“Construction” broadly refers to the different types of work associated with building new structures and infrastructure, as well as structural repairs and maintenance. Construction is a major industry in Alberta, especially in areas of faster growth, and all construction relies heavily on professional truck drivers to get materials where they need to go.

Drivers in this sector may work primarily as tradespeople or labourers, where driving is just one of their duties. They may also work primarily as drivers and be responsible for hauling materials, equipment, and tools to job sites. Since construction activities are a part of most industries, construction overlaps with oil and gas, municipal work, maintenance, road building, and utilities.

  • Seasonality

    Work in the construction sector is nonseasonal, but some employers will have slower times.

  • Method of Pay

    Generally, construction drivers are paid by the hour, but some dedicated drivers may be paid based on the distance driven or loads delivered.

Equipment and Tasks

Construction drivers may perform a variety of tasks and drive a range of equipment. It’s common for drivers who haul construction equipment, like excavators and loaders, to also be the operators of this construction equipment.

  • Equipment

    Some examples of trucking equipment that drivers can expect to see are:

    • Day cab and sleeper highway tractors
    • Flatbed trailers
    • Equipment hauling trailers
    • Gravel trucks
    • Gravel trailers
    • Picker and crane trucks
    • Smaller vehicles like pickups and vans
    • Hydrovac trucks
    • Construction equipment like excavators, packers, bulldozers, loaders, telehandlers, forklifts, and anything else needed for a construction project
  • Tasks

    A driver in construction can expect to perform common driving-specific tasks: city and highway driving, pre-and post-trip vehicle inspections, cargo securement, and customer service-related responsibilities. They may also be required to operate the equipment they’re hauling and perform any other type of labour associated with their role. For example, a carpenter may primarily work at framing houses but, because they work for a larger company and have a Class 1 licence, also drive a tractor-trailer to deliver supplies to sites as needed.

Lifestyle in the Industry

The lifestyle associated with construction driving is more similar to that of construction work than professional trucking. While drivers may be close to home, they often work outdoors in many different conditions, and the career can be demanding. A big advantage for construction drivers includes the ability to learn a different trade and move between positions to develop a broad skill set.

  • Work Shifts

    Shifts are generally during the day; although, around-the-clock work may be needed for some projects. Shift lengths are often around 10 hours, but this can vary depending on weather, business, and project requirements.

  • Physical Demands

    Working in construction is physically demanding and manual labour can be expected. Some driving-specific roles may require less labour, but prospective new hires should expect higher physical demands than other forms of professional driving.

  • Work/Life Balance

    Unless sent to a distant location to work on a project, construction drivers can expect to be home every night. This can vary greatly between employers, so interested applicants should ask during the hiring process.

  • Predictability

    Some companies are very predictable and have steady work, while others may be less predictable. Construction is often impacted by weather, so it’s common for workers to be sent home or not have any work when weather conditions are unfavourable.

  • On-Call

    It’s common for construction jobs to have an on-call component, but this varies between employers.

Getting Started

Professional truck drivers in the Alberta construction industry are often in demand. Applying for such a position is generally straightforward and is often online. Smaller employers may prefer a more direct approach, such as applying in person. Onboarding includes the regular pre-hire safety checks that are common in other trucking positions; these should include training and mentorship to ease the new hire into their role.

Construction workers may start as labourers or earn a trade before beginning their driving career. It’s common for employers to promote employees from other roles into driving positions; some employers will even assist with the training costs associated with getting a commercial licence.

  • Mandatory
    Requirements

    The right class of licence is needed for the vehicles being driven. While a Class 1 licence is needed for many vehicles (anything with airbrakes and an airbrakes trailer), there are positions for drivers to work with a lower licence class. Drug and alcohol testing is common, and drivers may need to be clean-shaven to wear a respirator. Some employers may prefer or even require applicants to have certain safety courses completed prior to being hired.

  • Preferred Skills &
    Previous Experience

    Maturity, life experience, confidence, and a steady work history are all listed as desirable attributes of new drivers. People with a background in construction, farming, and oil and gas are also looked favourably upon for driving positions.

Red Flags

There are many hazards present in the construction industry. Construction sites are busy, ever-changing places, and drivers are especially vulnerable since they may visit new sites regularly and not be aware of the site-specific hazards. People interested in starting a career as construction drivers should be on the lookout for these potential red flags (aka signs that an employer may not be operating safely):

  • Equipment and vehicles that are in poor condition.
  • 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.
  • No training in commercial driving rules, like hours of service and vehicle inspections, and being asked to record work time as off-duty time to maximize driving hours.
  • A lack of training on the hazards present at different sites.
Quick Facts:
  • Trucking is foundational to the construction industry.
  • Being a construction driver can allow a person to learn additional non-driving skills while developing their driving experience.
  • Construction work often allows a driver to be closer to home, especially in larger cities.
  • Construction work, even for drivers, is hazardous and physically demanding; employers must have robust safety programs in place.

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.

Our Resources

Contact Information

If you have questions or want to learn more about the content of this website, please contact the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA). AMTA employs experts in trucking and busing across Alberta. We would be happy to help you further.

Contact Us