The Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), with financial support provided by the Canadian Trucking Alliance, undertook a national consultation with approximately 20 organizations representing the trucking industry, licensing authorities, driver training schools, insurers, Federal authorities, and non-profit entities. The consultation explored the driver hiring shortage, contributing factors, current initiatives, and strategies to address remaining gaps.

Trucking is vital to Canada’s $65 billion economy, moving over 90% of consumer goods across a vast 900,000 km road network. However, the industry faces ongoing challenges due to a persistent shortage over the last three decades of skilled, qualified drivers. This gap threatens its ability to sustain Canada’s supply chain and meet future demands while maintaining high safety standards.

The consultation findings are outlined in four sections:

1. Scope of the driver shortage – Exploring the prevalence and persistence of the issue.
2. Barriers to hiring – Including industry profile challenges, licensing and training practices, insurance restrictions, and immigration delays.
3. Ongoing initiatives – Highlighting efforts across sectors to tackle these challenges.
4. Blueprint for action – Proposing coordinated solutions to close gaps and streamline processes.

This blueprint, built on input from diverse stakeholders, charts a path for shared leadership and action to ensure future generations of Canadians remain safe on our roads and the integrity of our supply chain is protected.