hey. when i turn 18 i plan to get my hazmat endorsement with my cdl. i was wondering how difficult the test is and how difficult it is to actually drive with a tanker trailer

Howdy Keizer.
Welcome to the forums.

If you're planning to go Big truck truckin' when you reach 18,
you need to realize that many truckin' companies won't be willing
to hire you until you're about 23 years old because that's what
their insurance carriers require.

You might have some luck finding a local gig at 18, but many
local companies require at least a year of interstate over the road
experience before they'll consider hiring a driver,
and at 18 years old you'd be restricted to intrastate driving ---
that is within the state, not crossing state lines.

The test is rather difficult and requires quite a bit of study . A lot of the test doesn't even apply to tankers , such as what hazmat materials should be put on the same load . You shouldn't pay for the background check until you are sure of a job . Many employers will reimburse you for it .

depending where you live possibly??? but I thought...

"To hold a Hazardous Materials endorsement, a driver must be age 21 or older, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; cannot have a disqualifying criminal offense; cannot be adjudicated as mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed to a mental institution; and must not pose a threat of terrorism or a threat to national or transportation security."

now assuming that "you can" get the X on your lic at 18 I seriously doubt anyone in the united states will insure you for semi-loads of fuel. Most insurance companies want a couple of years experience and 23 years of age to insure you for hazmat.

that said I wouldn't give up hope, do your research, and even if you can't haul fuel, you may be able to haul smaller but still reportable quantities of a hazmat material.

eg a pick-up with a drum of methanol or a few sacks of fertilizer or chemicals.

this can count as experience on a resume and get you a little further along in life...

good luck

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Though your argument is very clever, I don't think it will lead to the results you desire. gandhi

I've never seen anyone under 23 driving petroleum tankers. It's an insurance thing plus each company must put up a million dollar bond before they can load petroleum products.That's the way it was in my area anyway. You might want to check your local fuel oil or home heating oil companies if you have them. There you might have a chance once you turn 21. You can gain some experience and it wouldn't hurt. Delivering fuel oil to houses or buildings is not the same as delivering gasoline stations but you'll get experience with putting a product in an underground storage tank and that will help you.

It's a good goal to set for yourself because there are a few companies that pay great with unbelievable benefits. Those are your major oil companies that drill,refine,transport, and sell their own product. But just like anywhere else you'll need experience before they even look at you. The company I worked for wanted in town experience delivering gasoline but at times would look at OTR drivers but not that much. Fuel haulers are like working for the same company and when a better job opens a driver from another fuel hauler will go for it. You'll never see Chevron or the others advertising for job openings other than their website. So if you start now you'll have a good chance. You can also find work that supports the trucks to get your foot in the door. Check with the tank farms to see what they have. You can find the tank farms by looking for the large above ground storage tank usually painted white.

Driving a truck with gasoline takes skill but not all that much different than any good driver. You have to know more about what your hauling and what to do if you have a spill or emergencies. I believe that all new tanker drivers hauling petroleum should be limited to diesel to start out with before hauling gasoline but that's my opinion. You'll hear alot about surge with the tanks but with gasoline it's not near as bad as a smooth bore tank. A gasoline tank will have baffles and bulkheads that slow down the movement but you still have to be aware. I always drove like there was a cup of hot coffee on the dashboard and it would spill if you had any sudden movements. But there's tons of tricks you do to make it safe. Good luck in your search and don't give up.

GasHauler,
I'm thinkin' you're one of those Big truck truck drivers who
shifts gears as smoothly as a hot knife through butter.

When I first started driving a Big truck, I would always roll my window down to listen to how a tanker yanker shifted gears, and aspired to be like them. I'm happy to report that I achieved that goal, and have been accused of drivin' an auto-shift transmission on more than one occasion --- upshifting as well as down shifting.
And y'all know what?
It feels GREAT!
So,......... THANX to ALL you tanker yankers for y'all's inspiration.

OH!
And in heavy traffic, I like to follow gasoline tankers.
They seem to know how to handle those situations, CALMLY.
I appreciate that.
YeS I do.

I learned from the old timers.

WhY doesn't that surprise me?

I've heard -------
If you have a question
ask a youngster
while they still know
EVERYthing.

I didn't do that.
I asked the older, well seasoned Big truck truck drivers,
and it took me where I wanted to go ---- that being closer to
the top.

Yesterday, I couldn't even spell "old timer" ---
now, I are one.

hauling gasoline will make you a better driver.

LOL - one way or another, you'll not be a problem on the highway.

Hay, Gashauler - I thought you IS one of them thar old-timers!

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Keep the big doors at the back!