OTTAWA, (June 15, 2004) — The Ontario Trucking Association calls the number of truck drivers needed in Canada over the next five years “staggering,” and represents a “challenge to keep up the demand for freight in the future.”

A study conducted for the Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council found that the demand for additional truck drivers resulting from economic growth, combined with attrition from the industry, will require an infusion of nearly 224,000 qualified commercial drivers from 2003-2008, an annual average of 37,317. “If the study estimates are even half-way right, we are still talking some very big numbers,” said OTA President David Bradley.

Other Study Highlights include:

Based on economic forecasts alone, between 2002 and 2008 the demand qualified commercial drivers in Canada will increase by approximately 22 per cent from 282,100 to 343,600 drivers.

An additional 162,400 new drivers would be required nationally to replace existing drivers who leave the industry between 2003 -2008 due to retirement or change of occupation.

The study estimates that roughly two-thirds of the forecasted drivers need will require a Class “A” commercial driver’s licence (qualified to drive tractor-trailer units).

In 2001, 40 per cent of employees in transportation were 45 years or older — compared to 34 per cent for all other industries. And 13 per cent of employees in trucking were 55 or older — compared to 11 per cent in all other industries. This means transportation will lose employees to retirement faster than most other industries, the OTA says.

The study also shows that between 1991 and 2001, younger drivers between the ages of 20 and 24 have become increasingly under-represented when compared to other employed Canadians. In 1991, more than 9 per cent of drivers were between 20 and 24. By 2001, the number was cut in half to around 4.5 per cent, while those in the same age group employed in other occupations remained at above 9 per cent.

The study — titled Profile of Driver Shortage, Driver Turnover and Future Demand Estimates — can be found at www.cthrc.com.