Canada’s trucking and logistics sector posts fourth straight annual employment decline

Canada’s trucking and logistics sector recorded its fourth consecutive year-over-year drop in employment in April 2026, according to new data from Trucking HR Canada.

Employment in the sector fell by 1,800 jobs, or 0.2 per cent, compared with April 2025, bringing total employment to 750,600. The number of workers actively seeking jobs in the sector also declined by 4,400 year-over-year, a 9.2 per cent drop, suggesting a shrinking labour pool.

Transport truck drivers saw a sharper decline, with employment down 23,600 positions, or 7.4 per cent, year-over-year. The unemployment rate for drivers rose slightly to 6.7 per cent from 6.4 per cent in April 2025.

Despite the overall sector decline, some occupations posted gains, including material handlers, which added 10,500 jobs, and couriers and delivery service drivers, which added 17,000 jobs.

Across the broader Canadian labour market, employment edged up 0.3 per cent compared with April 2025, while the national unemployment rate held steady at 6.9 per cent.

“We’re seeing a drop in supply of experienced drivers — those who are employed and unemployed — since this time last year,” says Craig Faucette, chief operating officer, Trucking HR Canada. “This points to the importance of employers continuing to focus on retention and training, as well as workforce development strategies to maintain capacity.”