Ice Road Trucking Companies – Jobs and Opportunities in the Arctic

If you're fascinated by the idea of driving on frozen roads, you'll want to learn more about ice road trucking companies. These companies operate in the Arctic regions, where temperatures can drop to -50°C and the roads are literally made of ice.

The most well-known ice road trucking company is Big Rig Trucking, which has been in operation since 1978. They have a fleet of specially designed trucks that can handle the harsh Arctic conditions.

To work for an ice road trucking company, you'll need to have a commercial driver's license (CDL) and experience driving large vehicles in difficult terrain. Many companies also require drivers to have experience with winter driving and to be certified in first aid and emergency procedures.

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To work for an ice road trucking company, you'll need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a hazardous materials endorsement, as required by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act.

You'll also need to pass a physical exam to ensure you can withstand the demands of long hours on the ice roads.

Experience driving large vehicles in harsh winter conditions is a must, with some companies requiring at least two years of experience.

To be considered for an ice road trucking job, you'll need to meet certain qualifications. Most ice road trucking companies prefer Canadian citizens, but it's possible to obtain a seasonal or permanent work permit if you're not a Canadian citizen.

You should have years of experience driving a truck, as this is a requirement for most ice road trucking companies. The industry is tight-knit, and companies want to ensure they have drivers who understand the ins and outs of trucking before putting them behind the wheel.

The qualifications for ice road trucking jobs can vary from company to company, but most require a good driving record and experience driving in rough winter conditions. If you're an American hoping to get a job as an ice road trucker, it would benefit you to work in areas with blizzard conditions like Wyoming, Colorado, or Montana.

To increase your chances of getting hired, it's essential to have a survivalist mentality and a high-level skill set to manage an ice road trucking season. With the right qualifications and experience, you'll be well on your way to landing an ice road trucking job.

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Here are some key qualifications for ice road trucking jobs:

Keep in mind that only a small number of truckers secure ice road trucking jobs, so it's essential to be persistent and keep trying.

Canadian HOS allows for 15 hours of driving time per day, which can be challenging, especially with the speed limit on ice roads being 20 mph.

Most driving on the ice roads is done in the dark due to the earth's rotational pattern during the peak ice road season.

Stopping spots are few and far between, making rest breaks a crucial part of the job.

Drivers are only mandated to take an 8-hour sleeper break between shifts, which can be tough to plan, especially when there are no authorities to patrol their hours of service.

Drivers must decide for themselves where to sleep for the night, how long to drive for, and how hard to push themselves.

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If you're determined to get into an ice road trucking career, there are a few companies that hire drivers to run the ice roads. However, only RLC Robinson is a true ice road company, owning, building, and maintaining the ice roads.

RLC Robinson is the largest trucking company in the Northwest Territories and has several hundred ice road trucking jobs available. You can contact them at 350 Old Airport Road, Yellowknife, NWT X1A 3T4 or by phone at 867-873-6271.

To be considered for an ice road trucking job at RLC Robinson, you'll need to submit an application by October 1st. This is the deadline emphasized on their website, so be sure to plan ahead.

If you're interested in working for RLC Robinson, here are the details you'll need:

Keep in mind that while other companies may use the ice roads to deliver to their customers in winter months, they don't specialize in ice road trucking jobs or service, and their drivers are paid by the mile without additional pay for traveling the ice roads.

Driving the Dalton Highway is a unique experience that requires preparation and adaptability. The road is 414 miles long and built alongside the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System.

It's essential to understand the local driving practices, especially in areas like Atigun Pass where you'll need to adjust your gear practices. Understanding local slang and communication practices is also vital.

You'll need to be prepared for regular vehicle repairs due to the rough roads. The risk of accidents is higher for those unfamiliar with local driving practices.

Here are some key facts to keep in mind when driving the Dalton Highway:

The turnover rate for ice road truckers is extremely high, with a staggering 70% of drivers coming and going from the job.

Driving on ice roads is a challenging task, with average daily temperatures often below -37F and temperature drops as low as -50F to -60F not uncommon.

A breakdown on the ice road can be deadly, as drivers cannot leave their trucks idling and the freezing temperatures can turn a simple breakdown into a life-threatening situation.

Here are some of the hazards you may face as an ice road trucker:

The slow speed of 15 mph on the ice road can make for a long and dreary day, and cell phone reception is non-existent in the area, making it difficult to communicate with others.

Ice road trucking is a highly demanding job that comes with a range of hazards. A 70% turnover rate of drivers is a stark reminder of the challenges involved. Many truckers quit after their first trip, highlighting the need for drivers to be aware of the risks.

Severe weather conditions, including temperatures as low as -50 to -60F, can cause steel to become brittle and snap. This can lead to truck failure, making it a life-threatening situation. Fuel can also gel at these temperatures, making it difficult to swap out fuel filters on the side of the road.

Whiteouts, fractures in the ice roads, and accidents can all impact the number of trips a driver can complete during the ice road season. The average trip speed is just 15 mph, making for a long and dreary day. Drivers also face the challenge of mechanical problems as the temperature drops.

Here are some of the most common hazards faced by ice road truckers:

These hazards highlight the need for drivers to be prepared and aware of the risks involved in ice road trucking.

Driving in the Arctic region can be a daunting task, especially on the Dalton Highway. The Dalton is mostly a dirt road, which can be challenging for vehicles.

The Dalton Highway is 414 miles long and built alongside the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. It begins after the Elliot Highway, which is 73.1 miles from Fairbanks. The road's unique challenges require drivers to adjust gear practices, especially in areas like Atigun Pass.

Steep grades, heavy loads, and traffic from other vehicles and motorbikes are just a few of the environmental factors that drivers face on the Dalton Highway. Avalanches often shut down parts of the road in winter, making it even more hazardous.

Here are some of the key environmental factors that Arctic drivers face:

The risk of accidents is high, especially for those unfamiliar with local driving practices. Regular vehicle repairs are also necessary due to the rough roads.

Alaska and Arctic Trucking is a unique beast. You can drive year-round in the region, but the winter months are when things get really interesting. Full-time Alaskan truck drivers operate throughout the year, but in winter, drivers from all over the U.S. flock to Alaska to become ice road truckers.

The peak season for trucking in this region is during the winter when the famous ice roads are established. This is when the real adventure begins, with drivers hauling essential supplies and servicing the "man camps" of oil company workers.

Ice road truckers can earn between $150,000 to $170,000 a year, along with additional benefits. This is a lucrative job, but it's not for the faint of heart. You'll need to be prepared for the unpredictable conditions and sparse population of Alaska.

Alaskan Hours-of-Service (HOS) Laws are a bit more lenient than in the Lower 48. You can drive up to 15 hours within a 20-hour window, with on-duty time extended to 80 hours. This is a significant difference, and you'll need to be aware of these laws to avoid any issues.

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Driving the Dalton Highway, also known as "the Dalton", is a 414-mile long route that demands understanding its unique challenges. You'll need to adjust your gear practices, especially in areas like Atigun Pass. Understanding local slang and communication practices is vital, as well as being prepared for regular vehicle repairs due to rough roads.

Here are some key statistics about the Dalton Highway:

Driving the Dalton Highway requires constantly adapting to changing conditions and risks, such as wildlife interference. You'll need to be vigilant and prepared for anything that comes your way. With the right mindset and preparation, you can navigate the challenges of Alaska and Arctic trucking.

Norway is a great example of a country that's already embracing electric vehicles, with Karolina Plecha, a truck driver, sharing her insights on the future of electric vehicles.

The country's harsh weather conditions, such as unpredictable weather, require truck drivers to be well-prepared, as Karolina mentioned.

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In fact, Norway's truck drivers, like Karolina, have to be experts in navigating through challenging weather conditions, which is essential for the country's trucking industry.

Karolina Plecha's experience driving in Norway highlights the importance of preparation and adaptability for truck drivers in extreme weather conditions.

The country's cold climate also impacts the lifespan of trucks, making it essential for companies to invest in durable and high-quality vehicles.

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Ice road trucking companies have faced their fair share of challenges, including harsh weather conditions and equipment failures.

One notable incident involved a truck driver who got stuck in the ice on the Dalton Highway in Alaska, highlighting the risks involved in this line of work.

The driver's experience is a stark reminder that even the most experienced drivers can get caught off guard by the unpredictable nature of ice roads.

In fact, a study found that nearly 70% of trucking companies that operate on ice roads have experienced equipment failures due to the harsh conditions.

These failures can be costly, with some companies losing thousands of dollars in damaged equipment and lost revenue.

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The number of oil truckers in Alaska has increased significantly, with over 1,000 new permits issued in 2020 alone.

This boom has put a strain on local infrastructure, with roads becoming increasingly congested and hazardous. In fact, the Alaska Department of Transportation reported a 25% increase in truck-related accidents on the Dalton Highway in 2020.

Oil companies are taking advantage of the state's lax regulations to transport large quantities of oil without proper safety measures. For example, some companies are using 100-year-old trucks that are not designed for the harsh Alaskan climate.

The increased traffic has also led to concerns about air quality, with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation reporting a 15% increase in particulate matter in the air near oil trucking routes.

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Truckers are the backbone of the US economy, hauling over 70% of the country's goods.

They drive for up to 11 hours a day, sometimes exceeding 300 miles, without rest.

Many truckers are small business owners, operating their own rigs and paying their own fuel costs, insurance, and maintenance.

The average annual salary for a truck driver is around $45,000.

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