Driving Change Starts Here
Misclassification. Safety concerns. An uneven playing field.
Driver Inc. is a business model where some trucking companies treat drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, even when the working relationship may not reflect that status.
It may sound technical, but the implications are wide-reaching:
Drivers may not receive access to standard employment protections like paid leave, Employment Insurance (EI), or the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
Companies that follow traditional employment practices face added challenges.
Billions in potential tax revenue may be lost annually.
In some cases, drivers with limited training are operating large vehicles with minimal oversight.
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What’s Really at Stake
A growing underground system
In some regions, up to half of truck drivers are believed to be working in the underground economy. Many Personal Services Business (PSB) classifications may be applied incorrectly.
Inspections have identified non-compliance rates as high as 50–60% in certain areas, with limited follow-up.
A challenging environment for fair competition
Some companies using the Driver Inc. model may reduce their labour costs by over $22,000 per driver each year by avoiding benefit contributions.
Drivers working under this model can lose access to more than $6,300 annually in employment protections and contributions.
This creates an uneven environment for businesses that invest in safety, training, and employee well-being.
When training falls short, safety can be impacted
New drivers are sometimes placed behind the wheel of 140,000-pound trucks with minimal preparation, occasionally on their first day.
In some cases, drivers without formal training are asked to train others.
Many of these individuals are newcomers to Canada, unfamiliar with their rights, or unsure where to turn..
Supporting Responsible Carriers
Across Canada, many trucking companies are committed to safe practices, fair employment, and compliance with standards.
But rising competition from businesses that don’t follow the same approach is creating real pressure.
Longstanding carriers are scaling back.
Family-owned businesses are facing tough choices.
New entrants are often told they can’t compete without cutting corners.
A balanced system that supports responsibility, safety, and fairness benefits everyone — drivers, businesses, and the broader industry.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE STOP TAX AND LABOUR ABUSE CAMPAIGN, SUPPORTED BY THE CANADIAN TRUCKING ALLIANCE
