For the love of trucking

Gladstone resident Jacob Terrill has been working in the oil industry on and off for about 28 years and has seen many changes.

Originally from Oklahoma, Terrill moved to North Dakota from Seattle with his first wife when metal detectors were put up at his son’s school when he was in kindergarden.

The couple did not feel it was a great place to raise a family.

He found work in North Dakota and Montana oilfields, Terrill said and recently has been working as an on-site supervisor for Dakota Hot Shot Express for 14 months.

“I enjoy it,” Terrill said. “I love going from location to location; tomorrow is always different.”

DHSE bring companies tools and parts.

“We are on the go all the time,” Terrill said.

Because DHSE is a 24/7 company, his hours vary but most of the time a typical day for Terrill starts between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. and he heads out to a location. He works anywhere from 11 to 14 hours a day.

“I stay in the state,” Terrill said. “But some drivers go to places in Wyoming and Colorado besides Minot and Williston.”

He says his job as the supervisor is to keep workers safe.

“I try to prevent accidents,” Terrill said. “I used to be a driller and know what can happen if we aren’t careful.”

Terrill said he is amazed at the changes he has seen in the oil industry over the years and the recent changes in traffic in southwest North Dakota.

“The knowledge for downhill drilling is crazy,” Terrill said.

There are a lot less accidents in the industry, he says.

“Traffic is horrid,” Terrill said. “Even in town trying to turn a semi, get onto the Interstate or even drive is difficult.”

He added though traffic is difficult, he enjoys the community.

“Even at work it’s like a family,” Terrill said. “We get along great and it’s a really a family-orientated business.”

DHSE Salesperson Carie Shade agrees.

“We all know each others kids, husbands and wives,” Shade said. “Its just a great atmosphere and fun place to work.”

Dakota Hot Shot Express has been serving western North Dakota for six years. Two years after DHSE opened in Dickinson it opened a second location in Parshall and there are 21 employees between the two.

“We specialize in moving drill pipe and other materials from one location to a new site,” DHSE business and Safety Manager Anthony Stolp said. “Companies need parts quickly because a breakdown stops work and once you start drilling it cost money to stop.”

DHSE also stores and distributes casing (a type of pipe) from Parshall.

DHSE has a fairly detailed safety program and although the goal is speedy deliver Department of Transportation regulations are expected to be followed, Stolp said.

“In going forward we are looking to expand our truck and driver numbers,” Stolp said.

Shade said she is excited about the company’s potential and feels they are headed in a good direction.

“I see more and more women working in the oil field,” Shade said. “I think it’s neat. There are many jobs available and there’s no reason some of those positions can’t be filled by women.”

When not working, Terrill said he enjoys spending time with his wife Karen and going fishing.

Besides their home in Gladstone, they have a farm in Montana.

Tags: news, oil, energy, terrill, dakota, hot, shot, express