Texas or North Dakota - are drivers still in demand?

From what I have been reading, You pretty much need to be there in person.

 

We use to haul over to Longview every night from the TX Panhandle. A company called Blueknight had a LACT over there. Use to see a company called EastTx and Premier (who is run by owner operators) run crude into that location.
http://www.bkep.com/
http://eastexcrude.com/

Also saw a lot of natural gas tankers (is that the correct term) over that way. Martin was one I recall.
http://themartincompanies.com/martin-transport

 

i don't trust much of anything on Craig's List. Do a google search for "oilfield CDL jobs". You'll find plenty. I also have used indeed.com. You can use the same search term and narrow it down by specifying the region you're interested in.

 

Like some have mentioned. If you have the option for TX or ND, I'd stick with TX. I'm not sure about ND or MT, but I believe TX doesn't have state income tax. Something to think about when your making $100K+ a year.

 

I was told you still have to pay the income tax in the state in which you permanently reside? Is this info wrong? I live in California. I talked to an independent contractor who was leased onto a company in Texas. He said he would have to deduct California state income tax unless I moved my residence to Texas. Was this a scam?

 

Forgot that a lot of oil field workers and drivers live elsewhere from where they work. So yes, you may want to check with your tax accountant about that. I live in Idaho. But when I had a job in CA, I still had to pay some income tax to Idaho.

Which brings up the issue of why there's a housing shortage in places like Williston. Most workers are on a 5 week on then 1 week off type schedule. They usually go back home to their family's for the week off to whatever else city or state they live in (a lot of Idahoans have taken jobs in ND). Depending on your financial situation, I know I wouldn't want to invest in a home in a "Oil or Mining Boom Town" area. There are homes and apartments being built in area's like Elko and Williston. But I wouldn't buy. I would think renting would be a better option for most.

Don't overlook other states like WY. Plenty of drilling going on there, too. Of all places up in this area, I would highly consider and recommend Casper. Doesn't seem to be as crazy as Williston.

 

I should add as well. I've been dropping loads to Red River Supply in Williston the last couple of months. The staff and drivers all seem very happy (until winter comes, I heard). They mostly run T800 and a few W900 with flatbed and bulk tankers that they run product out to the rigs. If you like driving in mud, snow, ice, high winds with sub-zero degree temps and dust, perfect area for you. And not to mention, the roads are getting pretty tore up!