Cement Vs Frac

I'm assuming you're talking about hauling the sand in tankers? I know lots of people around here are hauling the sand boxes now, and the tank work has kind died off.

That aside, I've done both. I'd take sand before cement. For me, the money was almost the same either way. I preferred sand simply because its cleaner. The cement Mills around these parts are dilapidated, worn out dumps, and usually you end up with more cement on the truck than in the trailer. And I hate washing cement off. With sand, it really wasn't very messy.

 

Can you name in decent companies to work with hauling sand to get some experience? I've got 15 years OTR/regional driving experience, and I've heard that to be an O/O hauling sand the money is insane, but you should get some experience first. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

It's been six years since I last hauled frac sand. The outfit I'm with got out of the frac sand totally about four years ago, so I really can't give you an educated answer. Sorry

 

Back in the day we slept in trucks and charged 154 hours a week if we could. Rolled up on the rig up of a 38 stage plug perf job, spent my entire 14 day rotation on that job. Didn't get a shower my entire hitch. Occasionally I miss those days.

As far as which makes more, that all depends on who you work for. You're going to be intimately familiar with a sledgehammer either way.

If you're thinking about making a career I'd suggest starting in cement. Way more down hole thinking. If you don't want to spend the rest of your life swinging a hammer you'll need more than just basic math skills. Cement will help there. In frac the engineer does all the heavy lifting in the van. Running jobs in a frac van enjoying ac and heat isn't a bad way to make a living. I've known many that started in cement then moved to frac, I don't know anyone that went the other way. Personally I don't think it matters, either way eventually you'll end up wishing you were on a CT crew.

 

A good cement pump operator can write his own ticket

 

A third vote for cement; it's where I started and I pretty much did...

 

Even more, once upon a time... and still slept in my "own" bed.

 

Same here.....sort of. I worked 3rd party for Schlumberger pre-loading jobs getting everything set up and ready for the pump crew. Made more money than half of those guys with a lot less stress lol.

My dad worked for Superior Well Services/Nabor's when they had the Owego NY yard. Anyone can be a frac rat but it takes a special breed to be a cementer