Many manufacturers—organizations that make a certain product—have their own fleets, so they can ship their products themselves. “Secondary carriers” is a term used to describe organizations that have a fleet of commercial vehicle(s) but may not be manufacturers. We’ve identified these types of employers because companies like these often offer unique driving opportunities—ones that may not necessarily come to mind when thinking about careers in commercial transportation.

Drivers in this sector often don’t experience the same dynamics as companies that are focused on hauling freight. Some manufacturers and secondary carrier companies only occasionally ship loads and may have their drivers perform other tasks when driving isn’t required.

  • Seasonality

    The seasonality of work in this sector depends on the primary industry of the employer. Many manufacturers and secondary carriers in the supply chain operate throughout the year and some have seasonal business peaks.

  • Method of Pay

    In this sector, drivers may encounter many common methods of payment. Hourly and salary pay are most common in this sector, as drivers often work alongside other employees who are paid based on time and not productivity.

Equipment and Tasks

Drivers for manufacturing and secondary transportation providers operate equipment and perform tasks that reflect the type of work their company does. When a manufacturer produces items that are extremely large or require special handling requirements, specialized equipment is often used: equipment a driver may not see anywhere else.

Drivers can expect to perform common driving-specific tasks, like city and highway driving, pre-and post-trip vehicle inspections, cargo securement, and customer service-related responsibilities. They may also have duties related to the primary work of their employer, such as assisting in the manufacturing process, working in a yard or shop, or other tasks that are part of their specific job descriptions. As a result, careers in this sector can vary greatly between individual companies.

Lifestyle in the Industry

The lifestyle of a driver in this sector is likely to be greatly influenced by the employer’s primary industry. However, if the employer has a large and dedicated freight department, the lifestyle may be more similar to other trucking employers who haul similar loads.

  • Work Shifts

    Shifts could be up to full legal limits (14 hours of work in a 16-hour window) but will vary between employers. If a driver has non-driving duties, shifts could be similar to other workers within the company.

  • Physical Demands

    The physicality of work in this sector will depend on the employer. However, some employers may try to reduce the demands on drivers.

  • Work/Life Balance

    The work/life balance will depend on the employer and should be discussed during the application and interview process.

  • Predictability

    Predictability in this sector varies. Some employers will regularly ship to certain locations, whereas others will ship their products on demand.

  • On-Call

    It’s uncommon for drivers in this sector to be on-call, but some employers that ship on demand could have an on-call component to their driving positions.

  • Unionization

    Unionization is common in manufacturing and other industries, but drivers may not be included in the union. This will depend on the collective agreement and should be discussed during the application and interview process.

Getting Started

Drivers apply in whatever manner required by the employer and must pass several pre-hire safety checks before being hired. There should then be a company orientation that follows and a period of training and supervision until the company is satisfied the driver can work independently. Smaller manufacturers—such as those that only employ a single driver—may not offer a robust training program and therefore may be unsuitable for inexperienced drivers.

Since employers in this sector have a primary business, drivers may be able to get their start by applying for a different role in the organization. Once hired, they could then discuss transitioning into a driving role with the company and perhaps complete their commercial licence training on the side.

  • Mandatory
    Requirements

    Drivers will need the class of licence required for the vehicles they will be driving, which may be less than a Class 1. There may be other work requirements related to the employer’s primary business.

  • Preferred Skills &
    Previous Experience

    The required skills and previous experience for this role will vary between employers. However, previous experience in the primary business of the employer and previous driving experience are generally preferred.

Red Flags

Drivers in this sector should research the primary business of their potential employers to learn more about the specific hazards and concerns in those industries. Please review our other sectors for information on red flags that pertain specifically to driving.

Quick Facts:
  • Companies in this sector only have trucks and buses to support their main business activities.
  • The lifestyle for a driver in this sector will likely be heavily influenced by the lifestyle of the employer’s primary industry.
  • Drivers in this sector may discover a unique career that suits their preferences.
  • Employers in this industry who are new to transportation may lack robust transportation-specific safety programs. Individuals should become familiar with safety regulations and best practices independently from any one employer.

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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