Trucking Jobs in Alaska
You think you have it bad with driving problems, how would you like to drive your truck on 414 miles of gravel road through ice and heavy snow? That is what happens if you haul your load on Alaska's Dalton Highway like Ice Road Truckers do.
The loads hauled over this route are mainly for the North Slope oil fields. They include such things as fuel, cars, groceries, heavy machinery, and equipment. This oil field is one of the largest in the U.S. and these goods have to be trucked over 414miles (a 14 hour trip) to reach this destination.
With this, the question arises "Why on earth would anyone take a trucking job under such conditions?" The answer is the money. With a salary of $120,000+ average for a 3-month season there are a number of hardy men do this hauling.
Various truck driving jobs are available in Alaska with Auto Truck Transport, Con-way Truckload, Covenant Transport, The Mason & Dixon Lines, and USA Truck. Depending on the company, owner operators, company drivers, and recent graduate, jobs are available. Some even offer training. These companies can be found on their Internet sites.
There is no doubt that this is a job only for people who are able to work under stressful and hazardous conditions. Things such as flat tires and other breakdowns can occur with no immediate roadside assistance. However, there are drivers who have worked here for many years and would not dream of going "down" to the states to work.
The majority of ice road truckers have a cabin or a home in Fairbanks or one of the other Alaskan cities. Cities in Alaska provide restaurants and recreational facilities just like the rest of the U.S., however there are differences not only in weather conditions, but daylight hours as well. People who live there love its vastness and the unique traditions of the residents. For those who like to fish, some of the most beautiful salmon in the world is caught in this area, and there is excellent hunting for a variety of game.