How to Become a "Lumper" in Canada: Earn $200/Day Unloading Trucks

In the logistics world, there is a "hidden economy" that pays cash daily, yet most people have never heard of it. It involves unloading trucks for tired drivers who just want to go home. This is the world of the Lumper.

If you are looking for jobs that pay $20 to $30 per hour but don't want a boss breathing down your neck, this is the ultimate side hustle. It requires zero education, making it one of the best no-degree jobs in Canada for those willing to do physical labour.

Unlike traditional employment, lumping is often freelance. This makes it perfect for students looking for flexible work or new immigrants who want to start earning immediately while they settle in.

In our previous guide to Lumper Jobs, we explained what they are. Now, we will teach you how to become one and run it like a business.

1. The "Lumper Receipt" Secret

This is the most important part of the job. If you don't understand this, you won't get paid.

When a truck driver hires you, they usually don't pay out of their own pocket. Their trucking company (or the broker) reimburses them. To get that money, they need a Lumper Receipt.

How to set yourself up:

1. Buy a Receipt Book: Go to Dollarama or Staples. Buy a generic carbon-copy invoice book.
2. The Information: When you finish the job, you must write a receipt that includes:
   • Date & Time
   • Truck Company Name
   • Trailer Number
   • "Unloading Services" - $250.00
   • Your Signature / Initials
3. The Payment: The driver takes a photo of this receipt, sends it to their dispatch, and dispatch gives them an EFS Code or Comchek (electronic money) to pay you instantly. Or, they pay you cash and keep the receipt for their taxes.

Street Rule: Never start working until you agree on the price and confirm they have the means to pay. This is standard practice in jobs that pay daily.

2. "Swamper" vs. "Lumper": Pick Your Role

In Western Canada (Alberta/BC), you will hear the term "Swamper." It is slightly different.

The Lumper (Dock Worker)

• Location: You stay at one warehouse (e.g., a cold storage in Brampton) or travel between local docks.
• The Job: You meet the truck at the dock door. You unload it. You leave.
• Income: $200 - $300 per container. You can do 2 containers a day if you are fast.

The Swamper (Ride-Along)

• Location: You ride in the truck with the driver.
• The Job: You help deliver furniture, foodservice (Sysco/GFS), or beer to multiple stops. You are the driver's assistant.
• Income: $20 - $25 per hour (paid by the company).
• Why choose this: It is consistent work. You don't have to hustle for the next truck.

3. How to Get Hired (The "Gate" Strategy)

You can't exactly post an ad on Kijiji saying "I unload trucks." You have to go where the pain is.

Strategy A: The "Morning Gate" (Independent)

Go to industrial parks in Mississauga (Dixie/Courtneypark) or Delta (Tilbury) at 5:00 AM.

• Look for independent trucking terminals or produce markets.
• The Pitch: Walk up to drivers waiting in line. Ask: "Need a hand offloading today?"
• Warning: Some large warehouses (like Amazon) have strict bans. Stick to smaller distributors.

Strategy B: The "Lumper Service" (Contractor)

Join a specialized "Lumping Company" that contracts you out. This is safer than freelancing but pays less. If you prefer structure, check out our list of warehouses hiring immediately for similar agency roles.

• Group NB: A massive agency that specializes only in lumping.
• Eclipse Advantage: Hires lumpers for grocery distribution centers.

4. Setting Your Rates (2026 Price Guide)

Don't undercharge. Unloading a 53-foot trailer by hand is brutal work.

• Palletized Load (Forklift assist): $100 - $150 (Easy work).
• Floor Loaded (By hand - loose boxes): $250 - $400 (Hard work).
• "Restacking" Fee: If a pallet fell over during transit and you have to fix it: +$50.
• Late Night Fee: If it's after midnight, charge a premium. This is why many lumpers prefer night shift work, as the demand is higher when regular staff go home.

Comparison Table: Freelance Lumper vs. Company Employee

Practical Questions Answered

"How do I cash an EFS Check?"

The struggle.

Truckers often pay with "EFS" or "Comchek" codes. These are checks you have to write yourself.

• The Fix: You need to verify the code with the issuer (call the 1-800 number on the check) to ensure it's valid. Most banks will hold these funds for 5 days.
• Pro Tip: Demand Cash or E-Transfer. Tell the driver: "I don't have a commercial bank account, I can't take Comcheks." Most drivers can cash the check themselves at a truck stop and give you the cash.

"Is it legal to hang out at the docks?"

It depends.

Private property is private property. Security will kick you out if you are loitering.

• The Workaround: Don't loiter. Leave your number with the Shipping Clerk or the Gatehouse Guard. Tell them: "If a driver needs a lumper, call me, I'm 5 minutes away." Guards love this because it solves their problem of slow drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment do I need to be a lumper?

You need CSA Green Patch Steel Toe Boots (mandatory). You should also buy a high-quality Back Brace (lumbar support) and Grip Gloves. Many professional lumpers also bring their own shrink wrap dispenser because warehouse tools are often broken.

Can I make $100,000 a year as a lumper?

Yes, but it is physically destroying.

There are "career lumpers" at food terminals who make $400/day, 6 days a week. That is over $100k. However, the burnout rate is high. Most people do it for 2–3 years to save money and then quit before their back gives out.

Do lumpers get tips?

Yes. If you unload a driver fast (e.g., under 2 hours) so they can make their next pickup, they will often tip you $20–$50. Drivers value time more than money.

What is a "Swamper" in the oilfield?

In Alberta, a "Swamper" can also refer to a helper on a vacuum truck or hydro-vac in the oil patch. This is a different job than warehouse lumping. Oilfield swampers make significantly more ($30–$35/hour) but work in much harsher conditions.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

• Group NB (Lumper Services): https://groupnb.ca/
• Lumper HQ (Vancouver Services): https://lumperhq.com/
• OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association): https://www.ooida.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.