Canada continues to experience a serious shortage of professional truck drivers in 2026, especially in long-haul, refrigerated, tanker, and cross-border freight operations. The logistics and transportation sector is under pressure because demand for goods and delivery services keeps increasing while the local workforce is not enough to meet industry needs.

To address this gap, many Canadian trucking companies are now actively recruiting foreign drivers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Most of these opportunities come with LMIA-approved job offers, which allow qualified foreign workers to apply for a Canadian work permit and legally work in the country.

For skilled drivers from countries like Nigeria, this presents a major opportunity to secure stable employment abroad. In many cases, trucking jobs can also serve as a long-term pathway to permanent residency in Canada. This guide explains the top companies hiring in 2026, salary expectations, real recruitment agencies, and a step-by-step application process.

Why Truck Driving Is in High Demand in Canada (2026)

The Canadian logistics industry relies heavily on foreign workers due to:

• Retirement of local drivers
• Increasing freight and e-commerce demand
• Shortage of long-haul truckers
• Expansion of cross-border trade with the United States

As a result, trucking remains one of the most accessible LMIA-sponsored job routes that can lead to Permanent Residency in Canada.

Top Trucking Companies in Canada Hiring Foreign Drivers (2026)

These companies are consistently involved in hiring international truck drivers through LMIA and foreign worker programs.

1. Bison Transport

• One of Canada’s largest trucking employers
• Strong history of LMIA-supported hiring
• Long-haul Canada–USA routes
• Structured training and onboarding programs

2. TransX Group

• Major logistics company specializing in freight transport
• Regular recruitment of foreign drivers
• Cross-country and cross-border operations

3. Challenger Motor Freight

• Based in Ontario with strong logistics network
• LMIA-based hiring programs available
• Canada–USA trucking routes

4. Day & Ross

• Nationwide logistics and freight company
• Frequently hires foreign drivers
• Regional and long-haul driving opportunities

5. Canada Cartage

• One of Canada’s oldest transportation companies
• Multiple categories of driving jobs available
• Structured safety and training systems

6. TFI International

• Large logistics group with multiple subsidiaries
• High number of driving job openings
• Cross-border freight operations

7. Manitoulin Transport

• Nationwide freight and logistics operations
• Regular hiring for Class 1 drivers

8. Trimac Transportation

• Specializes in tanker and chemical transport
• Higher-paying specialized driving roles

9. Westcan Bulk Transport

• Focus on bulk and tanker hauling
• High demand for experienced drivers

10. H&R Transport

• Refrigerated freight specialist
• Canada–USA long-haul routes

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Salary Breakdown for Truck Drivers in Canada (2026)

Truck driver salaries vary depending on province, experience, and type of freight.

Alberta

• Hourly wage: CAD $28 – $38
• Annual salary: CAD $65,000 – $95,000
• High demand for long-haul drivers

Ontario

• Hourly wage: CAD $26 – $35
• Annual salary: CAD $60,000 – $90,000
• Highest number of job opportunities

British Columbia

• Hourly wage: CAD $27 – $37
• Annual salary: CAD $62,000 – $92,000
• Strong demand in port and logistics cities

Specialized drivers such as tanker, hazmat, and cross-border truckers can earn over CAD $100,000 annually.

Step-by-Step Application Process from Nigeria

Step 1: Prepare Driving Experience

• Minimum 1–2 years truck driving experience
• Clean driving and safety record
• Valid driver’s license

Step 2: Upgrade Credentials if Required

• Some employers require Class 1 equivalent certification
• Driving assessment may be required

Step 3: Prepare Canadian-Style CV

• Highlight long-haul and freight experience
• Include vehicle types and routes
• Add safety certifications

Step 4: Apply to Employers

• Apply directly to trucking companies
• Or use verified recruitment agencies

Step 5: Interview Process

• Online interview with employer
• Possible driving evaluation

Step 6: Receive LMIA Job Offer

• Employer applies for LMIA approval
• Once approved, job offer is issued

Step 7: Apply for Work Permit

• Submit documents and biometrics
• Wait for visa approval

Step 8: Travel and Start Work in Canada

• Attend onboarding and training
• Begin employment

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Real Agencies Recruiting Truck Drivers for Canada (2026)

These recruitment agencies are known for connecting foreign drivers to Canadian employers:

Gold Bridge Partners

• Works with Canadian logistics companies
• International driver recruitment

GreenTech Resources

• Focuses on skilled foreign workers
• Includes trucking placements

Canadian Recruitment Group

• LMIA job placement support
• Transportation and logistics hiring

Work Global Canada

• International recruitment services
• Visa and job placement assistance

Inter-Canada Jobs Network

• Connects foreign drivers with employers
• Focus on LMIA-supported roles

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How to Get LMIA Truck Driving Jobs Faster

To improve your chances of faster approval and hiring:

Target High-Demand Provinces

Focus on:

• Alberta
• Ontario
• British Columbia

Apply Directly to Companies

Do not rely only on agents. Apply directly to:

• Bison Transport
• TransX Group
• Canada Cartage
• Day & Ross

Build Strong Experience

• At least 2 years of driving experience
• Cross-border driving experience is an advantage

Apply to Multiple Employers

Send applications to at least 10–20 companies

Improve Communication Skills

Basic English proficiency improves hiring chances

Avoid Scams

Never pay large upfront fees for job offers

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Important Warning

Be careful of fraudulent agents and fake job offers. Only trust:

• Official company websites
• Government job portals
• Verified recruitment agencies

Avoid any offer that guarantees a visa in exchange for payment.

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Final Thoughts

Canada’s trucking industry remains one of the strongest immigration pathways for foreign workers in 2026. With the right experience and documentation, foreign drivers can secure LMIA-sponsored jobs that may eventually lead to Permanent Residency.

Top employers include:

• Bison Transport
• TransX Group
• Challenger Motor Freight
• Day & Ross
• Canada Cartage