Should I go Oilfield instead?

Discussion in 'Oilfield Trucking Forum' started by DRTDEVL, Feb 22, 2014.

  1. DRTDEVL

    DRTDEVL Road Train Member

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    Austin, MN
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    Alright, this post is quite simple. For those who have been on both sides of the fence, which way should I head? I will be retiring from the Army (88M with nearly two decades on the Heavy Equipment Transport System), signing out in about 3 months. I currently have an offer from two different OTR companies, non-megas, with the better one offering 37 cpm.

    On the flip side, the oilfield intrigues me.

    I own an older 38' diesel pusher RV that I can live out of full-time, provided I find a space for not too much money. I currently reside in El Paso, so I am only about 4 hours away from the Permian and can come back to see momma on a semi-regular basis for cheap.

    I will eventually receive my disability rating from the VA. With Combat Related Special Compensation, once everything is approved, I will likely not need to continue working and would be recommended to draw SSDI instead. I suffer from Lupus, two forms of arthritis, 3 herniated lumbar discs, two ruptured discs (L4-L5 and L5-S1), had two shoulder repair surgeries in the last 18 months from excessive grinding via heavy combat gear among other, more minor, issues.

    My wife is concerned that my body will quit on me once I hit the oilfields and is leaning towards OTR (what wife prefers OTR?). She also likes the security that one company is literally awaiting me signing out on leave and I can start the very next day with a personal orientation before heading out to make money while still on leave. I, on the other hand, see the earnings potential out on the oilfields and can't look away. I am used to being gone from home for months on end in austere environments with harsh weather while working 12-18 hour days non-stop. Considering I can make better money in those environments without hajji trying to blow me up or shoot a rocket at my living quarters while I sleep, its a no-brainer to me.

    So, what say you, truckers in the oil field? Should I follow the plan my wife is more comfortable with and go OTR, or should I live my mantra of "you gotta risk it to get the biscuit" and take a shot? If I hit the oilfields, with my medical issues (don't worry, I passed the DOT physical last month), what line of work should I head towards? I have my Class A with NPT, I passed the H/X endorsement but haven't paid the money for the background check yet (not going to be an issue, currently possess a SECRET clearance) since I wasn't going to make money off it yet. I am always willing to work provided it is safe to do so, thus I would only work for a company that will not fire me for refusing to move based on safety.
     
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  3. billybakerjr75835

    billybakerjr75835 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 21, 2014
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    First off brother thank you for your services to out country.
    I would say oil feld. Better money and a lot less bs I think.
    If you get into heavy haul in the oil feld more than likely they will give u a swamper to help you.
    Hope this helps you. But just my opinion
     
  4. 10speed55

    10speed55 Light Load Member

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    by all means I say oil fields. get you a sand hauling job [very easy work] make some excellent money and escape all the bs that's going on with otr. my opnion you will make more money with a lot less time on the road, unless of course you get a rare dedicated deal or local.
     
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  5. 10speed55

    10speed55 Light Load Member

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    oh yeah thank you for your service to our country.
     
  6. TLeaHeart

    TLeaHeart Road Train Member

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    casper, wy
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    having done both, hauling crude oil in the field, oil field was a whole lot gentler on my body than OTR... Climbing in and out of the truck, 20 ft up in the air on catwalks, all helped to keep the blood flowing and the arthritis to not lock and flair.

    Just my view. Congratulations on finishing your time serving the country.... and one does have to keep the "boss" at home happy.
     
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  7. Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

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    TL Heart is right. Forget sand. It's old news. Might have a good month here and there but not like it was. Crude is not hard and pays well. Just do it correctly and count that money.
     
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  8. Arky

    Arky Heavy Load Member

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    It's a no-brainer in my opinion as well. The Permian is in your back yard and the money will be at least 50% more than you'll see otr. Oilfield companies love former military so you'll likely be a shoe-in with any of them. There are quite a few of those jobs where you will get enough time off to go home fairly often being that you live in EP. Where I worked in San Angelo, they had went to a 5/2, 5/3 work schedule. Every other week, you would have a 3 day weekend. Some jobs will be 14-21 days on/7 off. You cant beat that and be close to home.

    What you will get from these otr companies is guaranteed hometime once a month or something. What they don't tell you is that you will be home about long enough to kiss your wife, take a shower and change clothes...then you'll have a delivery to make. Or.. they will route you through EP and when you stop for your 10 hr break...guess what? THAT was your hometime for the month.

    Get a job where you are appreciated and compensated for your work. Step out your back door and find something in the oilfield.

    THANK YOU for your service. I can't imagine what you guys have went through and experienced over there. Rattlesnakes seem pretty harmless, huh?
     
  9. Arky

    Arky Heavy Load Member

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    I sent you a pm with some info also. For anyone who cares...has nothing to do with any referral.
     
  10. Aireal

    Aireal Medium Load Member

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    Garden City, TX
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    Thank you for your service!

    I know how the wife feel's ( I am one) but Oil Field is the way to go, as everyone has already pointed out. Having done the OTR bit, my husband say's he wouldn't go back to it. Sitting still all day with the Dryvan, he had more problems with his joint's than flatbedding or the water hauling job he has now. Money's better by a mile... though I miss seeing the country ( yup I rode along), He doesn't miss OTR at all.
     
  11. DRTDEVL

    DRTDEVL Road Train Member

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    Austin, MN
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    What is the best way to narrow down potential employers from afar? I will make a trip out there one of the coming weekends to try and meet people face to face and get my foot in the door, but I would hope to narrow the search a bit.

    Is Craigslist an accurate depiction of what to expect? I see a lot of lowballers on there looking to hire vac truck operators with 2+ years experience at $15/hr straight time.
     
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