Just returned from my Bakken "recon" trip

Those days are NOT over. I just hired two new drivers 3 months ago that had never driven a truck beyond CDL school and they will hit 90K by the end of their first year. After that they will easily make 120-140K. But that is where they will top out. If loads are available they could hit 160-180K. Ive been here for 5 years and there are no signs of it slowing down.

 

Put in 80 hours a week and you'll clear six figures. Just find a company that will let you run the hours. It's easy to log 80 hours using off duty well site.

 

I think, judging by what I'm reading here, that it's worth taking a chance and heading up there. I'm planning on attending CDL school over the summer and making a decision in September. Thanks to everyone, including the OP, for the informative posts.

 

Hello Gentlemen,

Im new to the Forum and need to rack up 7 replys to PM, thought I throw out some questions I have wanted to PM others and Introduce myself in the hopes of cementing some new friends.

In all sense of the word FREE I am a Free man, not tied to anything and able to pick up and move. I am currently on my second year of a Contract job in Afghanistan. This base is closing February 2015 and I am addicted to FAT paychecks.

I work aviation support, but have driven numerious hevy pieces of Hevy equipment and even drove a Volvo 440 E-matic Semi truck out on the Tarmac.

Looking forward to hitting the CDL school and go off to ND or OK to loo for an entry level job hauling whatever.

My main question is What citys can you guys recommend as places to look for housing and apartments, that are decent places to have a "normal" life with the wife. I am looking at working the oilfields and working as much as I do here 12 hours 7 days/week., Atleast. However I want to be able to go back "home" and have a place nearby to have as my base.

Fargo, Bismark? Any citys in Ok that would work? Texas?

I am a long way off from going, but would love to gain some insight. Since I am here in Afghanistan I am away from my wife for 6-8 months at a time. My goal would be to work the oilfields, but live in a city that I could commute to my job relativly easily. So I could maintain a sense of a "normal" life with my wife.

Thanks in Advance!

 

I worked in Killdeer SD for the past 2.5 years the money was good for the first year. I grossed 127,000 but let me tell you that is working seven days on. Things are getting worse now that the cut throat company's are up here rates are going way down. Seems like the scum of Arizona trucking is heading up to destroy another State. If you plan on coming up learn how to haul crude oil water is a waste of time and you have a lot of unpaid down time. Don't listen to the lies of water haulers making big money . The money is in CRUDE!!! If anyone needs any real and truthful advise let me know I would be glad to help. I have 6 more months in this #### hole and I will be calling it a day.. Good luck.

 

Man, oh man...Such contradictory reviews of the situation up there. It's hard to know what to think.

 

Now is a great time to come have a look for yourself. Weather is great and everybody is hiring like crazy. (70 deg and sunny today.)

 

What places to look? Dickinson, Williston? Do you bring a tent? Trailer camper? What and Where?

 

Because pretty much all of us work for different companies and in different areas it seems. I'd guess that that is what is causing the confusion.