The commercial landscape in Ontario is shifting. In 2026, simply having a license is no longer enough to guarantee a top-tier salary. As the industry moves toward specialized “Float Drivers”professionals who can both operate heavy machinery and transport it to the job site, the demand for multi-skilled operators has reached an all-time high. For those researching how to increase their trucking salary in Ontario or looking for the most stable career path in the GTA, the combination of a Class A (AZ) license and Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) certification offers an unparalleled competitive advantage.
What Is a Float Driver and Why Ontario Employers Are Hiring Them First
In Ontario’s construction, infrastructure, and logistics sectors, float drivers with AZ and Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) certifications are becoming the most in-demand multi-skilled workers in 2026. They no longer want to hire two separate employees for a single job when one multi-skilled professional can get it done. A “Float Driver” is an operator who can load an excavator, bulldozer, or backhoe onto a trailer, drive the tractor-trailer to the site, and then jump into the operator’s seat to begin the work.
Why this combo works for you:
- Premium Wages: While standard AZ drivers in Ontario earn an average of $27.39 to $27.84 per hour, specialized float drivers and boom truck operators often see rates between $30.00 and $38.00 per hour, depending on the complexity of the equipment.
- Essential “Winter Insurance”: Construction often slows down in the winter, leading to seasonal layoffs for HEO-only operators. Having an AZ license in your “back pocket” acts as a personal employment insurance policy, allowing you to switch to local delivery or snow removal roles during the off-season.
- Indispensable Status: In a market where 90% of consumer goods are moved by truck, having the technical skill to operate specialized machinery makes you a high-value asset that fleets are desperate to retain.
For anyone researching how to increase trucking salary in Ontario, combining an AZ licence with HEO training offers one of the highest income-to-training-time ratios in the skilled trades.
| Career Path | Primary Vehicle / Equipment | 2026 Salary Potential (GTA) |
| Standard AZ Driver | Tractor-Trailer | $50,000 – $65,000 (Starting) |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Excavators, Bulldozers | $47,000 – $95,000 |
| Combined AZ + HEO | Float Trucks & Heavy Machinery | $75,000 – $95,000+ |
Why 2026 Is the Turning Point for Ontario Trucking Careers
With stricter Ministry of Transportation oversight, employers are increasingly screening for verified, career-college trained drivers, not shortcut licences. As a registered career college under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005, Toronto Truck Driving School (TTDS) has been at the forefront of these industry changes since 1991. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has introduced stricter accountability standards for 2026, including a mandatory “minute-by-minute” curriculum transparency for all Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) programs, with a final implementation deadline of July 1, 2026.
Choosing a school like TTDS, which has already moved to exceed these transparency requirements ensures that your training is recognized by top-tier employers who prioritize safety and compliance. Furthermore, with the recent passing of Bill 60 (Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025), the province is cracking down on fraudulent licensing, making legitimate, high-quality certification more valuable than ever before.
How to Get AZ + HEO Training in Ontario Without Paying Full Tuition
Many TTDS students qualify for Better Jobs Ontario, Canada-Ontario Job Grant, or apprentice loans, making high-skill trucking careers accessible even for career changers.
- Better Jobs Ontario: If you have been laid off or come from a low-income household, you may be eligible for up to $28,000 to cover tuition, books, and living expenses for programs like our combined AZ and HEO courses.
- Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG): For those already employed, your company can apply for up to $10,000 in government support to upgrade your skills, with small employers receiving up to $15,000 per trainee.
- Apprenticeship Supports: While the AIG grant ended in 2025, eligible students can still access up to $20,000 in interest-free Canada Apprentice Loans to support their technical training.
Why Employers Prefer TTDS-Trained AZ and HEO Drivers
At TTDS, we don’t just teach you how to pass a test; we prepare you for a 30-year career. Our Heavy Equipment Operator program includes routine maintenance and safety inspections, ensuring you can troubleshoot hydraulic issues before they grind a job site to a halt. Employers hiring float drivers are not just looking for licences, they want graduates trained in safety, compliance, ELD systems, and equipment handling. TTDS programs are designed around Ontario employer expectations, not just MTO test requirements.
Learn more about AZ and Heavy Equipment Operator training in Ontario at Toronto Truck Driving School.
Our training features:
- One-on-One Instruction: Personalized on-road training to master difficult maneuvers like the 45-degree backing and coupling/uncoupling.
- Modern Technology: Hands-on experience with Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) under the latest CCMTA Technical Standard 1.3, keeping you compliant from day one.
- Flexible Schedules: We operate seven days a week with evening and weekend classes to accommodate your current work commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AZ and HEO training worth it in Ontario?
Yes. Combining AZ and HEO certification allows drivers to qualify for float driver and heavy equipment transport roles, which typically pay more and offer greater year-round job stability.
How long does AZ + HEO training take?
Most Ontario students can complete both programs in a few months when taken back-to-back at a registered career college like TTDS.
Do float drivers earn more than regular AZ drivers?
Yes. Float drivers are paid more because they both transport and operate equipment, making them more valuable to construction and infrastructure employers.
Ready to gain the multi-skilled edge?
If you want the highest-paying, most stable career path in Ontario trucking for 2026 and beyond, combining AZ licensing with Heavy Equipment Operator training gives you a decisive edge. Our financial assistance team are ready to help you navigate and secure your future in Ontario’s essential transportation sector.
Contact Toronto Truck Driving School today to explore AZ + HEO training, funding options, and career pathways across the GTA and Ontario.
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