​Opportunities At Smith Oil and Gas Well Services

Steve Pollock
November 2018

CANONSBURG, PA…. Have you ever thought about hauling fracking fluids in the oil and gas fields? Professional Truck Driver Jeff Smith from Columbia, Maryland has some interesting insights into driving a frac fluid vacuum tanker. Jeff said, “Yes, there is some sitting and waiting involved, but not as much as you would think. That is, at least at Smith Oil and Gas Well Services. Drivers work 12 hours on and 12 hours off. Before leaving, they must do a pre-trip inspection which involves checking the tank and lines for leaks.”

Jeff said that he typically drives to a well site and fills up with frac fluid, which often goes to a holding tank. The fluid is then stored and delivered to other well sites where it is used again. Jeff commented, “PA regulations require that the fracking fluid never touches the ground.”

Smith Oil and Gas Well Services primarily serves well sites around Washington, PA and Green County, PA., however, occasionally wells in other areas need serviced, creating other dedicated hauls. Jeff said that he typically runs 3-7 loads per shift, depending on the distance of the well. Jeff enjoys working the night shift. A Professional OTR Driver for Smith Transport for many years, Jeff told us, “There is a lot more to know with hauling frac fluid, but once you get onto it, it is not so complicated. You just have to keep your head in the game.”

Smith Oil and Gas Well Services operates out of a facility in Canonsburg, about 20 miles south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are 3 miles west of I-79. The fleet is presently 38 trucks, with 3 drivers per truck. While some companies will be laying off frac drivers when winter arrives, Smith has immediate work for 40-50 more drivers as they expand their fleet. Vice President of Smith Oil and Gas Well Services Jeff Musselman stated, “We can put every driver we hire to work and keep them working.”

Smith operates late model Peterbilt 389s. Drivers are paid hourly and earn $22-$25 per hour. Most drivers are earning over $100K per year. Drivers must have 1 year of driving experience and 6 months tanker experience with a tanker endorsement. If you are located near Canonsburg or Pittsburgh, you can be home every night. If you live farther away, Smith provides company paid housing.

Caption:

Professional Truck Driver Jeff Smith of Columbia, Maryland.