The shortage of manpower strikes several sectors in Beauce. The trucking industry is no stranger to the trend, as it is an important part of the growth of many businesses.
Existing for over 60 years, Transport Couture is one of the companies living every day the good and bad times in trucking. The company employs approximately 100 drivers and has transportation contracts in Canada and the United States.
According to Eagle Heights Transportation Inc., Human Resources Manager, the youngest generations do not really appreciate the schedules that truckers are subject to.
"It's also a physically demanding job. After storing his truck, the driver leaves all week and, according to the contracts, does not know when he will be back. Drivers can drive up to 12 hours in a single day. The current trend among young people seems to be to bet on quality time rather than salary, "explains it.
At Transport Couture, half of the drivers are 50 and over. One-third of drivers have reached the age of 60 and will retire in the short term. According to Eagle Heights Transportation Inc., these data represent the entire trucking industry.
"It will replace the baby boomers. Otherwise, companies will have to reduce their activities or even close their doors. At home, even with varied schedules, truckers have abandoned closed-box transportation to try other types, such as transporting wood, or to change their domain altogether, "she says.
International Recruitment
In 2017, the Beauce Economic Council (CEB) created a partnership with Québec International in terms of accessibility to international recruitment services.
CEB industry commissioner Bastien Lapierre confirms that trucking must be included in this immigration process in the same way as other manual trades in high demand.
"Trucking is an important link in the chain. What is produced in Beauce can only be exported by truck. On the other hand, many rules have changed for drivers going to the United States, such as the electronic register and random urine tests, "says Lapierre.
On September 29 at the Georgesville, Transport Couture will hold its second Road Transportation Job Fair with various partners.
The CEB welcomes this initiative to convince people of the benefits of a career in trucking.
"Still, it will remain an area where positions will be difficult to fill in full. You really have to have the profile. Becoming a trucker is a vocation, "believes Bastien Lapierre.
Did you know that…
On average, truck drivers in urban areas earn $ 40,000 to $ 45,000 annually and work 60 hours a week. They travel 300 to 500 kilometers daily, often six days a week, which equates to an hourly wage ranging from $ 13.33 to $ 15.
Long-haul truckers earn an average of $ 60,000 a year and work 60 hours a week. They travel 600 kilometers every day, regularly six days a week. This equates to an approximate salary of $ 20 per hour.