Thinking about yanking a tank-help

Married but no kids is a good thing because this life can be hard on a marriage unless the spouse is either with you or very independent. My 1st piece of advice is.... if you're happily married discuss this with your spouse and then talk some more. As for the trucking starting pay for ANY new driver will probably average about 30k the 1st year. This is a Lifestyle then a job in that order. The solitude sounds good but it still isn't a job just anyone can do long term. The recruiters and the instructors will paint a pretty canvas picture but flip it over and see the bleed thru that's the true life out here.

It's a great profession and I love it but it's kinda like war your either for it or against it.

 

SNBC is where I started out pulling tanks. Above average training. I averaged 1800/week and grossed 43k my first year. Schneider was a stepping stone for me, but I know of drivers who are very happy there. It was a positive experience.

Wouldn't pull anything but a tank myself...!

 

1800 miles per week I'd guess no way that's gross dollars.

 

Higher CPM than van and I would guess there is a lot more accessorial pay involved with tanks.

 

Went from SNI dry van to hauling a pressurized hazmat tanker (don't think there are any of those in the punkin patch). DFO is correct about the pay - more cpm + more accessorial pays. I can't speak for SNI's tank/bulk, but I love my job.

Pulling a van again right now, for a couple loads to help out the overwhelmed dispatcher, and I remember why I don't like it...

 

I've only ever pulled tankers. 9+ years with SNBC. Been pretty good to me. I have a great DBL, which helps a bunch. I figure 6-7 more years and I can retire. Tanker requires a different mindset, but I think much more rewarding. And it gets you out of the truck and moving around once in a while. Not just bumping dock doors.