I thought I would start a new thread since the others I've found are mostly outdated.

One thing I've ran across a few times now while looking for driving jobs in the TX oilfields is that some of them actually list a requirement "Texas CDL with Hazmat and Tanker". Do they actually require you to have a TX CDL? I've seen a lot of different little quirks about that sort of stuff..just makes me wonder.......

Anywho...I've been digging up all the info I can find. I've talked to that OrangeTexas dude a bit in pm's too. I'm ready to go to TX and get to work. It does seem though that distance is a negative. I'm starting to get the impression that either they want TX residents or they at least want you to be in TX when you apply. I understand that to some extent, but I hate to take off down there with a chance of coming back empty handed too.

What sucks is...I delivered a load in Midland, TX not long ago. I hauled butt to El Paso cause that's where we get a lot of freight out of. Seeing all the oilfield trucks around there is what got me to thinking about this. I just wish I had known then what I know now. I would have stayed a while and knocked on some doors!

 

There is definitely work in Texas. There is also a BOAT LOAD of work in North Dakota. I am pretty sure that you would not come back empty handed. I personally am an owner operator and also lease other owner ops on up here in ND. I am currently in the need of an additional 30 trucks. If you are looking to make some big bucks - ND has better pay rates than Texas. I have a friend that has some work in Texas too though if you are interested. If you want more info - let me know and if not that is fine too. Good luck in your journey

 

Thanks for the response Knotty. I've applied to a few of the better companies in TX and I want to give that some time probably to see if anything comes through. I may want to become o/o at some point, I've owned a few trucks over the years. I wouldn't consider it right now though. I need the experience first. I wouldn't even know what specs to look for at this point.

I'll definitely keep you in mind though. I might be ok in ND up to about October/November but I would be headed for warmer weather pretty quick after that..lol. I prefer cold over hot...up to a point...lol.

 

I drive a truck in the oilfields of West Texas. I haul frac sand for Halliburton. There are alot of driving jobs out here,but you pretty much have to apply in person. There are alot of water companies hiring water truck drivers,if you have your haz mat talk to the companies that haul crude oil. Another issue out here is housing.It is limited and expensive. I live in my truck for twoweeks at a time,then go home. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks chain binder. I've been applying to the crude haulers, but honestly, I wonder if it's not better to drive a water truck with a sleeper cab so that you can avoid the housing situation completely...as your doing. Who are the best paying water haulers? I've read that Haliburton pays less than some of the others?

 

Alot of your water hauling companies run daycabs as well. Check with Musselwhite Trucking, Basic Trucking and Nabors Trucking. They are the better water hauling companies out there. You want to haul frac sand. Check with Lindig Trucking out of Johnson City Tx., Chalk Mountain Trucking out of San Angelo,Tx. Check Craigs List look under Odessa Tx. Alot of driving jobs on there. Hopes this helps.

 

Got a call today...my first serious chance at one of the better companies. Waiting on a phone interview...maybe tomorrow. I'll keep the co. name to myself for now.

 

Phone interview went well today. I am scheduled for an in-person interview this coming Monday in Abilene. Then, I'm told that if everything goes well, the job offer will be made contingent upon physical, drug test, etc. I'll do all of that on Tuesday. She said that it typically take TWO WEEKS for the results to come back and then I could start to work...lol. Wow...thought it was a lot quicker than that. It is possible though that they don't start the background check until after the interview...could be the explanation. Anyway..so far so good!

I will likely spend at least part of that two weeks looking for a place to stay once I'm hired.

 

That sounds good, Arky. It sounds like you are on your way. If you need a place to stay, you may look into buying one of those RV's that the government bought for Katrina. There are thousands of them for sale and some can be bought for as little as $2,500 to $4,500. All you would need is a place to get electric and sewer.

 

Thanks. I have buddy that has one for sale, I'm going to look at it tomorrow. It's not one of the Fema units, but supposedly has very little use. If everything goes well Monday and Tuesday, I'll take a look around and get an idea of what I want to do...rv camper or apt lease. I have found some rv lots where I'll be working in the $200/mo range. The apartments I'm seeing there are in the $600-$700 range...so there is a money savings with the camper..and it's towable...lol.