Hello to all forum veterans and newbies! I have been trolling the forum here for since about June of '12 and I have to compliment all contributors new and old-the information provided and questions posed are very, very helpful. I am finally posting now as I've had time to review, prepare and decide that I'd like to move myself north to take part in the wealth of opportunities in the Bakken oilfields. After reading all I could in formal media publications, forums, websites and digesting that with the emails and stories of folklore of the "wild west" style of the Bakken area, I finally decided to forgo those preconceptions and come and see for myself.
I may write further of the actual experience of driving into the "supposed" wild west, but suffice to say other than there being a rather large amount of traffic (obviously) the whole area has seemed warm and much more normal than those in the manner of spewing about how crazy this area is seem to like to project.
But finally, to my point- I am looking for any specific recommendations for a decent outfit that would be willing to take on a partial newbie. I recently acquired my official CDL-A with all endorsements (just waiting on return for fingerprinting). I have a squeaky clean driving record with not so much as a speeding ticket for over the last 5 years. I have my passport for outfits that my run north of the border and have no issues with doing so if required. Also, I am completely free of any drug habit of any sort (I don't even smoke-boring I know!) other than the desire to have a cold beer or two at the end of a week's work. I have only to complete my H2S and OSHA training, which I understand I can complete in a couple of days(?). Where I lack specifically is in formal, verifiable OTR or hauling experience. I drove a rig on the farm years back from field to market but in that mode I wasn't even mandated to have an official CDL license. I drove many years in that capacity where I would rate my total years experience at 6 years. In that capacity I also had much experience with driving off the road in sometimes very poor conditions as well as interstate driving. I also am familiar with numerous types of mechanical equipment and inclined in minor routine maintenance and repair thereof.
So, in short what I am in need of is a outfit that will be willing to overlook my non-conforming experience background and give me a shot to prove that I have the abilities to drive a rig safely and proficiently. I also might mention that I have lodging lined up if necessary in the Watford City area, BUT if there was a outfit that provided lodging that would be a very nice bonus but not a specific requirement of any sort. I have gleaned a number of the leads from this post recent and old such as Sanjel, Waggoners, Hurleys Oil, UCP, Shoppers News, etc. but after knowing my specific situation and background if there is any suggestion in addition to those I would welcome any and all. Thanks much and apologies for the long-winded post but I figured I may as well make the first one a good one. At least if this doesn't work out I here there may be some new openings in reffing for the NFL, just need some stripes, hat, a whistle and some eye blinders! Thanks again everyone!
Last edited by thebigmac_1; 09-27-2012 at 12:25 AM.
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