High-Demand Trucking Jobs During the Holiday Season
December is peak season for trucking across Manitoba. From Winnipeg’s distribution hubs to Brandon’s regional routes, fleets ramp up hiring to keep shelves stocked, parcels moving, and winter services running. If you’re considering a new career or upgrading your license, now is the time. Here’s where the demand is—and how Professional Transport Driver Training School can help you get road-ready fast.
Where Hiring Surges in December: Winnipeg and Brandon
The holidays push freight volumes to their highest levels of the year, and local employers prioritize job-ready Class 1 and Class 3 drivers. Roles frequently hiring include:
- Linehaul and LTL (Class 1): Overnight and regional runs along the Trans-Canada Highway between Winnipeg, Brandon, and prairie corridors, plus connections to major terminals.
- Parcel and courier delivery (Class 1 and Class 3): Extra capacity for e-commerce surges in city and rural routes around Winnipeg, Brandon, Dauphin, and Swan River.
- Grocery and foodservice distribution (Class 1): Time-sensitive deliveries to retailers and restaurants preparing for holiday traffic.
- Fuel and bulk deliveries (Class 1): Increased winter heating demand across southern and western Manitoba.
- Snow and winter operations (Class 3): Sanding/salting, snow haul, and municipal work as storms hit the Perimeter Highway and city routes.
Do truck drivers get paid more during the holidays in Manitoba?
Often, yes. Many employers offer overtime, shift premiums, winter driving bonuses, or short-term contracts during December and early January. Pay varies by lane, license class, and experience, but drivers who are fully licensed, air brake certified, and road-test ready can command stronger rates and move into roles faster. Completing MELT and adding targeted remedial training is a proven way to stand out in Winnipeg and Brandon’s competitive seasonal market.
Why Class 1 and Class 3 Licenses Matter Right Now
- Class 1 drivers are essential for linehaul, LTL, and bulk deliveries, especially on Highway 1 and regional connectors serving Brandon, Dauphin, Medora, and Swan River.
- Class 3 drivers are in high demand for city delivery and winter maintenance work, including dump trucks and larger service vehicles.
Training Now = Hired Faster
Professional Transport Driver Training School offers Manitoba-approved Class 1 MELT (121.5 hours) and Class 3 training designed for real-world readiness in winter conditions. Our Class 1 MELT includes 40 hours classroom, 40 hours in-yard, and 40 hours in-cab training, with up to 80 hours of observation where applicable, plus two attempts at the MPI road test. You’ll train with experienced instructors who understand local winter operations, defensive driving in low-visibility conditions, and safety-first procedures.
Fast-Track Your Start Date
- Air Brake Program: Earn essential certification for heavy vehicles and strengthen your resume for Winnipeg and Brandon postings.
- Remedial Training: Target specific skills—backing, coupling, winter space management—to sharpen your performance before employer road checks.
- Road Test Truck Rental: Practice in the same style of equipment you’ll test in, then book your MPI road test with confidence.
- Driver Evaluation: Validate your readiness with structured assessments that mirror real employer standards.
How to Get Job-Ready by New Year’s
- Enroll in Class 1 MELT or Class 3 training in Winnipeg or Brandon to meet immediate hiring needs.
- Add Air Brake certification and remedial sessions to address winter-specific skills.
- Prepare for December interviews with a clean abstract, up-to-date resume, and proof of training hours.
- Leverage our industry connections and “Find a Truck Driver” support to get matched to open roles quickly.
Local Insight: What Employers Want in December
Manitoba carriers value reliability, winter safety awareness, and on-time delivery during the holidays. Demonstrating solid observation skills, smooth speed control on packed snow, and confident backing in tight loading zones gives you a critical edge. Our curriculum emphasizes these competencies so you can transition from classroom to cab quickly and safely.
Start Your Driving Career This December
If you’re searching for trucking jobs in Winnipeg or Brandon, training with Professional Transport Driver Training School is the fastest path to hire. Contact us today to reserve your Class 1 MELT or Class 3 seat, add Air Brake certification, and book a road test truck rental. Visit transportdriver.ca to get started and be job-ready before the year ends.











