Calgary pipeline truckers get creative after oil downturn
原始发布日期： 2015-11-20 发布者：虫子字变大 字变小
Oilfield truckers are shipping more than gear for the energy sector, saying this year has been challenging Bob Page, owner of Boots Transport has had to add lumber and other goods to his pipe hauling business amid the downturn in Alberta's energy sector. November 19, 2015. (Dave Gilson/CBC) As Alberta's energy industry continues to cope with layoffs and setbacks, other related industries are also feeling the pinch from low oil prices.Some working in parts of the province's trucking industry say it's been a challenging year on the highways. "A lot of drivers laid off and now you more or less keep what you got." said truck driver Ray Risdon. According to a report by Export Development Canada, Alberta's overall exports are expected to drop by 23 per cent this year with energy exports estimated to drop by 30 per cent. Many drivers say they are already feeling the impact. 
Alberta's trucking industry say 2015 has been a challenging year with less business shipping goods for the oil and gas sector. (Dave Gilson/CBC) "Guys are scrambling. They'll take anything for work, just trying to make the mortgage payments," said Wade Robertson, another truck driver.Many in the industry say there is a need for new strategies. "There are opportunities to diversify," said Bob Page, owner of Boots Transport for the past 15 years. The company typically hauls pipe to oil rigs but now it also hauls lumber and manufactured goods. Page said he's also looking for opportunities in future infrastructure projects and is hiring more sales staff to drum up business. "The days of being the order-takers are gone and you have to go out and sell yourself," said Page. As Alberta's energy industry remains hard to predict, those in trucking and transport are working hard to stay on the road. |