Understanding Driver Inc. in the Canadian Trucking Industry

Over the past few months, we’ve had conversations with drivers who had questions about something they’ve been hearing more often in the industry “Driver Inc.” Given the level of uncertainty around it, we felt it was important to take a step back and explain what it means, and why it’s receiving increased attention across Canada’s trucking sector.

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Driver Inc. refers to arrangements where drivers are asked to incorporate themselves and work as independent contractors, even though the nature of the job often remains the same. In many cases, drivers are still operating company equipment, following dispatch, and working set routes but without being classified as employees. On the surface, these arrangements are sometimes presented as an opportunity to earn more or operate independently. However, they also come with trade-offs that are not always clearly explained upfront. Drivers working under this model may not have access to protections typically associated with employment  including workers’ compensation coverage, Employment Insurance, pension contributions, and certain wage protections such as overtime and holiday pay. At the same time, responsibility for taxes, insurance, and financial risk shifts to the individual.

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Because of these implications, Driver Inc. has become a growing topic of discussion across the industry. Groups advocating for fair and compliant practices, including initiatives like Stop Driver Inc., have raised concerns about how these arrangements affect drivers and the broader market. Industry reporting from TruckNews has also highlighted the increasing scrutiny around the model and the challenges it presents for both drivers and compliant carriers. That scrutiny is now reflected in government action.

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In late 2025, the federal government introduced measures aimed at addressing worker misclassification in trucking. This includes increased funding for audits, stronger enforcement tools, and targeted inspections within federally regulated carriers. The direction is clear: where the working relationship looks like employment, it is expected to be treated as such. For drivers, this makes it even more important to understand what is being offered before agreeing to any arrangement. While some options may appear beneficial in the short term, it is worth considering what protections are being given up, and what responsibilities are being taken on.

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For us at Bulk, we believe in clarity and doing things the right way. Our drivers are employed within a structure that provides the protections, benefits, and support expected in this industry. We see this not just as a compliance requirement, but as part of building a reliable and sustainable workforce.