BC Trucking Association grapples with driver shortage

KAMLOOPS — The British Columbia Trucking Association is suffering from a staffing shortage.

“Out of all of the drivers in British Columbia, about 10 to 12 per cent of those positions are vacant. It’s a great opportunity to enter the industry but it presents challenges for our members to staff the vehicles,” said David Earle, President of the BC Trucking Association.

Earle says the COVID-19 pandemic pushed many drivers into early retirement but recruitment can be difficult because of the stereotypes around the truck driver lifestyle — something the association is working to improve.

“Every truck driver doesn’t do long haul work. There’s a lot of work and a lot of opportunities for people to come and work locally and be home every night. And working as a long haul driver can be very lucrative,” Earle told CFJC News.

He says another obstacle in recruitment is the tuition to get trained. Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has a Truck Driver Training course that costs $17,000, out-of-pocket.

According to the program manager, the hefty price is a big barrier for applicants.

“The program is not considered a degree or trade like other programs at Thompson Rivers University therefore the federal government does not fund the program through the traditional student loan programs,” explained Ray Trenholm, Manager of the Driver Training Department at TRU.

The BC Trucking Association says its working with the provincial government to offer students funding for training. But for now, British Columbia will continue to see delivery delays.

“It’s not that your goods aren’t getting there, but maybe when you go to your local store you don’t have everything you’re looking for because a couple of things will be in in a couple of days. And that’s what we’re starting to keep our eye on,” said Earle.