Tanker drivers: How did you get into pulling tankers?

I'll update since it's been about 9 months since I've switched to tankers.

I highly recommend it. I've been hauling CO2 all over California for Air Liquide and I really like it.

I got all of my endorsements back and got my TWIC card and just applied. It was as simple as that. I was seriously surprised when they called me back considering that I have very little tanker experience. I have been driving for 23 years though so I assume that must make some difference.

Anyway, get your endorsements! Get your TWIC card if need be and tanker on my friends! It was way worth it!

Take Care folks!

EJM

 

Too lazy to hand bomb......now just grab a hose and wait.

 

Company needed a driver because the driver at the time needed a few days off, got my endorsement and a couple hours later i hit the road, 6 months later he quit and now i do it full-time. Its better than a box thats for sure

 

Did an online application, a week later got a call from a 3rd party back ground check company looking for additional info, then didn't hear anything for months I figured they had better applicants.
Then out of nowhere I got a call back, we're talking like 6 months later, within a week of that call I was in orientation, the class was 2 of us, and I'm the only one to finish.
Been at it since November and loving it.
Sent from my RM-845_nam_vzw_100 using Board Express

 

I'm glad it worked out for you - hauling cryo is a great gig, but the hours didn't work for me. Consistent and regular home time is important with kids, and I am making the same money. I would go back if it was necessary, though.

 

I started over at 65 years old. I was looking for a job to support my wife and myself. I had been self employed all my life and no one would hire me. I have always been a "hands on" guy and I wanted to see the country. I went to driving school and became a truck driver. I figured I did not want to unload freight so, I would drive tanker and let gravity do the work. Boy! was I wrong. it is a lot harder driving tankers than I thought. I have been driving for CTL for one year. I have 90,000 miles in 11 months thru 30 states. I am getting stronger but it is still a hard job.

I am looking for a better company. I need a better truck and a little more pay. I stay out 2 weeks at a time OTR. Which company should I consider? QC, Dana, Trimac, Superior?

 

I did, in fact, stumble into it. I had applied at a local company that runs coal buckets, tri-axle dumps, and spring water tankers. I had originally wanted to run a bucket or a tri-axle, but there were no openings in that division, so I was asked if I'd be willing to run tankers. Of course I said yes, so I got on one of the spring water runs, and the rest was history.

I have to say though, that it's a pretty sucky job during the winter months as every valve, pipe, and vent freezes up during the colder days. This winter has been particularly rough in that department. So much so, that I'm actually considering moving back into hauling freight again.

 

I got my start right out of the chute from a friend who workes for a small ma and pa tanker company with 10 trucks and I love it!

 

I've been driving reefer and dry box for 5 years. Got tired of the waiting. My buddy worked for this company told me to apply. I got my endorsement and haven't looked back. Never go back to box again. Tanker is fun. Pays better too.