The ice road trucking industry has been around for
many decades and is one of the oldest transportation
methods in Alaska over the frozen waterways.
Hundreds of transportation companies are situated at
strategic points throughout Alaska and Canada's network of
ice roads, in addition to trucking hubs in cities and
towns in isolated areas that can only be reached two
months out of the year. The choice is up to you
where you want to drive as there are many possibilities
and runs that are available.
There are also many satellite offices, loading and
unloading areas that are key to delivering much needed
supplies to the oil field's, towns and diamond mines in
Alaska and Northern Canada.
Interestingly, each major transportation company may have
to up to fifty trucks and lease more in order to get all
supplies where they need to be within the short 8-10 weeks
that is the ice road season, which begins in late November
and ends in Mid-January in most areas when it is coldest.
The dash for cash is on, and the more loads an ice road
trucker makes, the bigger the bonuses they will receive
from the transportation company that they are driving for.
Seasoned ice road truckers can make up to $90k USD, while
first-timers will typically earn between $20k-$40k,
depending on the region, where the firm is based and which
ice roads they run.
Along with natives and residents of Canada and the U.S.,
you'll find that there are many non-residents as well
working the ice roads that come from Europe and other
areas of the world because of the pay and benefits which
are unbeatable.
As far as job availability is concerned, they are always
hiring, both for primary, relief and backup drivers, and
at any given time there is always about 30-40% positions
to be filled due to the high turnover rate and short season.
Many seasoned ice road truckers come back each year, but
more than half do not to pursue other interests which means
open contracts are in abundance.
Transportation companies get reimbursed a lot for
delivering goods under risky conditions, and so they don't
want to miss out. This is achieved by staffing up to
40% over and above what they need. The reason
being is that it's cheaper to pay a driver on standby that
might not work full time than lose the client or load.
So, even though you may be looking at five days of driving at
the week, many ice road truckers only drive three or four
as the transportation company switches between drivers to
give them breaks so they don't get fatigued and make
mistakes on the road. Keep in mind though, your pay
is guaranteed not to change and you will receive it in
full regardless of how many hours you put in.
Although, we suggest you drive hard for the bonuses!
Whether you're looking to drive the ice roads between
Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Canada or
head up to the Northwest Territories near Yellowknife and
challenge yourself on the ice road up there, it's all up
to you. Try your hand by driving over the ice road
from the barren territories of the Yukon or go make some
trips from Northeastern Ontario to Moosonee and
surrounding areas. The Alaskan bush near and around
Prudhoe Bay is booming and truck driving opportunities
over the ice roads need to be filled. They need
drivers now. Other popular ice road truck trucking
runs between Nunavut to villages and townships around
Ontario's Albany River
Whatever you decide, you will have the contacts to ensure
that you secure your job as an ice road trucker.
There is no doubt about it, hands down, the commercial
truck driving industry on the ice roads is the best
opportunity for those looking for adventure, good pay and
great benefits.
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