Today’s Pickup: Canadian long-haul carriers shift to hourly pay for truckers amid shortage

New report highlights the industry’s efforts to recruit and retain drivers as it warns that vacancies will swell above 25,000 in Canada.

A truck driver in his rig in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo: Nate Tabak/FreightWaves)

Good day,

Canadian trucking companies are moving away from paying long haul-drivers by the mile to recruit and retain talent behind the wheel, according to a new report that warns of a growing shortage of truckers in the industry. 

Sixteen percent of carriers surveyed over two years reported shifting to hourly pay for long-haul drivers, Trucking HR Canada said in the report released on March 11. 

Trucking HR’s report, “The Road Ahead: Addressing Canada’s Trucking and Logistics Industry Labour Shortages,” stated that driver vacancies could rise above 25,000 in the next three to five years unless the industry takes steps to address it.

The report noted that the industry lost out on C$3.1 billion in sales in 2018 because it didn’t have enough drivers.

“We are at a pivotal decision and action point,” Angela Splinter, CEO of Trucking HR Canada said in a statement. “Good salaries in a growing sector, better work-life balance, investments in innovative technology and green-friendly initiatives are just some of the approaches we are taking.”

Did you know?

The base model of Workhorse Group’s C-Series electric delivery van has a range of 100 miles in its base configuration.

Quotable:

“The proliferation of travel restrictions worldwide and insufficient adherence to the international health regulations are imposing enormous costs on society with little or no public health benefits.”

— Andrew Herdman, director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines on travel restrictions being imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic

In other news

Coronavirus cargo impact at Port of Los Angeles hits trucking

The plunge in cargo volumes at the Port of Los Angeles tied to the coronavirus is hitting the trucking industry. (Los Angeles Times)

Truck World postponed due to coronavirus

Organizers have pushed back the annual Canadian trade show Truck World from April to June because of the coronavirus. (LandLine)

Amazon driver awarded $900,000 after fall at post office

The U.S. government has been ordered to pay an Amazon delivery driver nearly $900,000 after a fall at an Indiana post office that left him with brain and spinal injuries. (The Indiana Lawyer)

Attacks on South Africa truckers linked to high unemployment

South Africa’s 29% unemployment rate is fueling the alarming violence targeting truck drivers in the country. (All Africa)

Final thoughts:

Figures from the Canadian government do show that that the rate of trucking vacancies outpace most other professions. However, larger carriers have also reported that the industry is in the process of shedding excess capacity from 2019. 

Hammer down, everyone!

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance

Brokerage Compliance Symposium

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards

F3 Awards Dinner

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
Awards F3 Awards Dinner Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now