Local vs. Long-Haul Truck Driving Jobs in Canada: Understanding Your Career Options

Local vs long-haul: Which career is better for you?

Local vs Long Haul Truck Driving

Truck driving is an essential and in-demand profession that keeps Canada's economy moving smoothly. From local deliveries to cross-country hauls, the trucking industry offers a variety of career paths for commercial drivers. If you’re considering a career in trucking or looking into the various job options available, it's important to understand the differences between local driving and long-haul driving jobs. Each type of job offers its own set of advantages, challenges, and compensation packages. By learning more about local vs long haul truck driving, you can make a more informed decision about which path aligns best with your lifestyle and career goals.

What is Local Truck Driving?

Local truck driving refers to the transportation of goods within a defined geographical area, often less than a day’s drive away. Local drivers are typically home every night, allowing for a more predictable work-life balance compared to long-haul driving. This makes local driving an appealing choice for individuals who prefer to be home frequently, whether to spend time with family or simply enjoy the comfort of being close to home.

Pros of Local Truck Driving Jobs

• Home Every Night: One of the biggest advantages of local truck driving is that you are more likely to be home each night, unlike long-haul drivers who often spend days or weeks away from home. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with family obligations or those who simply prefer being home more often.

• Familiar Routes: With local driving, you typically stick to familiar routes within a specific region. This means less time spent navigating unfamiliar areas and more consistency in your daily routine. Local drivers get to know the roads, traffic patterns, and delivery locations, making the job easier to navigate.

• Predictable Hours: Local truck driving jobs often offer a more consistent schedule with regular work hours. Many local drivers work Monday through Friday, although weekend work can occur depending on the job. This predictability can provide a better work-life balance compared to long-haul driving.

Cons of Local Truck Driving Jobs

• Lower Pay: While local truck driving jobs offer more time at home, they generally pay less than long-haul jobs. This is due to the shorter distances traveled, the number of stops made, and the generally lower freight rates for local deliveries. Local drivers might earn between $50,000 to $65,000 CAD per year on average, though this can vary based on location, experience, and company.

• Limited Travel: If you enjoy exploring new places and the freedom of the open road, local driving might feel limiting. Local drivers generally stick to regional routes and may not have the opportunity to travel across provinces or experience different landscapes as long-haul drivers do.

  
  

Types of Local Truck Driving Jobs

• Delivery Drivers: Delivery drivers transport goods within a city or region. They often make multiple stops throughout the day to deliver or pick up loads, ensuring goods reach their destinations on time.

• Shuttle Drivers: Shuttle drivers transport goods between facilities or terminals within a limited area. This is often done within a city or between cities that are relatively close together.

• LTL (Less Than Truckload) Drivers: LTL drivers transport smaller shipments that don’t fill an entire truck. They often make multiple pickups and deliveries, covering short distances and returning home at the end of the day.

What is Long-Haul Truck Driving?

Long-haul truck driving involves transporting goods over long distances, typically across provincial, national, or even international borders. Long-haul drivers cover large territories, often spending days or weeks away from home. The allure of the open road, the higher earning potential, and the opportunity to explore different regions are key reasons why many drivers choose long-haul trucking over local driving.

Pros of Long-Haul Truck Driving Jobs

• Higher Pay: Long-haul truck drivers generally earn more than local drivers due to the longer distances traveled and the extended time away from home. Depending on experience, type of freight, and the company, long-haul drivers can expect to earn between $60,000 to $80,000 CAD annually, with the potential for bonuses, per diems, and additional mileage compensation.

• Travel Opportunities: Long-haul trucking offers the opportunity to travel across provinces and even into the United States. For those who enjoy the adventure of the open road, long-haul trucking provides a unique opportunity to see different parts of the country and experience various driving conditions.

• Variety of Routes: With long-haul trucking, drivers can experience a range of routes, from scenic drives through mountain passes to long stretches across prairies. This variety keeps the job interesting and dynamic, which can be a major benefit for those who dislike the monotony of local driving.

Cons of Long-Haul Truck Driving Jobs

• Extended Time Away from Home: The most significant disadvantage of long-haul trucking is the time spent away from home. Long-haul drivers often work irregular hours, including overnight shifts, to meet tight delivery schedules. This can lead to feelings of homesickness and limited personal time, especially for drivers with families.

• Unpredictable Hours: Long-haul drivers typically don’t have a 9-to-5 schedule. They may need to drive during the night, on weekends, or holidays to meet deadlines. This lack of a consistent routine can be challenging for some drivers, especially those who prefer regular work hours.

• Health and Lifestyle Challenges: The long hours spent sitting in a truck can take a toll on a driver’s physical health. Many long-haul drivers struggle with finding time for exercise and maintaining a healthy diet while on the road. Additionally, the lifestyle can be isolating, with limited social interaction during long stretches of driving.

Types of Long-Haul Truck Driving Jobs

• Cross-Country Drivers: Cross-country drivers are responsible for transporting goods from one end of Canada to the other. They cover long distances and often cross multiple provinces, hauling a wide range of goods.

• Regional Truck Drivers: Regional drivers operate within a defined area, often hauling goods between several neighboring provinces. Regional routes typically allow drivers to spend less time on the road compared to cross-country driving, but they still cover considerable distances.

• Team Drivers: Team driving involves two drivers working together to cover long distances in a shorter amount of time. One driver rests while the other drives, allowing for continuous travel with minimal downtime. Team driving can be ideal for drivers who want to maximize their earnings by driving longer hours.

Choosing Between Local and Long-Haul Truck Driving Jobs

When considering a career in truck driving, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of both local and long-haul driving. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Work-Life Balance: Local truck driving jobs typically offer a better work-life balance, with more predictable hours and the ability to be home every night. If you have family commitments or prefer a stable routine, local driving may be the better choice for you.

• Pay and Earning Potential: Long-haul trucking offers higher pay due to the longer hours and extended time away from home. If your goal is to maximize earnings, long-haul driving may be a better option, though the trade-off is spending more time on the road.

• Lifestyle Preferences: If you prefer to stay close to home and enjoy a regular routine, local driving might be more suitable for you. However, if you love traveling, experiencing new places, and don’t mind being away from home for extended periods, long-haul driving can offer those opportunities.

• Physical and Mental Demands: Long-haul driving can be physically and mentally demanding, with irregular hours and long stretches of solitary driving. Local driving, while still challenging, tends to be less taxing in this regard, as it often involves shorter hours and more frequent stops.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in local or long-haul truck driving, both options offer distinct advantages and challenges. Local driving provides a steady, predictable routine with more time at home, while long-haul driving offers higher pay, travel opportunities, and variety in routes. By carefully considering your lifestyle preferences, career goals, and earning potential, you can make an informed decision about which type of truck driving job is right for you.

At Gold Star Professional Driving School, we offer comprehensive training for Class 1, 3, and other commercial driver licenses, providing you with the skills needed for both local and long-haul driving careers. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to enhance your driving skills, our experienced instructors are here to help you succeed. Explore our programs today and take the first step toward a rewarding truck driving career in Canada!