If I can't go about things the way I hoped I would be able to, I'll figure it out. I could go down there and try to find a job without my CDL which is something I didn't know was an option. I could get my CDL and take out a small bank loan or something to have to funds to go down there and start knocking on doors if I have to. I could get my CDL and drive OTR for a brief period of time to build up some bankroll and behind the wheel experience. I'll do whatever I need to do, I'm just trying to formulate a plan and figure out the most efficient path.
Getting started on the basin as a recent CDL grad with limited funds
Discussion in 'Oilfield Trucking Forum' started by McCauley, Jun 28, 2014.
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I'll throw my 2 pennies in for what it's worth. I went to ND last Dec. with a fresh CDL, and only had driven a Semi in my CDL school. I had a job lined out before I even went to school. I started with a really great smaller company hauling crude oil. I can tell you from experience that it takes a while before the good money starts rolling in. I struggled much more financially than I could have imagined, and so did my family. The thing is, I am making some pretty good money now, after 7 months, but I am planning on going back home to Illinois and going OTR. Why....??? Because the good money I make is not so good when you take away the expenses of living in a boom area, IE: housing, food, fuel, and just the basic needs that you have to survive. A great portion is eaten away in taxes because of my higher income as well. Then, I have to travel back and forth to be with my family. So every 4-6 weeks I have to purchase an airline ticket at about 600 bucks. It's the same in all the boom areas....you will get gouged on everything you purchase. Great money can be made, but it comes at a great expense as well. It's just not worth it to me. Just wanted to share my personal experience from the Bakken, because for me, the bad outweighs the good. I wish you the best of luck with your choice, and be safe.
McCauley and Western flyer Thank this. -
Because I work for a contractor, I'm not technically a Fedex employee, so I don't think they would be wanting to help me get my CDL. They'd be interested in keeping me driving the route for their contractor because my driver score is very high.
The main reason I'm looking to take my career to the next level is so I CAN be able to efficiently save money. -
So you got your job without any formal experience and you had a job lined up before you arrived in ND. Do you think you would have been able to do that down south or is that only a realistic plan in the Bakken? -
I made a third of that the past few years and saved. 750 a month rent is not that high... its 25% of your gross which is good. Get a roommate.
drop expensive ATT mobile and get prepaid. drop cable. eat out less.
if you are healthy individual insurance should be $100 a month or less. increase your deductible
there is just no way you don't have some kind of superfluous spending if you are single and living paycheck to paycheck w that income.
keep in mind you might absolutely HATE the oilfield. then what?
I would seriously suggest building up a reserve fund before doing this.Last edited: Jun 29, 2014
VagabondTrucker Thanks this. -
McCauley and VagabondTrucker Thank this.
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McCauley, just sent you a pm
McCauley Thanks this. -
I'm from Dearborn Heights. Came out to ND in July 2012. Already had a cdl for 11 years but probably had less than 20,000 miles in a semi. (Hauled a lowboy every once in a while for my construction company) my first 12 months hauling water I made a hair under 100k. Ill make quite a bit more this year. Winter is no joke up here but if you are a hard worker and pay attention and learn from mistakes, its really not that difficult of a job. Just switched to nuverra two weeks ago and 3 or 4 guys in my orientation had little to no experience.
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I've been spending most of my day reading every post I can in this section, which includes a lot of yours, and I'm feeling like the best situation for a person who is looking to do what I am looking to do is to look to the Bakken, assuming you have the fortitude to go work there.
I think I am a hard worker, and I think I have that fortitude and I think I have the humility required to eagerly learn everything I possibly can.
I'm going to continue with my plan of getting my CDL here locally, continue doing my research and networking on this website, and I have faith that thing will fall into place. -
Fed ex rou te driver in odessa make $55k
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