In recent years, long haul driving jobs in Canada have become one of the most sought-after career opportunities for both local and international job seekers. With the Canadian logistics and freight industry experiencing rapid growth and demand for transportation services at an all-time high, qualified drivers are now more valuable than ever. What’s even more appealing is the increasing number of employers offering visa sponsorship and LMIA support – a golden opportunity for foreign nationals who wish to live and work in Canada legally.
This job is not just about being behind the wheel; it’s about being a critical part of a supply chain that moves the Canadian economy forward.
If you’ve been searching for a well-paying and stable job with long-term potential, then this Long Haul Driver job in Surrey, BC could be exactly what you need. This full-time role offers excellent hourly wages, flexible schedules and a direct path to securing permanent residency through Canada’s immigration streams. It’s particularly attractive for candidates outside of Canada, such as Nigerians, Filipinos, Indians or workers from African countries, who are eager to find an LMIA-backed employer willing to support their visa sponsorship.
The fact that LMIA is already available for this position removes a major hurdle and significantly boosts your chances of relocating successfully.
Surrey, British Columbia, is one of the top transportation and logistics hubs in Western Canada. This makes it an ideal location for long haul drivers to build a career, access reliable trucking infrastructure and enjoy a steady stream of assignments throughout the year. As a driver based in Surrey, you’ll be covering diverse routes across provinces – and possibly even across the U.S. border – while earning a competitive wage and gaining invaluable road experience. This job doesn’t just pay well; it opens doors to career growth, international mobility and permanent settlement in Canada.
Moreover, long haul driving is more than a job – it’s a lifestyle. For those who thrive on independence, adventure and self-discipline, this role offers the freedom of the open road while providing structure, benefits and job security. Drivers get to see new parts of the country, build strong professional relationships with dispatchers and clients and take pride in knowing they are literally driving the economy forward. And with LMIA support, your career doesn’t just stop with a job – it can evolve into a full-fledged life in Canada with options for family sponsorship, permanent residency and even citizenship down the road.
In this guide, we’ll break down every critical detail of the Long Haul Driver job in Surrey – from salary and shift expectations to key job responsibilities and qualifications. Whether you’re an experienced commercial driver already in Canada or an international applicant looking to make your dream of living and working in Canada a reality, this article will walk you through everything you need to know.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a clear idea of what the job entails, how to apply and what steps to take to position yourself for success.
Pay: What You Can Expect to Earn
As a Long Haul Driver, you’ll be earning between $27.15 to $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, route and availability. This competitive wage reflects the high level of responsibility required for the job and the demand for reliable long-haul drivers in Canada.
To put it into perspective:
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Weekly earnings can go as high as $2,019.50 if you work the maximum of 70 hours.
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Monthly earnings could exceed $8,000+, especially if you consistently work overtime or cover high-demand routes.
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Annual salary potential ranges from $90,000 to $100,000+, depending on workload and route assignments.
This is one of the most lucrative unskilled-to-semi-skilled job roles currently available with visa sponsorship in Canada.
Job Type and Schedule
Employment Type
This is a full-time job that requires commitment, endurance and a readiness to be on the road for extended periods.
Shift Details
The schedule for this position is both dynamic and diverse. You must be flexible and willing to work:
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12-hour shifts
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Day shifts
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Evening shifts
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Morning shifts
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Night shifts
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Weekends as needed
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Every weekend (depending on route allocation)
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Public holidays
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Monday through Friday
This means you need to be adaptable. Freight doesn’t wait and long-haul drivers are the backbone of Canada’s supply chain.
Hours
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Expected Hours per Week: No more than 70 hours weekly, which aligns with Canadian trucking regulations regarding maximum driving hours.
This schedule is ideal for candidates who prefer longer shifts followed by extended rest periods, which is common in the long-haul industry.
Location: Surrey, British Columbia
The role is based out of Surrey, BC, but because it’s a long-haul driving job, most of your working hours will be spent on the road across provinces or even cross-border routes. Surrey is a strategic hub for trucking and logistics in British Columbia, making it an excellent location to start or further a career in transportation.
This Long Haul Driver role is more than just a driving job – it’s about being a crucial link in the logistics and freight transport industry. The selected candidate will be tasked with transporting goods across long distances while upholding safety, compliance and punctuality.
If you’re someone who enjoys being on the road, values independence and wants to work in a high-demand industry with strong income potential, this job is perfect for you.
Responsibilities
Your main duties will include, but are not limited to:
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Safe and Timely Transport
Operate a commercial vehicle to carry goods over long distances. Ensuring cargo reaches its destination on time, every time, is the core duty. -
Vehicle Inspections
Conduct both pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the truck to ensure safety standards are met before and after every journey. -
Driving Logs and Paperwork
Keep accurate logs of hours driven and complete any necessary delivery paperwork. Canadian law requires drivers to maintain Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) or logbooks, so attention to detail is essential. -
Traffic Law Compliance
Abide by all provincial and federal transportation laws and regulations. -
Communication
Stay in touch with dispatchers, warehouse staff and customers to relay updates about delivery times or route changes. -
Cargo Handling
Ensure that all cargo is properly loaded, secured and handled with the utmost care to avoid damage during transportation.
This isn’t just a driving job – it’s about managing logistics from pick-up to delivery with a focus on responsibility and precision.
Requirements and Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you’ll need the following:
Essential Requirements
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Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL/Class 1 Licence preferred)
This is a must-have to operate a commercial vehicle for long-haul routes. -
Clean Driving Record
A spotless record shows you are safety conscious and professional. -
Previous Experience in Long-Haul Driving (Preferred)
While not mandatory, having prior experience will give you a competitive edge. -
Basic Mechanical Knowledge
Ability to carry out minor repairs on the vehicle during breakdowns or emergencies is highly valued. -
Familiarity with Freight Handling Procedures
Understanding how to load, secure and manage freight will help you succeed in this role. -
Forklift Operation (Bonus)
Experience handling forklifts or other heavy-duty equipment is considered a plus. -
Strong Communication Skills
Being able to clearly and calmly communicate with dispatch and clients, especially in the case of delays, is vital. -
Customer-Service Mindset
You may be the face of the company during deliveries, so a friendly and respectful attitude is essential.
Additional Job Perks and Benefits
Though not explicitly listed, typical benefits that may come with this role include:
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Overtime Pay after a certain number of hours per week
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Per Diem Allowance for meals and lodging on the road
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Medical and Dental Coverage after probation
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Vacation Time/Paid Time Off
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Long-Term Job Stability
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Pathway to Permanent Residency with LMIA support
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Fleet Maintenance Support and 24/7 roadside assistance
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Safety Bonus Programs
If these perks aren’t in the initial offer, you can always negotiate based on your experience level and route availability.
Certifications and License
To legally and successfully apply for this job, ensure you have the following certifications:
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Class 1 Licence (Preferred but can vary by province)
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Medical Fitness Certificate (Required for long-haul drivers)
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Driver’s Abstract showing clean record
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Optional: Forklift or heavy equipment operation certificate
LMIA Availability: What It Means for International Applicants
This job comes with LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) availability, which is extremely important if you are:
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An international worker currently outside Canada
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A temporary foreign worker already in Canada and looking to switch employers
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A person seeking a path to permanent residency through work
The employer has been approved by the Canadian government to hire foreign workers for this position. This means they are officially recognized as a business that cannot find local Canadian workers to fill the job and are legally allowed to hire someone from abroad.
Who Should Apply?
This job is perfect for:
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Foreign workers with LMIA interest
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Truck drivers in Canada seeking long-haul experience
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Nigerian, Indian, Filipino and African drivers looking for visa-sponsored work in Canada
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Drivers looking to immigrate to Canada through employment-based programs
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Truckers with a passion for travel and independence
Work Location: On the Road
Although you will be based out of Surrey, BC, this job involves extensive travel across:
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British Columbia
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Alberta
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Ontario
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United States (depending on the route)
You’ll be on the road for most of the job. Be prepared for long hours, but also enjoy the scenic routes, travel lifestyle and freedom that come with this profession.