluated practically: safety briefings, dispatch, and paperwork.
This page does not provide immigration advice. Exact eligibility and documentation depend on the candidate’s status and the employer’s legal framework.

Related roles in Logistics, Warehouse & Transport

Internal links to similar vacancies

FAQ

Is a CV required?

Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.

What license do I need: Class 1 or AZ?

It depends on the province: BC typically uses “Class 1”, Ontario uses “AZ”. Employers require the correct provincial class.

Is long-haul required?

No. Many openings are local or regional. Your CV should clearly state the route type you can do.

Do I need an air brake endorsement?

Often, yes—especially for tractor-trailer roles. Exact requirements depend on the province and equipment.

What affects pay the most?

Province, route type (local vs long-haul), experience, shift premiums, overtime policy, and the complexity of the freight.

What documents are needed to work legally in Canada?

Typically appropriate work authorization (open or employer-specific) plus identity and compliance documents required by the employer’s process.