Sunday, August 18, 2019 Trucking Industry Faces Huge Shortage of Drivers Newsletters Sectors Transportation and Warehousing The BC trucking industry desperately needs more drivers. With a 17 percent job vacancy rate, it has by far the highest vacancy rate of all occupations in the province. The figures are so high that BC economist Ken Peacock, who spoke at the BC Trucking Industry Association’s annual general meeting, is flabbergasted at how the industry is still functioning. No other province is facing such a shortage—the next highest is Quebec, with a 6.8 percent vacancy rate, and Alberta and Manitoba, each with a 6.5 percent vacancy rate. Why is there such a shortage in BC? First, BC’s transportation industry has grown faster than other industries in the provinces, experiencing 7 percent growth in 2017 and 3 percent growth in 2018. Other industries only grew by 4 percent and 2.5 percent during those years. Second, the industry has had trouble attracting new workers. The average age of a truck driver is 48, and few young people are entering the industry. Due to these factors, the industry will face a driver shortage for the foreseeable future. Sources: trucknews.com, cbcnews.ca You might be interested in Skill and Care on the Milk Route 17 Sep 2026 Building Skills, Growing Careers 15 Sep 2026 CLAC's Statement on Canada's Energy Future 14 Sep 2026 Seeing Clearly 13 Sep 2026