Jobs in ND Oil Patch

Thanks Big Duker and cavegunner for the reply. I have a total of 16 years of driving experience. I drove OTR in the late 90s and construction since 1999 which constisted of end dumps, truck and pup, belly dumps, side dumps, flat bed (OTR and construction), roll-offs, and a few little things in between. I am currently employed within the confines of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Washington state but I anticipate being laid off before the year's end. I'm just trying to get all my ducks in a row before that happens so that I'm not unemployed for too long. I can handle anything that North Dakota wants to throw my way in terms of weather, housing, and such but I have a son that is currently a senior in high school and I would like to make it home at least for a week for every three in North Dakota. If that can't happen, then I might have to just go to driving flat beds OTR. Family is second only to God on my priority list.

 

Donger, please keep us updated on your decision. I have many friends in your situation and they have similar decisions to make.

Asphalt Warrior, Cave Gunner is on the right track. The outfit I work for has a schedule for family guys: two weeks on, one week off.

 

Asphalt Warrier-
Thank you for the information. I have tried to email you privately to give you our contact information but it will not send. I would like to discuss this further with you. If you can send me a private message I will give you some more details.
Thank you and God bless.
RDR

 

Hello gentleman I am new to this forum and just got my CDL. My partner has a 1 year exp. I plan on buying a truck and tri-axle belly dump trailer within the next two weeks. I plan on working in Minot, ND or the Williston, ND area. Possibly hauling dirt,gravel, or sand I'd like some info on the type of tractor that would be best suited for that type of work. Fuel efficiency, horse power, type of transmission. Any information or comments are appreciated . Thanks

 

RDR-
My e-mail address is asphaltwarrior@comcast.net. I couldn't send you a PM either. Apparently I'm too new to the forum. Thank you.

 

If you guys don't manage to get together have one of the moderators send PMs for you.

 

Hey all! New to this and am really getting a lot of useful info about N.D. oil patch and want to thank you for your patience in advance! I am stagnant in so. cal and am thinking about a dive into the frozen deep end up there. I am 54 now and realizing that a floorhand job is out, did it and prob still could if I could survive the first week of pain. Big in auto mech and construction last 25 yrs and am thinking about trucking school here for 2 mo and showing up there waving my paper and hoping to get a bobtail or swamp position to get started. I understand the housing and cold sitch and will come prepared. Whatcha think about truck school here, or should I try to get a Co. up there to help after i get there and beg for a chance to prove myself.

 

Welcome, Onthego.

If you have mechanic experience, you can walk into a job without any additional training. This funny story tells you how bad they need mechanics:

I was running a load of frac sand up to Williston and my 18 year old nephew came with me. I stopped at the shop to grab a jug of antifreeze and some oil. My nephew said, "I'll go in the shop and get it for you!"

"Heck, no!" I told him. "If they see an eager 18 year old kid, they won't let you leave the shop without signing you up to be an intern or an apprentice or something!"

I was half joking, but they are needing mechanics bad and I think you would have no problem walking into a job at any shop around.

 

Thanks Lastkidpicked! Really want to get CDL and some miles, but mech would be a quick way to get used to area and ops. Having second thoughts about cold, it was 75 here today and felt almost cold. 40 below hummmm. Never would believe I am orig. from Duluth.

 

Somewhat colder in Williston than Duluth, because of Duluths maritime like climate, but Williston gets less precipitation.