Big Money In The Desert

I recall hearing Haliburton got paid by the "run" (not to be confused with "the load"). Contractors (drivers) were killed driving empty tankers up and down dangerous highways.

Yeah... thanks but I'll pass!

A guy went to high school with worked for Halliburton driving trucks in the Middle East. He was making almost a quarter mil a year. Every few months they would fly him and his family anywhere he wanted for vacation. But like Marc said, it is very dangerous work. He did it for a couple years ended up costing him his marriage.

Sounds like he was lucky.

Could have cost him his life!

My cousin does this in Afghanistan. Crazy money & crazy perks but what LDRSHIP says is completely on point. I applied but haven't heard back. Guess I'm too green still.

My cousin does this in Afghanistan. Crazy money & crazy perks but what LDRSHIP says is completely on point. I applied but haven't heard back. Guess I'm too green still.

Money is insane. Starting is like close to $150k. First $85k is tax free. They try to structure your pay where actual taxable income stays under $100k. The rest is per diem and other non taxable pays. The insurance is really good as well. The life insurance is outstanding. But, I guess if that comes into play you have had a really bad day. Then again, last time I even bothered looking was 2010/2011 time frame. Things can change in 8 years.

Hey Pack Rat. You got any info on the driver requirements and restrictions on on driving in Australia?

Best place to go is Australia where there is a driver shortage.

Best place to go is Australia where there is a driver shortage.

Australia would be interesting and you could really rack up the miles over there. I wonder if Austrailia has HOS regs.? However, Australia is infamous for the largest population of poisonous snakes in the world. And the most varied species of them. You would have to add a snake inspection to your pretrip and you better not skip it or do a lackadaisical job of it. Not just engine compartment but cab and sleeper compartment also.

I think I'll stay put here where it's relatively safe. Although those Schneider trucks do have the snake decal on both sides of the tractor.

My cousin does this in Afghanistan. Crazy money & crazy perks but what LDRSHIP says is completely on point. I applied but haven't heard back. Guess I'm too green still.

Money is insane. Starting is like close to $150k. First $85k is tax free. They try to structure your pay where actual taxable income stays under $100k. The rest is per diem and other non taxable pays. The insurance is really good as well. The life insurance is outstanding. But, I guess if that comes into play you have had a really bad day. Then again, last time I even bothered looking was 2010/2011 time frame. Things can change in 8 years.

Yep! He, my cousin, does better than that figure you posted. He's been at it for years. Seen his share of things I'd rather not mention. My attitude is that you're gonna go when it's your time, regardless of where you are or what you're doing. Are the risks high? Of course! As with anything in life, no risk, no reward.

Hey Pack Rat. You got any info on the driver requirements and restrictions on on driving in Australia?

No, but I heard an interview on Road Dog Trucking Channel 146 on SiriusXM on OOIDA’s daily show, “Landline Now” several months ago on the subject. I think there may have also been an article in the “Landline” magazine on it, too. I’ve been Australia many times, but never talked to any truckers.

" My attitude is that you're gonna go when it's your time, regardless of where you are or what you're doing. Are the risks high? Of course! As with anything in life, no risk, no reward. "

That belief seems to be contrary to the TT philosophy. We regularly discuss safety, healthy diet and lifestyle, making sound decisions based on common sense, etc. If we are destined to just go when our time is up, why wear your seatbelt? I know it was an innocent comment, but I think it can be dangerous to have that idea in ones head. And not just as it relates to trucking.

There are many things we can do to hasten our demise, just as there are many things we can do to prolong and improve our lives. And don't we all try to actually minimize risk so that we get the reward of continued life and bigger paychecks? I don't think anyone with a belief in pre-destination works in any safety department.

" My attitude is that you're gonna go when it's your time, regardless of where you are or what you're doing. Are the risks high? Of course! As with anything in life, no risk, no reward. "

That belief seems to be contrary to the TT philosophy. We regularly discuss safety, healthy diet and lifestyle, making sound decisions based on common sense, etc. If we are destined to just go when our time is up, why wear your seatbelt? I know it was an innocent comment, but I think it can be dangerous to have that idea in ones head. And not just as it relates to trucking.

There are many things we can do to hasten our demise, just as there are many things we can do to prolong and improve our lives. And don't we all try to actually minimize risk so that we get the reward of continued life and bigger paychecks? I don't think anyone with a belief in pre-destination works in any safety department.

I agree completely. Just didn't reply yet...

I recall a comnent from a worker at the Job Service (when I was unemployed from a pretty good run as an IT PM. I think this was just after 9/11 where I had been doing work for United Airlines).

"Haliburton is hiring Project Managers in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Guess if I had taken him up on it I could have been the one to send some trucker to his death hauling nothing in an empty tanker!

Now on the plus side... you never had to wait to have a tire changed!

(They just blew up the truck and gave you a new one!) At least that's what's I have read!

Best place to go is Australia where there is a driver shortage.

Nope......they drive on the wrong side of the street!