What should I prepare for?
Please don’t feel that we’re painting oilfield trucking in a negative light here, as this isn’t our intention. We just want you to base your decisions on a realistic look of the sacrifices, expectations, and self-discipline rather than a big paycheck.
Keep in mind there isn’t a single company in the oil and gas industry that was built with the intentions of making you rich, or owing you anything. They’re only going to pay what the demand for your services will dictate.
We looked at the pros (Money, Money, Money), so now its time to take a look at the cons. For every gain there’s almost always something to sacrifice, so let’s move on to the darker side.
The reality is there is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, unless you built the rainbow.
What sort of issues or hardships do you think may be associated with trucking in the oilfields?
Money management/spending, economic uncertainty, unforeseen/additional expenses, long hours, extreme weather, loneliness (social isolation), drug and alcohol abuse, safety, and off road driving dangers and challenges.
Let’s take a quick look at each one except for safety and off road driving. We’re going to talk about these in a separate section devoted to what to expect behind the wheel.
Money Management
The number one reason truck drivers come to the oilfields is for the money. We touched on this in the last section. They often have a plan to pay off an unsustainable debt-load with their current wages. This is fine, but nothing is guaranteed so be prepared for slowdowns, layoffs and spring breakup. Money management and spending control are essential life skills and you’ll need them more than ever in this business.
Your financial plan should also include being able to cover yourself for at least 3 months at break-up time each spring. Spring break-up could last 2 weeks or 2 months depending on many different factors beyond your control, so plan for the worst. This is one reason people will choose a salaried position with bonuses over an hourly wage.
Oil and gas industry pay is very high and money management is an issue for many people. Spend what you make wisely.
Economic Uncertainty – Don’t get attached to the wages!
The biggest problem we have as humans today is spending. We usually spend what we make, and often we spend more than we make. I’m pretty sure in 50 years we’ll be called the “credit generation”, so make a plan and stick with it. Remember that this business is feast or famine like any other economic sector.
What happens if natural gas prices bottom out? What happens if budgets get cut? What happens during a recession? We mentioned that Alberta weathered the recent recession that hit in 2008 better than many other parts of North America, but it still hurt them. 2015-16 has been a full out crash.
Unforeseen or Additional Expenses
In your job search you should put this one high up the list. Where are you going to live? Some companies will pay for, or subsidize your housing. Some jobs require you to stay in a camp, and other jobs could be based out of hotel rooms. As a truck driver, you may even be used to living out of your truck.
There’s lots of companies that will do everything they can to accommodate you when things are busy, but when things are slow you may find yourself out on the street. Cutbacks happen quick in economic slowdowns, so the perks are the first thing to go. You may not think living in your truck is a perk, but if you’re living in the bunk, you’re burning company fuel. I’ve seen this perk go in slow times leaving people with little or no work looking for a place to live.
Living in a travel trailer or RV is another option, but can be challenging when the temperatures reach -20 to -50. Replacing burst lines from freezing may be an additional expense on top of the park fees of $800/month. I’m sure this seems high for a winter RV rate, but get used to it as local businesses are on the ball when it comes to making a buck off the high oilfield truck driving salaries you make.
Living in the sleeper is the most cost effective way to get ahead with oil and gas trucking jobs.
Some of the other expenses to consider are:
Higher cost of phone bills being away from home, food, and clothing. Living in northern communities usually has a premium. Just as you’re there taking advantage of higher wages due to the demand for drivers, local businesses take advantage of your disposable income. Trucking in their goods and paying higher wages raises their fixed operating expenses, which means they have to charge more.
Long Hours
This shouldn’t be a problem if you’re currently a truck driver. In fact, we’d put this in with the pros if it weren’t for all the new people reading this that haven’t driven a truck before. With oilfield trucking, you’ll be paid for everything you do. If not, then you’re with the wrong company. This isn’t like long haul trucking where your time is often exploited. They cover your loading time, waiting time, pre-trips, and other things that the rest of the trucking industry seems to squeeze from drivers whenever they can.
