Getting a job on "Ice Road Truckers?"

Discussion in 'Trucking Jobs' started by Owner's Operator, Aug 13, 2008.

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  1. Hyper

    Hyper Light Load Member

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    WildKat,
    I grew up in Alaska, but my grandparents live down in Alberta. My first 12 years of driving was all between Anchorage and Fairbanks with a few trips down to Homer every month. I have been down here in the states since 1998. To me, the roads in Alaska are safer then the ones here because of the inexperience of so many drivers. Snow and ice are just part of the problem in Alaska, or the haul roads in Canada. I just learned to never assume anything. Never drive beyond your vision. Expect the worse case scenario. Down here, drivers drive way beyond their limits and abilities. I try to stay away and give them a wide berth. I always try to route myself around weather, but when in a storm, I slow down and drive thru it.

    If folks REALLY want to get some cold weather experience. Apply with Alaska companies. Lyndon is a big one that hires American drivers. But you can also go to http://www.adn.com to find openings for Alaska drivers. Anchorage Cold Storage is the local beverage distributer, and I would suggest trying things out there first, before getting out on the highway.

    Good Luck!

    Hyper
     
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  3. Wildkat

    Wildkat <strong>Arctic Mistress</strong>

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    Oh I'm not looking for anything myself, as I'm quite happy where I am. We are busy enough to keep us all going, but I know there's quite a few carriers that are pretty nervous right now, especially the ones that run south of the border.

    It may be just because it's winter right now, but I have sure noticed alot less American trucks on the ALCAN highway these days. But, I understand Alaska is not near as affected by your economic troubles as the rest of the country.
     
  4. Hyper

    Hyper Light Load Member

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    Wildkat,
    I think that the experienced driver, with a good record, will always be able to find good paying work. I run from Houston to NYC, Boston, or LA and directly back. Those routes are not for everyone. We have 26 trucks and only a few guys can handle NYC. The city does not bother me, but I know it is not for everyone. I have faced moose and bears and 100mph cross winds, those NYC Taxi guys are pussycats compared to that. To some, the sounds of horns will drive them crazy, I can tune it out and safely get to where I need to be.

    I think the lower tiered drivers with the companies that get less then critical frieght, are the ones that will feel the slump. We continue to max out our cargo loads because of our level of service. I am 42yrs old and the youngest driver in the small fleet. Kat, I have been driving trucks since 1986, and these guys still consider me to be the "rookie". Great crew. Tight company and excellent customers.

    I think in this economic situation shippers are going to go with experience and what has worked for them. Service means everything, and the shipments are even more important then ever. I think that is why we are doing so well, and will continue to do so.
     
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  5. Native Dancer

    Native Dancer Heavy Load Member

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    Portland, Or.
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    I noticed a lot less trucks on the Highway this year, both Canadian and American. My good friends at Watson Lake say they have never seen so few trucks coming through. I had 55 loads going North that are on hold due to lack of credit in these economic times.
     
  6. Hyper

    Hyper Light Load Member

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    Watson Lake is an exciting place...
     
  7. Sundance

    Sundance Bobtail Member

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    Hudson Florida
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    It may be just because it's winter right now, but I have sure noticed alot less American trucks on the ALCAN highway these days. But, I understand Alaska is not near as affected by your economic troubles as the rest of the country.[/quote]

    Do you run the stretch between Dawson and Whitehorse much? eh

    Driving on the Ice in Alaska is a different experience than in the lower 48. The temperatures are lower and the Ice is dryer for most of the winter, therefore the traction properties are much better. The Ice in the lower 48
    is warmer sometimes melting and therefore the traction coefficients are much less.
    I am always glad to clear that little stretch about 48 mile south of Muncho Lake down into Ft Nelson. Ever been to the Toad River Lodge? Well of course you have not to many other places to stop around there are there.
    I have to agree with you on your comment earlier about the Ice Road truckers show. My nieghbors in Anchorage ran a three truck operation to prudoe Bay every winter, John and his son, Big John went three times a month from late November through March long before the TV over dramatization. They managed just fine.
     
    Last edited: Dec 25, 2008
  8. midget28

    midget28 Light Load Member

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    I'd like to try driving up north to see what driving on roads that arent filled with morons would be like lol. The frozen lake/river/ocean thing isnt to special to me I spent most of my teenage years driving on thin ice with cars and quads broke through once talk about a cold ### ride home on a quad with a 2 mile drive lol. Its a good thing the quad floated too or I wouldve been screwed lol.
     
  9. dockthumper

    dockthumper Light Load Member

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    Owen Sound, ON
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    Nothing like following directions that include turn at the third dead moose
     
  10. AfterShock

    AfterShock Road Train Member

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    Inland Empire, California
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    Frozen, no doubt? :biggrin_25523:
     
  11. Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

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    Is it a chocolate moose?:biggrin_255:
     
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