What Truck Drivers Do

Driver positions make up many of the jobs available in the oil and gas industry. Drivers are needed to operate a wide variety of vehicles and equipment, and job responsibilities vary with the position:

• Semi-truck drivers move equipment and supplies to and from job sites; transport oversized loads long distances; carry flammable or explosive loads; and are trained to operate equipment safely and efficiently.
• Drilling rig transport drivers move the rig to the next location by loading, transporting, and unloading machinery; and often must drive long distances in remote areas on rough terrain.
• Water truck drivers deliver drinking water to camps and other sites, and wet down gravel roads to keep dust low during periods of heavy use.
• Gravel truck drivers transport gravel and rock to job sites, and work with grader operators to maintain roads.
• String truck drivers load and transport pipe to the job site.
• Supply truck drivers load and carry food and supplies to the job sites or campsites.
• Vacuum truck drivers load and transport waste materials from job sites and campsites, and properly dispose of waste materials.
• Explosives delivery drivers transport explosive materials to the job site, unload their cargo and make sure that it is being stored safely at the job site; and follow regulations regarding the transportation and storage of dangerous goods.
• Hotshot drivers and couriers carry supplies to field crew.
• Picker truck drivers and operators load and unload heavy equipment with a hydraulic picker (boom) arm.
• Forklift operators load and unload trucks and move equipment and supplies around the job site with a forklift.

Truck Driver Job Requirements