“Cross border” refers to professional driving that involves driving between Canada and the USA. Cross border is not a specific career, like being a long-haul refrigerated driver or a concrete truck driver. Instead, it’s part of the overall services provided by a trucking or busing company. A long-haul truck driver may work in Canada only or may be a cross border driver.

Drivers in this sector may have any type of driving position that requires them to enter the USA from Canada at a land crossing in a commercial vehicle. While it’s more common to describe trucking and busing careers based on the associated lifestyle and required equipment, it’s important to consider the cross border side of the industry—as it’s a common part of many company operations.

  • Seasonality

    The seasonality of work depends on the specific employer.

  • Method of Pay

    Methods of payment will vary based on the employer. However, since cross border drivers generally do long haul driving, distance-based pay is common (i.e., being paid by the mile).

Equipment and Tasks

The equipment and tasks that are commonly seen by cross border drivers vary widely. The work of the specific employer will dictate what vehicles and job duties are required of a driver.

Lifestyle in the Industry

The lifestyle of a cross border driver will be based upon their specific driving career choice. However, since cross border drivers generally drive over long distances, it’s common for them to be away from home for extended periods of time and work long shifts. In addition, they’ll have to deal with the international border and all applicable paperwork on a regular basis. Issues with border paperwork can result in delays to a driver’s route that are outside of their control.

Getting Started

A cross border driver has to comply with the applicable regulations in both Canada and the USA. Interested persons need to further research what’s required of them to do this type of work based on their citizenship status and past.

  • Mandatory
    Requirements

    Besides the correct licence class and other requirements of their employer, cross border drivers will have to be at least 21 years old to drive commercially in the USA, be compliant with the USA’s drug and alcohol testing requirements, and be legally able to enter the USA and Canada (including compliance with any public health requirements from either country). Criminal record checks and the necessary documentation to enter the USA are also required.

  • Preferred Skills &
    Previous Experience

    Employers of cross border drivers often prefer candidates with previous experience crossing the border, and they often appreciate individuals with enhanced border security documentation, like NEXUS or a FAST card. Good customer service and interpersonal skills are important, as cross border drivers will have to interact with border security agents which can pose stress for some individuals.

Red Flags

Individuals interested in cross border driver jobs should research the red flags of their specific sector that’s engaged in cross border work. Red employment flags related to cross border driving include:

  • 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 training on the requirements to legally enter and drive in the USA.
  • Not checking with the driver to make sure they have the necessary documents to enter the USA.
  • Not complying with drug and alcohol testing requirements and not registering the individual in the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
  • A lack of training on USDOT safety regulations.
Quick Facts:
  • Cross border drivers are able to see large areas of North America.
  • The ability to legally work as a cross border driver is a significant asset to many trucking and busing employers.
  • Cross border drivers may earn a premium over their Canadian-only counterparts.
  • The USA’s regulations are complicated; interested individuals need to take personal responsibility to inform themselves of these requirements.

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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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.

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