Take a shot with a major or pay for trucking school first?

Discussion in 'Oilfield Trucking Forum' started by raisethebarr, May 2, 2014.

  1. raisethebarr

    raisethebarr Bobtail Member

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    Hey I was wondering if anyone had some insight on whether or not they think I'd be able to land a cement/frac entry level job with one of the majors Halliburton/Baker Hughes/Weatherford/ etc. I'm 25 years old, have a business degree (doubt this will do much for me but I don't mind I prefer working my way up from the bottom so I know what guys have to go through if I make a management spot in the future), I am in great shape and get along with pretty much anyone. I've done quite a bit of research on this site and others and have decided I want to start an Oil & Gas career. I'd really like to get on with one of the big companies and work my way up. I realize many of the frac/cement/coiled tubing jobs are like 20% driving and 80% manual labor and that's fine with me.

    I have about 10k set aside and am trying to decide if just moving down there and start pounding the pavement and applying in person is a good idea or not. I have heard a lot of these companies will train new employees and pay for them to get their CDL. So while I have the 10K saved up I'd rather not spend 5K on trucking school if I don't have to. But if it is a requirement to get a foot in the door with these companies, I would definitely consider it a worthwhile investment.

    Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,
    Ben
     
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  3. Guitar Man

    Guitar Man Medium Load Member

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    Why not get in touch with one of their HR dept's and ask before moving down there? (If possible) I would explain it to them exactly like you just did here.You seem like an intelligent guy,and they'll notice that while talking to them.Tell them that you have no problem working your way up,and that if they won't pay for schooling,you'd pay for schooling yourself if they'll give you a "pre-hire". As in,as long as you're able to pass the whizz quiz and physical,they'll hire you upon graduation. Good luck bud,I hope it all works out for you. ;-)
     
  4. Wild Murphy

    Wild Murphy HAPPY TRUCK DRIVER

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    Get your CDL before you apply. I just left North Dakota and everyone wants you to have your CDL. Baker is requiring it for most positions. You will be driving the trucks.
     
  5. Wild Murphy

    Wild Murphy HAPPY TRUCK DRIVER

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    It is a great investment in yourself. Tou will make that money back in no time. Baker pays well and has great benefits.
     
  6. Patrickm213

    Patrickm213 Medium Load Member

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    CDL "school" is a waste of time and money. Just get the CDL on your own.
     
  7. Wild Murphy

    Wild Murphy HAPPY TRUCK DRIVER

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    I wouldnt get a CDL on my own. Most companies want to see that 160 hr certificate. Its easy to say get it on your own but but the schools give you hands on instruction that will help you when you first start out. Crappy companies in the oilfield might not care but great companies like Haliburton and Baker Hughes do. Lots of guys wont meet their standards.
     
  8. Patrickm213

    Patrickm213 Medium Load Member

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    " Most companies want to see that 160 hr certificate."

    I've interviewed with Halliburton. I've been hired by two other companies. Nabors being one of them. No one has asked to see any 160 hour certificate. In fact that only place I ever hear of this certificate is on this forum by people claiming you need to have one. Most people I worked with did not go to CDL school. There are a number of people on this forum working in the field that did not go to CDL school.

    All the majors will train a new driver. They aren't going to care if they went to CDL school or not-- they are going to train them THEIR way.

    If you get the CDL on your own and you don't get a job and the companies all say "you need a 160 hour certificate to get hired!" then you can drop the money on CDL school.

    You can't get that money back though if you go to the school first.
     
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  9. Leviathan Tube

    Leviathan Tube Medium Load Member

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    Wish we could get a roundtable of company representatives together to discuss or debate this. How about the mods arrange an anonymous "I am a frack service company rep. Ask me anything" type of thread.

    : )
     
  10. Patrickm213

    Patrickm213 Medium Load Member

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    A travel trailer was a much better investment for me than spending money on CDL school would have been.

    If you want to know the value of cdl school just go read the new drivers forum and look at all the "I just got out of school but everyone says I need 2 years experience!" posts
     
  11. Wild Murphy

    Wild Murphy HAPPY TRUCK DRIVER

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    So the oil companies arent going to hire the guy anyway according to that statement. Getting it yourself requires a a truck which most people cant just borrow. I just left Williston after working at the Baker yard since last year. They trained many guys and they all got fired cause they were taking the company for granted. They were lazy. Now BH wants military and drivers with a CDL already.


    ter working in the Baker yard
     
    Driver5 Thanks this.
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