Alberta trucking employment grows as job vacancy rates shrink: THRC report
Employment in Alberta’s trucking and logistics sector grew by 2.8% in the second quarter of 2024, adding 5,300 transport truck drivers compared to the same period in 2023, according to Trucking HR Canada’s latest labor market snapshot. The report also highlighted a significant reduction in job vacancies and a drop in unemployment, signaling a gradual easing of labor market pressures in the province.
“The numbers are telling a positive story, but as always, it’s the details that matter,” said Craig Faucette, Trucking HR Canada’s chief program officer, in a news release. “The second quarter total employment was 109,000 workers, down 1.2 % from Q1 2024 but up by 2.8% or 3,000 than Q2 2023.”
Alberta’s trucking and logistics labor supply held steady between Q1 and Q2 this year, with the total supply of transport truck drivers increasing by 5.3%, reflecting an overall improvement in the availability of workers for the sector.
The Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) attributed the improvement to the concerted efforts of industry groups and government initiatives to address the province’s labor shortages. The AMTA emphasized that these collaborations will continue to be essential as they work toward reducing the pressure on the sector.
At the same time, job vacancies have significantly declined. The number of vacant transport truck driver positions in Alberta dropped by 43% between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024, with 1,850 fewer job openings. The vacancy rate for truck drivers in Alberta also fell from 8.8% to 4.9%, following similar trends at the national level, where vacancies fell from 7.8% to 4.7% during the same period.
Employment for shippers and receivers also saw growth, rising by 5.9% year-over-year, while delivery and courier service drivers experienced a 21% increase in employment.
However, the report identified material handlers and general administration roles as areas with notable job losses. Material handlers saw a 28% reduction in employment, and general administration workers experienced a 12% decline over the past year.
Have your say
This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.