Heading For Little Rock! Maverick

I'm still on here from time to time. Just staying busy and not much time to check in.

 

In case most of you haven't heard, Maverick is shutting down the SWN (sand) division effective May 1st. We received the news Tuesday via a Qualcomm message. Needless to say, this was quite a shock to us all. The reasons aren't exactly clear. Maverick is telling us it's because there is a glut of natural gas and prices have hit such a low mark that most energy companies are cutting back on new wells. I talked to a friend that has gas wells in his section and his monthly income from those wells has dropped from $7000/month to $200/month. Maverick gets paid for every day the sand trucks are on a well.

All of our trailers have been put up for sale but we will continue to work until May 1 or as long as SWN has work for us or the trailers are sold.

As drivers, we've been given the option of moving to the other divisions if we want when the time comes. Many of us have never pulled flat beds so we will have to go through load securement class. Many are looking for jobs elsewhere.

My plans are to stay and move to the US Division. My wife is 100% disabled so I need to be home as often as possible. Plus with my own health issues, I've jumped through all the hoops Maverick has ever put in front of me. I really don't want to do it again for another company.

 

Hadnt heard that but yeah there has been a big drop in natural gas prices. Although it doesnt seem to have translated to my gas bill this past winter. Hmmm

 

I've checked around and put in a few applications but none of them have impressed me. Plus I'd have to work the night shift and I don't sleep well during the day. Another thing to consider is what happens if all drilling in Arkansas were to stop completely or cut back drastically. I'd be back in the same if not worse position. So far my best bet is staying at Maverick even if it does mean going back over the road. I'm not planning on working over a couple of more years anyway because of an inheritance coming our way.

My wife is more stressed over all this than I am and I can understand why. She's gotten used to me being home every night. As for me, I know I'm employed whether the sand goes away or not and that does give me some comfort. My biggest stress is having to learn how to do what you all already have learned and do. It may not be as easy for me because of my knee problems but I'll figure out a way.



One more thing and it's probably been answered before but I'm too lazy to go look. I use a Cpap machine. Has Maverick been putting inverters in the trucks or do I have to buy my own? I have one but it may be bigger than they allow.

Maybe when I get into a maroon truck I can take my 2M/440M with me. (W9RDS).

 

My understanding is all Cascadias have inverters. Yeah most definitely bring your 2m! 73's

 

Being a sand driver, I live close to NLR (Vilonia), so when it comes time and we get some medical bills paid, I'll get my stuff together. My wife was telling me today that I need to start getting things together but it'll be at least another couple of weeks. If we end up not doing this next well then all us sand drivers (who haven't pulled flat beds) are going to need to get through securement training soon to keep making money. I do know of a couple who have already found other jobs elsewhere.

 

Sorry to hear about the whole gas and sand hauling thing. I'll be thinking about you guys and your families, hope everything works out for everybody. Maverick is one of the companies that I am thinking about putting an app in with but if you current drivers are going to have to go thru securement training it will probably put everyone back a few weeks. That's ok I guess, still trying to get all my ducks in a row before I make the leap to the trucking lifestyle. Like I said, good luck to you all.

 

I don't really think there will be enough of us to have much effect on new hires. Some of the sand drivers came from flat bed so all they'll have to do is test out to get back. Some may go to temp control and some are leaving Maverick so don't let any of this stop you.

I have talked to my boss at Maverick and I will begin "Load Securement" class this Thursday. If the Sand Division has work I'll work it through Wednesday.

 

I just wanted to say hi to everyone. It's been a long time since I have been on here. I applied to Maverick to see if they would hire me back and they said since I left on good terms and still have a good driving record that they would rehire me! After I left and went to drive for a dry van company I really wished I had never left Maverick. Oh well, I had to satisfy my hunger to see if I liked it. Not enough home time and the pay wasn't all that great. Easy work though. I start Orientation on April 22nd. That sucks to hear about the sand guys though.