Trucker Shortages in Canada: Impact on Maritime Logistics and National Supply Chains

Explore the causes and consequences of trucker shortages in Canada. Learn how it affects maritime logistics, supply chains, and shipping timelines—and what solutions are emerging to close the gap.

Why Trucker Shortages Matter in Modern Maritime Operations

Behind every shipping container unloaded at a Canadian port is a vital link in the supply chain: a truck and the driver who operates it. As maritime cargo surges from global trade flows, the movement of goods inland depends heavily on Canada’s trucking industry. However, the country is now facing a critical shortage of truck drivers—a challenge with far-reaching consequences.

According to the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), Canada was short over 28,000 truck drivers in 2023, a number projected to rise beyond 55,000 by 2026. This shortfall isn’t merely a staffing issue—it’s a structural threat to Canada’s logistics network, especially as it intersects with maritime ports, rail terminals, and intermodal hubs.

For maritime professionals, port authorities, importers, and freight forwarders, understanding the trucker shortage is crucial. Delays in inland transport disrupt port operations, increase demurrage charges, strain inventory systems, and ultimately erode customer satisfaction and economic productivity.

The Roots of the Trucker Shortage in Canada

1. Demographics and Retirement

The average age of a Canadian truck driver is over 55, and many are nearing retirement. Truck driver turnover is high, and fewer young people are entering the profession due to lifestyle concerns and poor work-life balance.

2. Immigration and Training Barriers

Immigration is often touted as a solution to labor shortages, but restrictive licensing, English-language requirements, and limited training slots have made it difficult to onboard new drivers quickly. The Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program, while improving safety, adds time and cost to driver certification.

3. Low Pay and Tough Working Conditions

Despite the essential nature of their work, many truckers are paid per mile, not per hour, meaning delays at ports, weather interruptions, or waiting for loading don’t result in compensation. This creates burnout and financial instability, further discouraging career entrants.

4. Port and Intermodal Delays

Maritime congestion at ports like Vancouver and Halifax causes truck queues and long turn times. According to the Port of Vancouver, average truck turn time was 52 minutes in 2024, with peak times exceeding 90 minutes—drastically reducing daily productivity for truckers.

How Trucker Shortages Disrupt Maritime and Inland Logistics

Bottlenecks at Canadian Ports

With fewer drivers available, containers sit longer at ports, leading to congestion and storage fees. Delays in moving containers from ports to rail yards or distribution centers result in cascading disruptions.

In 2023, CN and CP Rail both reported underutilization of intermodal terminals in part due to a lack of trucks to ferry containers from marine terminals.

Rising Shipping Costs

A reduced driver pool means higher wages, added recruitment expenses, and premium rates for urgent shipments. These costs are passed on through the logistics chain, inflating landed costs for retailers and manufacturers.

Missed Delivery Windows and Supply Chain Breakdown

In just-in-time supply chains, even a 24-hour delay can result in production stoppages or stockouts. In the agriculture and perishables sector, delivery timing is especially critical. According to the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), trucker shortages in 2023 led to a 9% increase in food spoilage during transport.

Case Studies: Real-World Impact of Driver Shortages

Case Study 1: Port of Montreal Intermodal Delays

A major electronics importer based in Toronto faced repeated delays in receiving containers offloaded in Montreal. Despite vessels arriving on time, it took up to five extra days to secure a drayage truck due to backlogs. The result: delayed retail launches and higher inventory costs.

Case Study 2: Prince Rupert and the West Coast Bottleneck

In early 2024, peak container volumes arriving from Asia were met with a shortage of qualified drivers in Northern BC. Over 4,000 TEUs sat idle for extended periods, prompting shippers to reroute through US ports—at a 15–20% higher cost.

Technological and Policy Developments Addressing the Crisis

1. Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Trucking

Pilot programs using Level 4 autonomous trucks are underway in Alberta and Ontario. While full autonomy is years away, platooning and driver-assist technologies can extend driver productivity and safety.

2. Digitization of Port-Trucker Coordination

Smart port initiatives like the Port of Vancouver’s Truck Reservation System and mobile pre-clearance apps help reduce congestion. Predictive analytics also help optimize delivery windows.

3. Immigration Policy Adjustments

Programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) initiative and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program have expanded access for qualified international drivers, though the approval process remains lengthy.

4. Training Incentives and Subsidies

The federal and provincial governments have increased funding for MELT programs, including wage subsidies, apprenticeship support, and fast-track licensing pathways for military veterans and displaced workers.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Canadian Trucking and Maritime Logistics?

Integration with Intermodal and Short-Sea Shipping

To offset the trucking burden, more cargo may shift to rail or short-sea shipping, especially along the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes. This requires better coordination between port authorities, rail operators, and trucking companies to ensure seamless modal transfers.

Green Trucking and Sustainability

As Canada pushes toward net-zero emissions by 2050, electric and hydrogen-powered trucks will be scaled up. Investments in charging infrastructure at major logistics hubs are already underway in Vancouver and Brampton.

However, new technology adoption must not worsen labor shortages. Retraining existing drivers and involving them in transition planning will be critical.

Data Sharing and Supply Chain Transparency

Real-time visibility tools, IoT-enabled trailers, and blockchain-based freight documentation can reduce inefficiencies and improve dispatch scheduling—making better use of available drivers.

FAQ: Trucker Shortages in Canada

Q1: How bad is the trucker shortage in Canada right now?
A: As of 2023, there is a shortage of over 28,000 drivers, projected to exceed 55,000 by 2026 according to the Canadian Trucking Alliance.

Q2: Which regions are most affected?
A: British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario face the highest shortages, especially in port-adjacent areas like Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and the GTA.

Q3: How does this affect maritime logistics?
A: Fewer drivers mean slower port clearance, delayed container pickup, and congestion in intermodal yards—disrupting the entire shipping cycle.

Q4: Are automation and autonomous trucks viable solutions?
A: They offer long-term potential but won’t replace human drivers soon. Most experts see them as supplements, not replacements.

Q5: What can companies do to mitigate the impact?
A: Diversify delivery modes (rail, short-sea shipping), invest in tech for better planning, and work closely with logistics partners to forecast capacity.

Q6: Is the government addressing this issue?
A: Yes. Through funding, immigration reforms, and training programs—but many of these solutions take years to yield full results.

Conclusion: Solving the Trucker Shortage Requires a National Effort

Canada’s trucker shortage is not a passing inconvenience—it’s a persistent logistics crisis with major implications for maritime trade, national supply chains, and economic growth. The gap between maritime arrivals and inland distribution is widening, and it threatens the efficiency of the entire freight ecosystem.

Addressing this challenge will require coordinated efforts from government, industry, educators, and labor unions. Solutions must include not only automation and immigration but also improved working conditions, smarter infrastructure, and digital innovation.

For maritime and logistics professionals, the truck driver shortage is more than a headline—it’s a real-time constraint on your ability to deliver value, speed, and consistency. Now is the time to adapt, invest, and collaborate for a more resilient Canadian freight future.

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