Agriculture is a cornerstone of Alberta’s economy and history. Alberta crop growers and producers bring us all our plant-based food and support livestock operations throughout the year.

“Crops” is a broad term used to describe a variety of specific types of agricultural trucking. In this sector, drivers may work specifically with a certain type of commodity (like hauling hay), or they may spend most of their time operating crops-related equipment and/or performing farm work. An agriculture trucking job may be advertised as a driving role or as a labour position, where having a Class 1 licence is an asset.

  • Seasonality

    Crops have cycles and there are certain tasks, like hauling freshly harvested grain to terminals, that only take place at specific times throughout the year. However, Alberta agriculture jobs can offer a steady source of year-round employment, especially if a driver has or develops other skills that can keep them busy when there’s less driving to do.

  • Method of Pay

    There are several different ways a driver may be paid: hourly, salary, a percentage of revenue, and by the task. Pay based on distance driven (i.e., paid by the mile) is not as common in this sector as it is in others.

Equipment and Tasks

Professional drivers in crops-related agriculture can expect to operate a range of equipment and perform a variety of tasks.

  • Equipment

    The highway trucks and trailers common in crops-related agriculture include:

    • Day cabs
    • Sleeper tractors
    • Grain hopper trailers
    • Specialized trailers for commodities like sugar, beets and potatoes
    • Flatbed trailers for commodities like hay
    • Trailers for hauling farm equipment
    • Straight trucks for hauling bulk crops

    Drivers may also operate farm equipment like tractors with various attachments and accessories, loaders, combines, swathers, and augers.

  • Tasks

    Drivers can expect to perform common driving-specific tasks: city and highway driving, pre-and post-trip vehicle inspections, logbooks (paper or electronic), loading and unloading trailers (including equipment and/or crops), securing cargo, and customer service-related responsibilities. They may also perform vehicle maintenance and repairs and farm-related labour.

Lifestyle in the Industry

Professional drivers in this sector will experience the culture of the agriculture industry; this can vary depending on the size of the employer. Drivers may work for small operations and deal directly with the owners; they may also work for large corporations.

The specific type of crop-related agricultural work will impact the lifestyle of the driver. Custom harvesting, for example, may require long periods away from home, as the driver works and lives with the harvesting crew as they travel throughout the harvesting season. In other positions, drivers will be home at night. Some roles may concentrate on driving, whereas others may include large amounts of non-driving, farm-related labour outdoors.

  • Work Shifts

    Day shifts are most common, although some long-distance drivers may drive at night (either by preference or as a job requirement). Shift lengths may vary; long shifts are common during busy times like harvesting and for long-haul drivers, while shorter shifts are common during non-peak seasons.

  • Physical Demands

    Driving jobs are generally not overly physically demanding, but there may be requirements to climb ladders, secure loads, operate cranks and levers, and open and close hoods. Bending and kneeling will be required during vehicle inspections. Some positions require less driving and more physically active farm work.

  • Work/Life Balance

    Many positions are local and provide an excellent work/life balance; drivers are generally home every night. Other employers may require long periods away from home. For example, companies that do long-distance hauling may have drivers home on the weekends, and employers that do custom harvesting may require drivers to be away from home for the duration of the harvest season. When away, drivers typically sleep in the truck’s sleeper; although, some farming operations may offer accommodations.

  • Predictability

    Crops-related hauling is predictable, and crop cycles are well-known in advance. Some companies with more diverse operations may change their drivers’ routines as needed to make sure work is covered.

  • On-Call

    Generally, there’s not much of an on-call component to crop-related agriculture jobs. Work is often planned out and can be anticipated; however, some employers may have formal on-call requirements.

Getting Started

Getting started as a professional driver in crops-related agriculture will vary between employers.

Some will require a formal application and hiring process similar to any other trucking company.

Drivers can start by working as a labourer and operating farm equipment (like tractors and combines) before being eased into highway truck driving. This can be a great option for those whose commercial licence is very new or who are in the process of getting their licence.

Because agricultural equipment requires repairs, individuals could get their start by first applying as a heavy-duty technician or shop assistant, and then progressing into a driving role.

The flexibility and diversity of roles in agriculture make it a great industry to start as a professional truck driver. People with multiple skills, such as being able to drive Class 1 vehicles, operate farm equipment, and perform repairs, are highly valued.

  • Mandatory
    Requirements

    At a minimum, a driver will need the correct class of licence for the vehicles they will be operating.

  • Preferred Skills &
    Previous Experience

    Agricultural employers value versatility; having a Class 1 license is valuable even if there are lots of driving opportunities for lower licence classes. Previous driving, farming, trades, and mechanical experience are assets, along with customer service experience and a willingness to learn.

Red Flags

Agriculture is an industry with many hazards. Be on the lookout for these potential red flags:

  • Being pressured to become an owner-operator early into one’s career or any other signs of employee misclassification.
  • A lack of safety training and supervision, especially when new.
  • Being asked to enter confined spaces, like bins and hoppers.
  • Machinery and equipment in poor condition, especially where there are exposed moving parts without guards in place.
  • No training in commercial driving rules, like hours of service, cargo securement, and vehicle inspections.
Quick Facts:
  • Crops include plant products like hay, grain, seed, feed, and the bulk hauling of any type of farm produce.
  • This sector may require duties beyond driving, such as operating farm equipment and/or working as a labourer.
  • While work is often steady throughout the year, there are generally busy times based on crop cycles. This is especially true if drivers work for an employer that does a lot of harvesting work.
  • Despite stereotypes surrounding a lack of safety procedures, agricultural employers are subject to safety legislation. Interested future drivers should ask about safety programs during the hiring process.

More Help

Are you interested in learning more about working safely in transportation? Check out our Resources page for insights from industry experts and organizations. We’ve taken great care to present information relevant to those interested in truck and bus driving careers, those already employed in trucking or busing, and employers navigating labour challenges.

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