Calgary pipeline truckers get creative after oil downturn

As Alberta's energy industrycontinues 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 driverRayRisdon.

• EI rolls swell 95.2% in Calgary over year, StatsCan says
• Oilwell drilling contractors expect one of worst years in history

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 estimatedto drop by 30 per cent.

Many drivers say they are already feeling the impact.

"Guys are scrambling. They'll take anything for work, just trying to make the mortgage payments," saidWade Robertson, another truck driver.

Many in the industry say there is a need for new strategies.

"There areopportunitiesto diversify," saidBob Page, owner ofBoots Transport for the past 15 years.

Thecompany typicallyhauls pipe to oil rigs butnow it alsohauls lumber and manufactured goods.

Page said he's also looking foropportunities in future infrastructure projects andis 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 industryremains hard to predict,those in trucking and transport are working hard to stay on the road.