Some Canadian Carriers Warn Trucks Could Sit Idle This Winter as Experienced Drivers Become Harder to Find

Some Canadian trucking companies could have equipment sitting in their yards this winter as they struggle to recruit and retain experienced long-haul drivers.

The Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA) says it has received reports from member and non-member carriers describing shortfalls in experienced drivers. Refrigerated, flatbed and cross-border operations are among the areas where companies report difficulty filling positions.

In its November 5 announcement, the association said some carriers reported gaps of 17% to 20% between the experienced drivers available and the number needed to operate their fleets. Those figures reflect individual carrier reports, rather than a nationwide shortage estimate.

Driver employment grows while the available workforce tightens

Trucking HR Canada’s latest labour tracker shows approximately 350,500 transport truck drivers were employed in the third quarter of 2026, compared with 336,000 a year earlier.

Over the same period, the number of unemployed drivers actively seeking work fell from approximately 15,600 to 11,100.

The figures show a growing employed workforce alongside a smaller pool of available job seekers. Employers looking for drivers with particular qualifications and route experience are recruiting within that tightening market.

Thousands of positions remain vacant

Trucking HR Canada’s dashboard also reports approximately 13,780 vacant transport truck driver positions in the second quarter of 2026.

These vacancy figures cover the broader truck-driving occupation. They offer a national view of recruitment demand, while the experiences reported by individual fleets help identify pressure within particular types of work.

Specialized operations face additional challenges

According to CTOA, factors such as insurance experience requirements, cargo handling, load securement and familiarity with particular routes can narrow the pool of candidates for specialized long-haul positions.

The association is calling for stronger retention, recruitment and mentorship efforts, along with more detailed workforce information that distinguishes long-haul driving from local work.

It also wants small and mid-sized carriers directly involved in federal workforce discussions.

For affected fleets, retaining qualified drivers will help determine how much equipment they can keep working through the winter.

Sources: Canada Truck Operators Association, November 5, 2026; Trucking HR Canada, labour market dashboard and tracker updated October 2026.