73300

Transport truck drivers

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 73 › 733 › 7330

Definition

Transport truck drivers drive straight trucks or tractor-trailers to transport freight. Long-haul truck drivers operate heavy trucks over urban, interurban, provincial and international routes, while short-haul and local transport truck drivers operate over urban and short interurban routes. They are employed by transportation, manufacturing, distribution and moving companies, and trucking employment service agencies, or they may be self-employed.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Long-haul transport truck drivers
Operate and drive primarily tractor-trailer, long-combination vehicle and straight-body trucks weighing over 4500 kg to transport goods and materials over long distances
Plan trip logistics and obtain required documentation to transport goods
Perform pre-trip, en route and post-trip inspection of vehicle systems, equipment and accessories such as tires, lights and turning signals, brakes and cold storage
Ensure cargo is secured properly in accordance with safety requirements and follow safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods
Obtain special permits and other documents required to transport cargo on international routes
Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled and fuel consumption
Administer bills of lading and manually or electronically maintain log books
Communicate with dispatcher, other drivers and customers using communication devices and on-board computers
May perform emergency roadside repairs
May drive as part of a two-person team or convoy
May transport hazardous products or dangerous goods.
Short-haul and local transport truck drivers
Operate and drive primarily straight trucks to transport goods and materials mainly on local routes and short interurban routes
Perform pre-trip, en route and post-trip inspection and oversee all aspects of vehicle such as condition of equipment, and loading and unloading of cargo
May drive special purpose trucks such as tow trucks, dump trucks, hydrovac trucks or cement mixing trucks.

Example job titles

•bulk goods truck driver
•dump truck driver
•flatbed truck driver
•heavy truck driver
•logging truck driver
•long haul truck driver
•moving van driver
•shunt truck driver

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Transport Truck Drivers are classified under NOC code 73300. This occupation falls under TEER 3, making it an eligible pathway for various Canadian economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program under Express Entry and targeted streams of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Transport truck drivers play a critical role in the Canadian supply chain by operating heavy trucks or tractor-trailers to transport goods and materials across urban, interprovincial, and international routes.

To qualify for NOC 73300, candidates typically must complete secondary school and a recognized driver training course. Obtaining a Class 1 or Class A commercial driver's license, alongside an air brake endorsement, is mandatory for operating articulated or combination vehicles. Core job duties include performing pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections, securing cargo safely, planning optimal routes, and recording trip logs. Some specialized transport roles may also require hazardous materials transportation credentials (such as TDG) or FAST cards for international border crossings.

Demand for transport truck drivers remains strong across Canada, with customized federal immigration pathways, such as category-based selection draws, prioritizing candidates with transport-related experience. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official immigration guidance, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration professional.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Verify this NOC with DUTYPROOF →Check program eligibility →

Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.