Some jobs catch people’s attention—jobs you most likely had never even heard of before. Ice road truckers are one of those occupations that most people have never heard of or even know anything about.
When you first think about what some people do for a living and whether there is even a need for a profession for this, jobs like ice road truckers may seem far-fetched. The popularity of ice road truckers has increased over the last few years, which has increased interest in the occupation.
We will examine who ice road truckers are in this article, as well as their earnings.
What Is The Ice Road Trucker?
The term “ice road trucker” refers to a trucker who works primarily in the winter. Ponds and lakes in Canada and Alaska freeze over during the winter. Roads are built on the lakes for trucks to bring in goods because of the extreme snowfall and subfreezing temperatures. Many towns and cities will rush in supplies while the weather is cold enough because there is only a small window of time lasting a few months. Because of this need, there is a high demand for experienced workers and a salary to match.
How Much Does A Truck Driver On The Ice Road Make?
The average annual salary for an Ice Road Truck Driver in the United States as of July 27, 2022, is $65,455.
if you need a quick salary calculator, that comes out to be roughly $31.47 an hour, $1,259 per week or $5,455 per month is what this equates to.
The majority of Ice Road Truck Driver salaries today range between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $74,500 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) making $90,000 annually throughout the United States, despite seeing annual salaries as high as $102,500 and as low as $20,000 in the past. There may be numerous opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience given the wide range of pay for an Ice Road Truck Driver (up to $24,500 on average).
According to recent job postings on the website, there is a high demand for Ice Road Truck Drivers in Chicago, Illinois, as well as the neighborhood. In your area, the average yearly salary for an Ice Road Truck Driver is $67,310, which is $1,855 (3%) higher than the $65,455 national average. ranks number 1 out of 50 states nationwide for earnings as an Ice Road Truck Driver.
Highest Salary Of Ice Road Truckers
Top-tier ice road truckers make upwards of $100,000 each winter. This is a rare occurrence, though, and it depends on the trucker’s employer.
In addition, a price increase is frequently the result of an increase in risk and a greater demand for expertise in truck maintenance and repair.
In this line of work, nothing beats having a solid head on your shoulders.
The risk, which rises with the pay, is what matters most, though, as many truckers take this route unintentionally and end up earning less than they would have if they had taken the risk.
The Benefits Of Ice Road Trucking
Trucking on ice roads has a few obvious advantages. The topic of pay is typically the one that is discussed the most. Considering that the season is only a few weeks long, the payment is fair. All of your annual salaries could be made even if you worked for just three months. Working for only three months a year also has the benefit of a brief season. You spend the first three months working nonstop on the ice, after which you leave for a tropical paradise to spend the remaining three months of the year. With that extra time, you can start a new job or do whatever else you want.
For some truck drivers, there is a small amount of adrenaline involved. Being an ice road trucker will appeal to those who enjoy risk and struggle with jobs that most people don’t enjoy. There is a good reason why TV shows like Ice Road Truckers are popular and compelling. We shouldn’t ignore the fact that job training is frequently provided along with the job. Your family’s and your own safety should be your top priority, so finding a business that is willing to offer consistent, high-quality training is essential.
Low out-of-pocket costs are another advantage of the ice trucking season. Your lodging and frequent meals at camps erected along the route will be covered by the employer. Fuel, truck upkeep, and other costs are part of their travel costs. A position with a high turnover rate may be advantageous for someone looking to break into the industry or advance. That is a drawback because the work may be too demanding to continue for a lifetime.
How Come Ice Road Trucking Is So Risky?
It is all in the job description. Snowstorms and freezing weather are challenges faced by ice road truckers, making driving considerably riskier. As they drive over the ice, some motorists claim to be able to hear the cracking sound.
In the winter, the weather in northern Canada can be extremely harsh. Without wind chill, it’s not unusual for temperatures to fall to -50 C (-45 F). The wind chill can make temperatures feel closer to -70 C (-95F).
Mechanical problems are a significant risk when temperatures drop this low, and road conditions can be particularly hazardous. Furthermore, the drivers themselves are in grave danger of hypothermia.
Has it escaped our notice that ice roads aren’t actually roads at all? To get to the northernmost points of Alaska and Canada, these truckers must actually cross frozen lakes, ponds, rivers, and swamps.
Ice road truckers must always be moving if they want to survive. When a truck weighs 100,000 pounds and is moving, the ice can support that weight.
Only about 60,000 pounds of weight can be supported by the ice before it caves in if the truck comes to a stop. Stopping is not an option because it could be disastrous for everyone and everything inside the truck.
Truckers face:
- White outs
- Accidents
- Ice road fractures
- Avalanches
Not everyone is suited for ice road trucking. Although the pay is excellent, it is fair considering the risk you take each season.
Why Do Ice Road Truckers Earn More Money?
Having to work in hazardous conditions and requiring more skill than other jobs, ice road truckers are paid more. Additionally, equipping a truck to operate in such severe weather is significantly more expensive.
The cost of preparing a truck for icy roads is around $10,000.
To cope with the subfreezing temperatures, specialized cab, and engine heaters will be needed. Along with fuel additives that prevent fuel from freezing, satellite phones, and first aid supplies increase costs.
Nearly every component of the truck, from the rims to the truck frame itself, is prone to failure when temperatures get as low as they do in the North.
The few opportunities for rest stops along the long, lonely ice roads. For each journey, drivers must pack extra food, water, supplies, and other items. As a result of the extremely low temperatures, even routine maintenance like replacing fuel filters or adding fuel gels can be deadly for drivers.
Despite the excellent pay, the majority of truckers leave their jobs after one season. Because of the hazardous working conditions and occasionally very demanding nature of the job, ice road trucking has a turnover rate of 70%. After their first trip, many drivers give up.
Despite the risks, most truckers will never travel at speeds higher than 15 mph, which can lead to exhaustingly long and dull days. Driving is very solitary because there is no cell service nearby.
How Do I Become An Ice Road Trucker?
You are not qualified to drive an ice road truck if you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). It takes talent, experience, specialized training, and training to maintain a spotless driving record. Be sure to check the company you are interested in working for to see what requirements they have since each company that hires drivers for ice roads has its own.
Because the work is done in Canada and the employment laws and taxes are more easily accessible to them, they prefer to hire Canadians. Anyone from another country is qualified for the position; they just need to obtain the proper work authorizations. When it comes to ice road trucking, experience is also crucial. Although it is not necessary to be an expert on ice roads, it will be useful to reside in an icy and cold climate. You won’t have the skills necessary to succeed in this field if all of your previous employment has been in tropical regions or locations with only a light dusting of snow each year.
Additionally, your reputation among ice road truckers can be used either favorably or unfavorably. This is one of those tasks that are carried out by a small group of people, most of whom are acquainted. If you have a recommendation from another ice road driver, your chances of landing this job will be significantly higher.
Qualifications Required To Become An Ice Road Trucker
An ice road trucker only needs to have a high school diploma and a driver’s license to be employed.
The majority of drivers enroll in a reputable truck driving school to gain the necessary skills and understand interstate truck driving standards.
On the other hand, ice road truckers need to have complete confidence in their driving skills and truck maintenance knowledge.
Although lodging and meals are provided by trucking companies, there are no truck stops or repairs along the route.
In severe weather that can actually physically freeze parts of the vehicle, Ice Road Truckers travel at a speed of 15 mph.
Ice truck drivers need to be prepared for anything because there is little light and no cell phone reception.
Is Ice Road Trucking A Good Or Bad Job?
Snowstorms and below-freezing temperatures are challenges faced by ice road truckers, making driving much more dangerous.
Some motorists claim to hear the ice break as they travel over it.
Mechanical problems are a big risk when it gets this cold, and the road conditions can be very dangerous.
Additionally, the drivers themselves could become hypothermic.
The fact that this profession entails so many risks is the main deterrent for many people from choosing it right away.
The pay is excellent, though, and if you have a higher risk tolerance, you could make even more money.
Being an ice road trucker is unquestionably a good thing if you believe you can manage all these risks, but it is unquestionably a bad thing for many people who don’t want to.
Ice Road Trucker Training Programs
There are no formal training programs for ice road truckers that the employer offers, and there are also no required programs to begin working as an ice road trucker.
To learn the skills required to operate a truck and an ice road truck, you can enroll in a truck driving school.
In addition to other useful information about ice road trucking, you will learn there about trucking techniques, driving standards, what to do on particularly icy roads, etc.
FAQs
How Much Do Trainee Ice Road Truck Drivers Make?
Since you are still attending classes and receiving training, you are not paid during this time.
What Do Ice Road Truckers Make When They Don’t Take Any Risks?
You will most likely make the average salary or less if you don’t want to take any risks, but not more.
How Much Does A Ten-year Veteran Of The Ice Road Trucking Industry Make?
If you work in a field where you have a lot of experience, you’ll most likely make more money than the average person, maybe even close to the top 10%.
Conclusion
In this line of work, the reward is worth the risk if the dangers and risks haven’t scared you away. Ice road drivers can make a full year’s salary in just two months of work.
Although the high pay is undoubtedly enticing, it’s important to take the risks involved in this job into serious consideration.
To survive the season, you’ll need a survivalist mindset, experience, and exceptional skills. And you risk your life on every journey you make. But if you possess the necessary abilities and guts, ice road trucking might be the best option for you.
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