Frac Jobs in West TX for this Strong Vet

Discussion in 'Oilfield Trucking Forum' started by EddieForHire, Jan 26, 2014.

  1. EddieForHire

    EddieForHire Light Load Member

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    Jan 26, 2014
    Carlisle, PA
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    Greetings everyone

    Hoping any Frac guys in west TX can lend a hand? My name is Eddie, friends call me Spaghetti. I'm a 33-year old Veteran with a CDL but no oilfield experience. I have about 6 months OTR experience with Knight out of Lakeland, FL. In a couple of weeks I'm going to head on out to midland/odessa TX and start putting in apps and generally harassing people till I get an interview or two. Considering renting a house in the Arlington/Irving area. I know Frac companies have a set number of miles you can live from the yard-NO EXCEPTIONS. Anyone know of any outfits in midland/odessa that will hire a veteran with just a CDL and no frac experience? Also, I'm looking to get at least 80 hours a week.

    How long is the hiring process? I read it was 2-3 weeks from interview/drug test/physical to orientation/training. Is this right? My brother lives in Arlington, about 5 hours from midland, I was planning on crashing at his house until I find a rental. That drive is going to be a killer. Also, do Frac outfits provide housing, i.e. crew camps, trailers, or motels while we are on shift?? Any help or guidance is greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading and a great day to all!

    Spaghetti
     
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  3. Krashdragon

    Krashdragon Medium Load Member

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    Apr 10, 2012
    Cleburne, Tx
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    Do you intend to live in Arlington and drive to Midland? 80 hours a week doesn't leave much time for much of anything, let alone a 10 hr drive.
    I've talked to a couple of drivers that quit because the hours were killing them. They said the work was fine (one hauled water, I didn't quite understand what the other guy hauled), and the pay was really good, but said they just got so tired it wasn't worth it.
    Renting around Midland makes more sense.
    Good luck.
    Mary
     
  4. BRShirk

    BRShirk Light Load Member

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    Aug 4, 2013
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    What I plan on doing is get a small camper and find a campsite until I get settled.
     
  5. Frachand

    Frachand Light Load Member

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    Nov 21, 2012
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    You could look at the websites for Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Weatherford or just about any of the frac companies and I'll bet you can find work closer to where you are. There's plenty of work outside of West TX. Just start filling out apps online.

    If not closer, you might find something where housing isn't so hard to find or expensive.
     
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2014
  6. EddieForHire

    EddieForHire Light Load Member

    93
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    Jan 26, 2014
    Carlisle, PA
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    Thanks for the reply Mary. I was hoping to settle in Arlington. However I would only go home to Arlington during my off week. The rents in and around Midland/Odessa are pretty crazy. Is it not feasible to live 300 miles away and go home at the end of my rotation? I have put in online applications at all the majors (Weatherford, Baker Hughes, Halliburton) and now plan on showing up in person to follow up. BRShirk, the camper is a good idea. I've been looking for an "affordable" travel trailer online. No luck so far.
     
  7. EddieForHire

    EddieForHire Light Load Member

    93
    37
    Jan 26, 2014
    Carlisle, PA
    0

    Frachand, is there good work in the Dallas/FW area? I'm not opposed to working anywhere in TX, as long as the hours are plentiful.
     
  8. BRShirk

    BRShirk Light Load Member

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    Aug 4, 2013
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    If you don't mind traveling a bit to pick it up, check in the northeast on craigslist and eBay. Lots of people would rather sell than store them.

    A couple of years ago I picked up a mid 80s 20fter for $1200 of Craig's list. Had to sell it when my truck died. It was just big enough to sleep and cook in. Most campgrounds I've been in have bath houses and laudries onsite so you can save by not getting water and sewer hook ups.
     
  9. Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

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    Sep 18, 2007
    Weatherford, TX
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    There is work in nearly all of the state. Most in W and S TX. But E TX is being refracked and new wells. Same with Bryan/College Station and also in Wheeler TX/W Oklahoma. New Mexico and LA as well. Starting to drill some again in DFW area . Have seen 10 or so wells last few days. Lots of frac hands sleep in truck. TriCan does. Food provided. Most have cook or caterer. Some times you will do better outside the most talked about areas. Sheep get slaughtered. When everyone runs to the right side of the boat it's generally a good time to take a look for yourself off the left. Good luck.
     
    hardworkinman and flightwatch Thank this.
  10. EddieForHire

    EddieForHire Light Load Member

    93
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    Jan 26, 2014
    Carlisle, PA
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    That's the price I was looking to spend. I set up CL alerts to notify me when campers in that $$ range come up. If nothing affordable is available I was thinking of sleeping in my van. Is that frowned upon? Are there campsites that will allow a van to park? Thanks for the great tips!

    So far the only strong lead I've received is from SOS staffing (they recruit for Schlumberger). Pay is only $14 per hour and they do NOT pay you for the off week while you're with the staffing company. That's a bit of a buzzkill but I'm sure I will get an offer to go permanent from Schlum after 3 months or so. Good, hard work ethic shines through pretty easily.
     
  11. Krashdragon

    Krashdragon Medium Load Member

    651
    303
    Apr 10, 2012
    Cleburne, Tx
    0
    Ok, that makes sense.
    Good luck.
    Mary
     
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