Humber spikes its commercial trucking program

Humber Polytechnic announced the closure of its longstanding Commercial Driver Training Class G to AZ Tractor Trailer Program. Humber said in a statement changing market conditions and economic feasibility were the primary reasons for the suspension.

After more than three decades of offering the program, it will officially close on Dec. 31, 2024.

It is a seven-week course for individuals looking to upgrade their Class G licence to an AZ licence, which permits an individual to drive any truck and trailer in any combination weighing more than 46,000 kilograms.

This program is of particular interest to those interested in careers in cross-border, long-haul and fuel-hauling transportation.

Humber is one of the five Ontario colleges offering a truck driving program.

The program is at the Humber Transportation Training Centre at 30 Carrier Drive, near the North campus. The program has a 96 per cent graduate employment rate, according to the program’s page.

Wanda Butes, the dean of Education and Training Solutions at Humber, said in an email to Humber Et Cetera that numerous "factors played into our decision, including lower enrolment trends, a highly competitive market, and the high costs to deliver the programs that are compounded with inflation costs for gas, maintenance, and salaries."

The Canadian trucking industry invests more than $2 billion annually in safety technology and training, according to a 2024 report from Worldmetrics.org. The operating revenue of the industry is more than $67 billion. Fuel alone accounts for about 30 per cent of operating expenses, the report said.

However, a 2024 survey by the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) found significant concern among respondents, who called for better-trained truck drivers. The Humber program uses 2021 Kenworth T680 trucks for hands-on training. While the program will no longer be available, current students remain eligible for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) funding for micro-credentials, capped at $5,000. Additionally, Windmill Microlending continues to offer up to $15,000 in micro-loans for skilled immigrants and refugees pursuing Canadian licensing or training.

In its statement, Humber expressed its pride in the program's role in training safe truck drivers across Ontario.

"We are thankful for the dedicated staff and instructors whose passion and commitment to transportation training have been invaluable to Humber,” it said.