Transportation has seen a significant boom in the wake of the drastic changes in consumer online shopping habits triggered by the pandemic. However, the sector encompasses much more than deliveries and supply transport.

It’s easy to forget that this sector of activity is more than just the trucking trade. It also includes a wide range of other specialized trades in high demand in Quebec, such as rail and maritime transport, logistics, material handling and specialized professions such as mechanics and electricity.

Data published in April 2022 indicates that the transportation and warehousing industry represents more than 55,000 jobs in 3,154 companies in the Greater Montreal area alone.

This field offers excellent job prospects and a wide range of opportunities. According to Emploi-Québec, the industry’s median wage is $25/hour.

If you’re interested in a career in this sector, consider some of the lesser-known transportation jobs presented below.

Transport jobs: land, sea, rail and more

A truck driver’s job involves more than driving a heavy vehicle. It also includes air, sea and rail transport. Consider anything that transports equipment or people and all manner of equipment across the entire road network and construction sites.

Here’s an outline of the possibilities for those looking to get behind the wheel or controls of a vehicle.

Buses (public, chartered, school, elderly)
Heavy vehicle, semi-trailer, van, flatbed (local or long-distance jobs)
Truck for delivery of goods or equipment (tipper for raw materials, refrigerated, tanker, etc.)
Ambulance
Locomotive
Construction vehicle (mechanical shovel, excavator, loader, forklift, aerial platform)
Snow removal vehicle or tow truck
And much more

Our Extra centre de formation division offers all the training you need to become a driver of the vehicle of your choice. You’ll quickly become a driver and build the skills employers are looking for.

Transport and logistics jobs

As mentioned above, transportation isn’t limited to semi-trailers. The sector covers all types of travel, from school buses to public transport, from heavy trucks on construction sites to other marine, rail or air vehicles.

Administrative and logistics staff are critical to the smooth running of loads, schedules, personnel, delivery times and trip cost-effectiveness. Here are some examples:

Dispatcher
Maintenance and Service Coordinator
Order Picker
Buyer
Signaler
Transport Logistics Manager
Customs Broker
Stevedore (port)
Traffic Controller (air, rail, sea)
And much more

Materials handling jobs in the transport sector

Jobs as a handler, mover or loader and unloader of goods deliveries are always in demand. These are very physical jobs that require excellent fitness and safety knowledge. Extra multi-ressources can help you find an employer that offers excellent working conditions.

Skilled trade jobs

The range of skilled transport and warehousing occupations in this category is often very surprising.

Many different kinds of professionals are needed to ensure that fleets of priority, utility, tourist or recreational vehicles operate smoothly; they are also essential to monitor and manage the network in general, including the electrical road system.

The following are some of the many specialized professions in the industry: