what is toughest on allot of guy's new to the area, is the great northern m-m-m-moose knuckle.

 

This was posted yesterday... Hoeven: EPA not planning to halt ‘fracking’ in ND | Great Plains Examiner

 

Oh man that is amazing. That puts my mind to ease a little bit at least. I would strap a bomb to my chest if I got my Class-A and all that and they shut it down. Yelling Allah Ackbar the whole time.

 

You might want to yell that as if your voice doesn't work... They pass that thing about anti-terrorism and they'll haul you off to Gitmo indefinitely.

 

So what you're saying is I get a free vacation to an island! Only 90 miles from Key West!

 

I don't know jack about N.D. or oil well drilling but I do know about campers and heaters and your in for a COLD winter! Almost all campers are built for 3 seasons, wanna guess what one they didn't plan for?
You will need to get another tank (100 lb) and have that hooked to the camper and keep an eye on the level or you'll run out.(real quick)
Your going to face cold like you've never seen before and that camper won't warm up till June!
Good luck and keep us updated on your adventure.

 

I'm in CDL training right now and headed up there from Atlanta in early Feb. We should stay in touch regarding new job opps we come across once we arrive... I'm likely buying a truck w/ a friend and putting it to work hauling frac sand or gravel (or maybe water).

 

BB,

Just having a CDL is no guarantee that someone will hire you. Most outfits up here still require at least three years experience.

But, give this outfit a call... Bakken Staffing

I have heard Bakken Staffing on a few talk shows up here and they have stated that they have found driving jobs for newbie truck drivers like yourself in the oil patch.

And I can tell you from my own experiences being up here for near a year driving, the outfits up here like to see a few years driving, especially winter driving and some off road. Not saying you will not get a job, but your choices may be a bit slim. That is why I suggest you give the above staffing agency a call.

Try to at least get into contact with a few employers up here. Craig's List is a fantastic resource. Search the entire state of ND, as that is where all of the oil field work is advertised. Look under the transportation link. Also google "The Williston Shopper", as they have a fantastic classified section that is updated weekly.

Or, if you want a guaranteed job, call these guys... Hiring positions in the oilfield including CDL-A Drivers and Diesel Mechanics / Mile High Energy Solutions

They hire for Baker Hughes, not really a driving job, but will get you housing and a paycheck while you look for that perfect driving job. They will also get you most of the required oil field tickets to get on drill sites. They will also pay for your CDL training and pay you $23 an hour to attend, along with your accommodations. Not a bad deal.

Hope this helps, and dress warm


On edit: If you do your due diligence, like calling the above staffing agency (they do not charge you, and no, I do not work for them or know anyone there). Odds are that you will get a job and free housing, or rent that is reasonable, much cheaper than renting a lot in a camp ground or RV park. And don't think you can park a camper or RV anywhere you want up here, most parks are full and not taking any new customers. And the local authorities really frown upon that here and will run you off if you hang for more than a day or two where you shouldn't. Even Wal-Mart is not very friendly in that regard like they may be in your neck of the woods. Like I said over at the "how is this company" thread, this is allot like the wild west out here. Don't think you can just march into town and everything is going to be lovey dovey up here. And I am not trying to be a d-ck, I know I probably sound like one and am trying to discourage you from coming up with your camper, I am not. Just telling you like it is, and again, if you do your due diligence you should have no problem landing a job that includes housing at no charge to you.

 

I live in company housing, small two bedroom single wide trailer in Alexander ND, about 25 miles south of Williston. The trailer park we are in has full year round hookups. Lot rent is $800 a month + electricity, you supply your own propane. This is about average for the area. I have heard of prices of up to $1500 + utilities a month in Watford City and around Williston.

Just to add, more housing is coming on line daily, especially with this mild winter we are currently experiencing up here. Most of the better employers up here have some sort of free housing. I am on my third employer in a year, and have yet to have to pay for housing.

And to those who are thinking of renting a house up here, most housing anywhere near the patch is renting for roughly $4000 + or - a month + utilities. Rooms from Williston to Minot are going for anywhere from $800 to $1500 a month. It is not an inexpensive place to be. Heck, I paid $14 for an omelette just the other day. The two eggs, ham and toast special was $8.00. If you have to ask how much something is up here, you probably cannot afford it.

Oh, a good place to look for lots or housing if you are in the market is the Sidney or Glendive Montana area. Still close to the action, but prices are much more reasonable.

Mike

 

Good luck.

I'm for South Dakota and have some harsh reality for you. NO ONE is going to let you park your camper. Willston has a new ordinance prohibiting sleeping in a vehicle with wheels and your camper won's survive the winner. Sorry.