Why more young people should consider a career in Trucking? For years, trucking has been misunderstood—often viewed as a tough, outdated job. But in Quebec, the reality is quite different. With rising tuition fees, a competitive job market, and a growing demand for essential services, trucking offers young people a stable, well-paying, and surprisingly modern career path. Whether you live in Montréal, the Laurentians, Saguenay, or the Eastern Townships, becoming a truck driver can open doors faster than most professions—and with much less debt.
One of the biggest advantages is financial. In Quebec, you don’t need a university degree to earn a strong salary. All you need is a Class 1 driver’s license, which qualifies you to drive heavy vehicles like tractor-trailers. The training takes about 3 to 5 months, often through one of the province’s recognized public training centres such as CFTR (Saint-Jérôme), CFTC (Charlesbourg), or CFP de Verdun. Many of these programs are subsidized, and some are eligible for loans and bursaries under Quebec’s Aide financière aux études program. Once licensed, new drivers can earn between $50,000 and $70,000 a year—sometimes more with long-haul or specialized work. That’s a real alternative to starting life with student loans and years of schooling.
Speed to employment is another huge benefit. The trucking industry in Quebec is in urgent need of drivers, especially as many older workers retire and trade sectors grow. Because of this, job placement after training is typically quick—many employers recruit directly from training programs. The Commission des transports du Québec (CTQ) also actively monitors safety and licensing, making it a professionalized and regulated industry that supports long-term career growth. For young people, this means you can start working—and earning—a real salary in less than half a year.
Another reason trucking appeals to many is the freedom it offers. For those who don’t want to be stuck in an office or factory, life on the road can offer a unique kind of independence. You’re in charge of your rig, responsible for your deliveries, and often working flexible hours depending on your route. In Quebec, you can work within the province, across Canada, or even take cross-border routes into the U.S., depending on your language skills and preferences. Being bilingual (French/English) is a major asset, especially for companies that operate interprovincially or internationally.
The job security in Quebec’s trucking sector is hard to beat. Truckers are part of the essential workforce. Whether it’s groceries, building materials, medical supplies, or machinery, Quebec’s economy relies on its road transport network—and it’s only growing. According to Camo-route, Quebec’s transportation industry council, the shortage of qualified truck drivers is expected to worsen over the next decade, meaning even more opportunities for stable, long-term employment.
Trucking in 2025 is also more modern than people think. Trucks today are equipped with smart GPS systems, digital logbooks, real-time monitoring tools, and comfortable ergonomic cabins. Drivers are no longer isolated from technology—they’re using it every day to optimize routes, monitor safety, and stay connected. In fact, many trucking companies in Quebec now provide on-board tablets, fuel-saving analytics, and digital scheduling platforms.
Trucking isn’t a dead-end job either. Many drivers in Quebec go on to become trainers, dispatchers, fleet managers, or owner-operators. If you’re entrepreneurial, you can eventually start your own transport company, manage contracts, or specialize in areas like refrigerated transport or hazardous materials (with extra certification). The potential to grow is real—and recognized by industry associations like the Association du camionnage du Québec (ACQ), which offers continuing education and advocacy for driver development.
Lastly, trucking offers something few jobs do: a sense of purpose. Quebec truck drivers literally keep the province running. They move goods to isolated northern communities, deliver time-sensitive shipments to hospitals, and ensure supply chains run smoothly for businesses and families. During the pandemic, truckers were on the front lines—recognized for their vital role in keeping shelves stocked and hospitals supplied.
It’s time to rethink what a career in trucking really means—especially in Quebec. It’s not a fallback job or a temporary fix. For many young people, it’s a smart, reliable, and meaningful way to build a life, start earning early, and develop a skill set that’s in demand everywhere. With competitive pay, government-supported training, modern vehicles, and the promise of long-term employment, truck driving should be a serious career consideration—not a last resort, but a first choice.