how much does ice road truckers make per load

Ice road truckers are one of the most daring and courageous professionals out there. As the name suggests, ice road truckers are drivers who transport heavy loads on frozen rivers and lakes during the winter months in the Arctic regions of the world. Considering the risks and danger involved in their job, one might wonder how much these truckers make per load. In this article, we shall explore the earnings of ice road truckers per load and what factors influence their pay.

The Average Pay of Ice Road Truckers

The pay of ice road truckers varies depending on a lot of factors, including the company they work for, the location, and the distance they cover. However, on average, ice road truckers make between $20,000 to $80,000 per season. A season usually lasts between six weeks to three months, and during that time, truckers complete several loads, which earn them a decent income to sustain them for the rest of the year.

Factors that Influence the Pay of Ice Road Truckers

As mentioned earlier, several factors influence the pay of ice road truckers per load. Some of these factors include the distance traveled, the size of the load, the delivery location, and the terrain. For instance, the longer the distance, the bigger the load, and the tougher the terrain, the higher the pay for ice road truckers. Moreover, the company and contract they work for also determine their pay per load.

Ice Road Truckers vs. Regular Truck Drivers

Ice road truckers differ from regular truck drivers in several ways, including their job location and the risks they face. Therefore, their pay also differs significantly from regular truck drivers. Regular truck drivers usually earn an average of $50,000 annually, while ice road truckers earn between $20,000 to $80,000 per season. The pay difference can be attributed to the risks ice road truckers face, including the possibility of their trucks falling through the ice, being stranded in the snow, and encountering hazardous winter conditions.

The Future of Ice Road Trucking

The future of ice road trucking remains uncertain, considering the impact of global warming on frozen lakes and rivers. As the ice melts faster and earlier in the year, the operating season of ice road truckers is gradually reducing. This reduction in the working season could significantly affect the earnings of ice road truckers per load. However, as new technologies and eco-friendly ways of transport emerge, there could be hope for ice road truckers to sustain their income in the future.

Conclusion

Ice road trucking is a challenging and risky job, and ice road truckers deserve every penny they earn. Their earnings per load vary depending on several factors, including the distance they travel, the size of the load, and the terrain. Although the future of ice road trucking looks uncertain, ice road truckers remain an essential part of the transport industry that remains unique and unmatched.