David Bradley and Truck Driver

labour shortage: This means the industry is facing a looming labour shortage that could reach 48,000 drivers by 2024, according to the Canadian Trucking Alliance, according to CTV. The average age of a truck driver is over 47 -- up from 45 in 2013 -- and almost 30 per cent of the driving force is 55 or over, which makes it one of the oldest workforces in Canada, according to the organization president. "Tens of thousands of them are nearing retirement and we're not getting anywhere near our commensurate share of new drivers into the business," says David Bradley. And after driving five million kilometres, the 57 year-old still enjoys the freedom of the road. "For the most part, there nobody looking over my shoulder telling me what to do," says Fielding, who hails from McKellar, Ont. "I have an assignment and I'm left to do it at my own pace and how I think it should be done." But as Fielding and thousands like him near retirement age, the industry is struggling to recruit young people who share his enthusiasm for the job. There are multiple reasons for the looming shortage, but many believe the lifestyle simply isn't attractive to a younger generation. Schedules are not set in advance, and drivers often work 12 hours or more a day. "You're not home with your friends on Friday nights having parties," he says. "If you have a family you might miss out on birthdays and things like that." Bradley says this makes it harder to attract younger people or those with families, who tend to place a higher emphasis on work-life balance than older generations. Fielding, for example, usually works 10-14 days straight, with three days off between trips. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.