VP Express, the trucking company featured on the History Channel’s reality show “Ice Road Truckers,” faced significant challenges after the show ended. The company struggled with the economic downturn in the trucking industry and eventually ceased operations.
The trucking company VP Express, owned by Hugh Rowland, gained fame through its participation in the reality TV series “Ice Road Truckers,” which showcased the dangerous job of drivers hauling cargo across frozen lakes and rivers in Canada’s Northwest Territories. However, after the spotlight faded, VP Express, like many other businesses in the trucking industry, encountered financial difficulties.
The decline in oil prices had a substantial impact on the trucking sector, particularly for companies operating in the territories depicted in the show. As the demand for transporting heavy equipment to and from oil fields diminished, trucking companies faced a decrease in available contracts. This economic pressure, combined with the inherent challenges of operating in such a harsh and remote environment, made it difficult for VP Express to maintain profitability.
Moreover, the trucking industry is known for its competitive nature and slim profit margins, which can make it hard for companies to survive during economic downturns. The specific details of VP Express’s closure are not widely publicized, but it is likely that a combination of economic factors and industry challenges led to the company’s eventual shutdown.
The fate of VP Express serves as a reminder of the volatility of the trucking industry and the impact that external economic forces can have on businesses, regardless of their fame or participation in reality television.