Best Trucking Companies for New Drivers in Canada (Paid Training 2026)

Truck driving schools will happily take your $8,000 to get your AZ (or Class 1) license. But once you pass the test, you will hit a massive wall: "Insurance Requirements."

Most trucking companies cannot hire you because their insurance policy requires drivers to have 2 years of verifiable highway experience. This creates a painful Catch-22: You can't get a job without experience, and you can't get experience without a job.

The solution is the "Finishing Program."

A select group of large, self-insured carriers in Canada have created their own internal schools. They hire rookies fresh out of driving school, pair them with a Mentor for 6-12 weeks, and pay them a salary while they learn. This is the ultimate example of Jobs With On-the-Job Training where you earn while you learn.

If you are a rookie driver holding a fresh license and no job offers, these are the best companies to apply to in 2026.

1. Bison Transport (The Gold Standard)

Status: Best Training Program

Headquarters: Winnipeg, MB (Terminals in Mississauga, Calgary, Edmonton, BC).

Bison is widely considered the safest fleet in North America. Because they are huge, they can afford to self-insure, meaning they make their own hiring rules.

• The Program: "Driver Finishing Program" (DFP).
• How it works: It is a 13-week program.
  • Weeks 1-4: You are in-cab with an Instructor (driving team).
  • Weeks 5-13: You drive solo but with heavy monitoring and restrictions (no mountains, simple routes).
• The Pay: You are paid a salary (approx. $800 - $1,000/week) during training. Once you graduate, you move to the full mileage rate.
• Why it wins: Their equipment is brand new (Volvo/Freightliner). They treat drivers like professionals, not steering wheel holders.
• The Catch: It is competitive. They only take graduates from accredited schools (TTSAO).

2. Challenger Motor Freight (The "Bootcamp")

Status: Best for Ontario Drivers

Headquarters: Cambridge, ON.

Challenger is massive and specifically targets new drivers through their partnership with the TTSAO (Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario).

• The Program: They run an internal academy. You don't just drive; you learn border crossing paperwork, logbook compliance, and fuel efficiency.
• The Routes: Challenger does a lot of Cross-Border (USA) freight. As a rookie, getting US experience early is huge for your future earnings.
• The Pay: Starting rate for rookies is often around $0.48 - $0.52 per mile (after training), climbing quickly after Year 1.
• The Vibe: Corporate and structured. Uniforms are often required.

3. Kriska Transportation Group (The "Local" Giant)

Status: Best for Regional Runs

Headquarters: Prescott, ON.

Kriska is famous for its "training culture." Many of their senior drivers are paid bonuses to act as Mentors.

• The Program: You are paired with a "Driver Trainer" for 4-6 weeks. You eat, sleep, and drive together.
• Why it fits: Kriska focuses heavily on the Toronto-Montreal-Windsor corridor. If you want to drive but don't want to go to California (and be away for 2 weeks), Kriska offers good "Regional" routes where you are home on weekends. This balance makes it a top pick in our Best Jobs for Men guide for those balancing family life with the road.
• The Pay: Competitive mileage rates + safety bonuses.

4. Schneider National (The "Big Orange")

Status: Best Tech & Systems

Headquarters: Guelph, ON (Canadian Division).

Schneider is an American giant with a large Canadian fleet. They are famous for hiring rookies because their training is standardized down to the second.

• The Program: "Paid CDL Training" (in the US) or "Finishing" (in Canada). Their orientation is legendary for being strict but effective.
• The Tech: They use tablets for everything. No paper logs. If you like technology and hate paperwork, Schneider is the best fit.
• The Routes: Mostly "Drop and Hook" (you drop a trailer and pick up a new one). This means less waiting at docks and more time driving (earning money).

5. Midland Transport (The Atlantic King)

Status: Best for East Coast

Headquarters: Dieppe, NB.

If you are in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Newfoundland, Midland is the employer of choice.

• The Program: They actively recruit from Atlantic driving schools.
• The Routes: You will master winter driving. Driving in the Maritimes is different than driving on the flat 401 highway in Ontario. If you learn to drive here, you can drive anywhere.
• The Pay: Hourly rates for local work and mileage for linehaul.

6. Hylnd (Formerly TransX)

Status: Best for Teams

Headquarters: Winnipeg, MB.

TransX (now part of Hylnd) is massive in the "Refrigerated" (Reefer) space.

• The Program: They often look for Team Drivers (two people in one truck).
• The Opportunity: If you and your spouse (or friend) get licensed together, Hylnd is one of the best places to start as a Team. Teams earn massive money ($150k+ combined) because the truck never stops moving.
• The Routes: Long haul to California and Mexico.

Comparison Table: Training Duration vs. Route Type

Practical Questions Answered

"Should I pay for my own school or get Company Sponsored training?"

Pay for your own.

• The Trap: If a company (like some US carriers) pays for your license, you sign a contract legally binding you to them for 1-2 years. If you quit, you owe them $10,000.
• The Freedom: If you pay for your own school (approx. $8,000), you are a "Free Agent." If Bison treats you badly, you can quit and go to Challenger. Always be a free agent.

"What is the 'MELT' standard?"

Mandatory Entry-Level Training.

• The Law: In Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, BC, and Saskatchewan, you must take a 103.5+ hour course at a registered school to get your license. You cannot just challenge the test anymore.
• The Warning: Avoid "Strip Mall Schools" that offer "Discount MELT." Major carriers like Bison blacklist certain bad schools. Ask the carrier: "Which schools do you hire from?" before you pay tuition.

"Is 'Team Driving' worth it?"

Only with a spouse.

• The Reality: Sleeping in a moving truck while a stranger drives 100km/h is a nightmare for most people.
• The Money: Yes, teams make the most money. But unless you trust the other person with your life, drive Solo.

"Will I be home every night?"

No. Absolutely not.

• The Rookie Reality: New drivers get the "garbage routes." You will be driving long-haul, sleeping in truck stops, and showering at Flying J's.
• The Progression: After 2 years of safe driving, then you can bid on "Local" or "Dedicated" runs that get you home daily. You have to pay your dues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I fail the drug test?

Career Over.

Trucking has zero tolerance. If you fail a pre-employment drug test (especially for US cross-border jobs), it goes on your record (Driver's Abstract or Clearinghouse in the US). You will not be hired by any reputable carrier for years.

Can I drive with a criminal record?

In Canada: Yes. To the US: No.

You can drive domestic routes (Toronto to Vancouver) with a record. You cannot cross the US border. Since US runs pay more, a record limits your income potential. However, since US runs pay more, a record limits your income. See our full No Background Check Jobs Guide for other industries that hire despite a past."

How much do rookies actually make?

**Realistically: $55,000 - $65,000.**

Recruiters will say "$80k," but that assumes you never stop driving. In your first year, you will drive slower, get lost, and have lower mileage. Budget for $60k.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur. He tracks real-time labour market data, government hiring trends, and entry-level opportunities to help newcomers and students navigate the Canadian job market.

Sources

• Bison Transport Driver Finishing: https://info.bisontransport.com/journey-13
• TTSAO (Approved Schools): https://ttsao.com/accredited-schools/
• Trucking HR Canada (Wage Reports): https://truckinghr.com/

Note:

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.